Competitive Stream
Last updated on September 4, 2026On this page:
- Program overview
- Residency positions
- Return of service documents
- Return of service location
- Additional Training
Program overview
This program provides International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Canadian Medical Graduates (CMGs) the opportunity to complete residency and practice as a physician in B.C. In exchange, participants complete a three-year return of service (ROS) after completing their residency. The ROS supports the distribution of specialists and patient access to services in B.C. Further information is available on the Postgraduate Medical Education webpage.
Residency positions
All applications are made through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). Both IMGs and CMGs can apply to the Competitive Stream positions in the first iteration of the CaRMS Main Residency Match under the Competitive ROS Stream. Detailed information is available on the CaRMS website, the University of BC Faculty of Medicine IMG Office website, and the University of BC Postgraduate Medical Education website.
The Competitive Stream specialties at the University of British Columbia (UBC) for the 2027 CaRMS match are:
- Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology
- Diagnostic Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Radiation Oncology
- Urology
Return of service documents
Physicians who accept a Competitive ROS Stream residency position at UBC with an attached ROS must sign the applicable Competitive Stream contract.
Return of service commitment
Each physician ROS program may have unique requirements, and the requirements may differ from past years. The ROS contract is a legal undertaking that warrants independent legal advice and thorough consideration of the contractual requirements. Contract termination due to breach of contract carries significant financial consequences. For full details on the ROS commitment, please see the contract templates and program policy documents on this page.
CaRMS 2027 Return of Service Contract Templates:
- Internal Medicine - 4-year residency (PDF, 558KB)
- Emergency Medicine - 5-Year Residency (PDF, 561KB)
- Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology, Diagnostic Radiology, Neurology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Psychiatry, Radiation Oncology, Urology - 5-year residency (PDF, 562KB)
Return of Service Policy:
Return of service location
In this program, 2027 cohort participants will complete their ROS in a B.C. community of their choice outside of the City of Vancouver (Health Service Delivery Area 32). For more information on the ROS Eligible Practice Region and the placement process, see the ROS contract, and policy documents on this page.
Additional Training
Participants interested in subspecialization and fellowship training require approval from the Ministry and Health Authority. Please see Chapter Three of the Policy document for details.