Competitive Stream (Medical Residency Stream Pilot)
Last updated on September 9, 2025On this page:
- Program overview
- Residency positions
- How to apply
- Return of service documents
- Return of service location
Program overview
This pilot 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
The Competitive Stream positions at UBC for the 2026 Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) match are:
- Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology (1)
- Diagnostic Radiology (2)
- Emergency Medicine (2)
- Internal Medicine (8)
- Neurology (1)
- Psychiatry (5)
- Urology (1)
How to apply
All applications are made through 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.
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. The policy has important program information, including information on subspecialization and fellowship.
CaRMS 2026 Return of Service Contract Templates:
- Internal Medicine - 4-year residency ( PDF, 469KB)
- Emergency Medicine - 5-Year Residency (PDF, 472KB)
- Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology, Diagnostic Radiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Urology - 5-year residency (PDF, 473KB)
Return of Service Policy:
- Competitive Stream ROS Policy (PDF, 349KB)
- Competitive Stream Eligible Practice Region Overview (PDF, 121KB)
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.
Return of service location
In this program, 2026 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 Eligible Practice Region Overview, ROS contract, and policy documents on this page.
Participants in rural B.C. communities may be eligible for financial incentives. Learn more about Rural Practice Programs.