On February 10, 2026, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice determined the next steps in the ongoing court proceedings regarding the province of Ontario’s international medical graduate (IMG) eligibility in the first iteration of the R-1 Main Residency Match.
Background
On November 27, 2025, the Court issued a judicial stay temporarily putting a stop to the Ontario government policy requiring IMGs applying to Ontario-based positions in the first iteration of the 2026 R-1 Main Residency Match to have completed two years of high school in Ontario. On December 4, 2025, that stay was extended to create an extended application window for affected IMG applicants in the first iteration of the 2026 R-1 match. The 2026 R-1 match continues to proceed according to these judicial orders, with all IMGs eligible for first iteration IMG-designated positions in Ontario.
Current status
A decision has not yet been made regarding Ontario’s first iteration IMG eligibility criteria in the 2027 R-1 match. The next official hearing in this matter is scheduled for June 8, 2026, and no decision will be rendered prior to that date.
We understand that the outcome of this matter is of great interest and import to learners, faculty and the medical education community. We continue to follow the proceedings closely, and we will ensure timely communication when a decision is rendered.
The match process will continue as usual until the Court makes a final determination.