The LMCC is not the same thing as a medical licence. The MCC grants the LMCC, but provincial and territorial medical regulatory authorities are responsible for physician registration/licensure. The LMCC is one component of the Canadian Standard used by medical regulators.
The basic pathway for Canadian Medical Graduates is:
Medical degree
↓
MCCQE
↓
Meet LMCC requirements
↓
LMCC
↓
Apply to provincial/territorial medical regulator
↓
Medical registration/licensure
The MCC notes that passing the MCCQE is one of the eligibility requirements for the LMCC, while the medical regulatory authority in the province or territory determines the requirements for a medical license.
New for 2026: If you submitted your MCCQE application after January 26, 2026, you do not need to submit a separate LMCC application. Once you meet the requirements, the MCC will issue your LMCC automatically. Candidates who applied for the MCCQE before January 26, 2026 may still need to apply separately.
For students approaching the end of medical school, here are some other resources that will help you complete this process:
- MCCQE — understand and complete the national qualifying exam.
- LMCC — understand how the LMCC is obtained.
- CaRMS — understand the residency match.
- Provincial medical regulator — understand the eventual requirements for registration/licensure.