Internationally Educated Physiotherapist (IEPT) Credential Assessment and Education Bursary Program

On July 19, 2022, the Province of British Columbia announced $4.5M in bursary funding to support high priority internationally educated allied health professionals (IEAHPs) that want to work in BC’s healthcare system. This program will be administered by Health Match BC (HMBC) and will be designed to retain allied health professionals in the public sector. HMBC acts in an advisory capacity to support IEAHPs throughout their journey to practice in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

A bursary of up to $18,931 CAD is available to assist internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) with the costs associated with becoming licensed to work in BC. HMBC, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR), will support eligible IEPTs who want to work in BC by offering financial support to help pay for costs associated with credential assessment, English language proficiency testing, exam preparation, and bridging education. This bursary is available as of June 12, 2023.

IEPT Bursary Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this bursary, internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) will need to meet all of the following criteria:

The applicant provides a copy of their English-translated Passport as a supporting identification document. This document must contain a photo, full legal name, date of birth, and signature.
The applicant provides proof of a university-level degree (entry-to-practice) in physiotherapy from a country other than Canada.
The applicant has initiated or will be initiating the Educational Credential and Qualifications Assessment with the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR).
The applicant declares and signs a Return of Service (ROS) Agreement indicating they intend to complete the full credentialling and licensure process.
- This includes completion of the CAPR Educational Credential and Qualifications Assessment, taking supplementary education (optional), obtaining full licensure with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC), and working with a Qualifying Employer in BC’s public healthcare sector for one year (if employment is over 0.5 FTE), or two years (if employment is 0.5 FTE or less).

The applicant has a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Please note a SIN is not required to register for the bursary. If you are not currently residing in Canada and are eligible for the bursaries, you will be reimbursed once you obtain your SIN, a Canadian address and phone number, and Canadian bank account information for direct deposit as it is necessary for any reimbursements.
The applicant must not currently hold (or have previously held) full licensure as a physiotherapist in any province or territory in Canada.

Note: To ensure fair distribution of resources, if an applicant possesses qualifications in more than one profession that is eligible under the Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program and/or Internationally Educated Allied Health Bursary Program, the applicant must proceed with an application for only one profession (i.e., eligible for one funding stream only). Please contact your recruitment consultant for additional information, as multiple applications may result in funding being denied or returned to the Province.

What is the process for Internationally Educated Physiotherapists?

In BC, physiotherapists, also called physical therapists (PTs), must be licensed with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC). For IEPTs, the process begins through a national body, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR). To become licensed in BC, IEPTs must first apply for the CAPR Educational Credential and Qualifications Assessment. IEPTs whose education has been deemed by CAPR to be “not substantially different” from the education of a Canadian-trained PT are eligible to register for the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). After successful PCE completion, IEPTs are eligible to register for the clinical qualifying exam, currently offered at the provincial level. In BC, the clinical exam is known as the Alternate Clinical Evaluation (ACE-BC), and it is administered by the University of British Columbia (UBC). After passing the ACE-BC, IEPTs are eligible to apply for full licensure with the CHCPBC. There are several supplementary education programs available to IEPTs in Canada that aim to improve qualifying exam pass rates.

Return of Service

IEPTs must commit to a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health to receive financial support through this program. The ROS agreement states that you intend to complete the full credentialling and licensure process and will work in BC with a public sector employer for a specified length of time.

The ROS is an agreement to work in the public health system for one year, if the participant’s employment is over a 0.5 FTE; or two years, if the participant’s employment is 0.5 FTE or less.

A publicly funded health sector employer includes a regional health board designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority, First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care; or (b) an employer at a publicly funded long-term care or assisted living facility. Qualifying employers EXCLUDE contract agencies supplying temporary and/or short-term staffing solutions to eligible facilities.

Note: Once eligibility has been confirmed, HMBC will send a ROS agreement to the applicant which must be signed and returned.

Financial Support (Bursaries)

Licensure Process Steps Eligible for Bursary Program

Bursary Amount

Requirements for Reimbursement

Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) Educational Credential and Qualifications Assessment

$1,486 CAD OR $546 CAD for a re-opened file review

Upon proof of payment and positive results letter for Participants who have already undergone the CAPR assessment. Fee waiving may be available to Participants who have not yet paid this fee at the time of Program enrollment and contingent on a signed ROS.

Completion of the course required by CAPR: “Knowledge of the Practice of Physiotherapy within the Canadian Healthcare System”.

Exact amount up to a maximum amount of $525 CAD

Upon proof of payment and course completion and after proof of commencement of the CAPR Education Credential & Qualifications Assessment.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Testing

Up to a maximum amount of $800 CAD

After proof of payment for CAPR assessment. The ELP test bursary is available for up to two (2) attempts of a CAPR-accepted test, whether an applicant is successful or not. Funding is up to $400 CAD per test and is based on official receipts and completion of testing from a recognized English Language Proficiency Test.

CAPR Practice Exam for Written Component (WC – Practice Exam) – Optional step

$120 CAD

Reimbursement can occur with proof of payment and positive CAPR results letter provided to HMBC.

Physio Refresh Exam Preparation Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) – Optional step

Up to $1,250 CAD (written exam prep program)
Up to $1,750 CAD (practical exam prep program)

Reimbursement can occur per program with proof of payment and course completion.

Bridging education program – Optional step

Exact to a maximum amount of $12,000 CAD for tuition and related fees of an eligible program.

Reimbursement can occur with proof of payment and program completion provided to HMBC, and upon commencement of the ROS with a Qualifying Employer. The applicant must submit the Province’s Return of Service Commencement Form.

Travel bursary for in-person components of the Physio Refresh exam preparation program (practical program) or eligible bridging program.

Up to a $1,000 CAD travel subsidy to assist with travel costs for out-of-town applicants.

Reimbursement can occur with proof of payment and eligible program completion provided to HMBC, proof of address, and upon commencement of the ROS with a Qualifying Employer. The applicant must submit the Province’s Return of Service Commencement Form.

Maximum Possible Bursary Amount:

$18,931 CAD

Note: Travel subsidies are calculated using estimated ferry costs and fuel consumption based on distanced travel from an applicant’s primary residence in BC.

Documents Required

To be eligible for the Internationally Educated Physiotherapists (IEPT) Bursary through HMBC, applicants must:

Apply for the IEPT Bursary by registering for an account with HMBC.
- Provide a copy of your Passport as a supporting identification document. We do not need all pages of your passport, only the pages with your full legal name, date of birth, and signature. For example, if your photo, full legal name, and date of birth are on one page and your signature is on another, we will need both.

Provide a copy of your English-translated university-level degree (entry-to-practice) in physiotherapy from a country other than Canada.

Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) Assessment of Educational Credential and Qualifications:
- If you have already initiated the CAPR Assessment they may be eligible for reimbursement:
  - Provide HMBC with a copy of the receipt showing the application fee for the assessment has been paid. Note: Reimbursement for the CAPR Fee requires receipts showing the cost was incurred on or after July 19, 2022.
- If you have not yet initiated the CAPR assessment you may be eligible to have this fee waived directly by CAPR.

Submit payment receipt for:
- Completion of a CAPR-approved course about the Canadian health care system and the role of physiotherapists.
- English Language Proficiency (ELP) Testing. Note: HMBC will only accept language proficiency tests accepted by CAPR for the purpose of the assessment process:
  - Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP G)
  - International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS GT)
  - International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS AC)
  - Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core)
  - Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Once an applicant receives the Qualifications Results letter from CAPR, they may be eligible for reimbursement for the following:
- CAPR Practice Exam for Written Component – Optional
- Physio Refresh exam preparation program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) – Optional
- Bridging education program – Optional
  - The costs for eligible supplementary education programs with out-of-province in-person components will be reimbursed once the applicants submits proof of payment course or program completion, and commences the ROS with a Qualifying Employer by submitting the Province’s Return of Service Commencement Form.
  - The bursary maximum is $12,000.

Note: Payment can be expected within 4-6 weeks of submitting all required documentation.

Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL ALLIED HEALTH BURSARY PROGRAM QUESTIONS

What is the new Internationally Educated Allied Bursary Program?

On July 19, 2022, the Province of British Columbia announced $4.5M in funding to provide bursaries to high priority internationally educated allied health professionals (IEAHPs) that want to work in BC’s health system.

Health Match BC, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health, will support eligible IEAHPs who want to work in BC by offering financial support to help pay for many of the costs associated with credential assessment, English Language proficiency testing, and supplementary education, such as exam preparation and bridging or gap-filling education.

To be eligible, IEAHPs must sign a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health to receive financial support through the bursary program.

By reducing barriers to the assessment and licensing or certification process, qualified IEAHPs will be able to enter the workforce sooner, so that people in British Columbia will have access to even more allied health professionals to support their healthcare needs.
Which allied health occupations are included in this initiative?

The first phase of the IEAHP bursary program will offer bursaries to internationally educated physiotherapists, medical laboratory technologists, and occupational therapists.

It is anticipated that more allied health occupations will be added to the program over time. Please watch the Health Match BC website, and follow them on social media, for more details.
Who is Health Match BC?
What role will Health Match BC play in the new IEAHP provincial initiative?

Health Match BC (HMBC), through its navigation team, will support internationally educated allied health professionals throughout their journey to practice in BC. The team will provide customized support in assisting candidates to navigate their credentials assessment, certification and/or registration applications. HMBC will also provide information and access to financial supports, in the form of bursaries and fee waiving, and guide candidates throughout the immigration process.

Through HMBC recruitment team, IEAHPs will be supported in accessing career opportunities with BC’s public health employers.
Are there allied health jobs in BC?

Yes! British Columbia offers a wide range of allied health jobs in large urban centres, medium and small cities, and rural and remote communities.

Opportunities exist for career development in acute care (hospitals), rehabilitation, long-term care and assisted living, community laboratories, and primary care.

The wide range of opportunities means that allied health professionals will be able to find the perfect fit for their career preferences, career growth, and family needs.
Do I need to be licensed or certified to practice in BC?

In general, yes, most allied health professionals require registration or certification with a provincial or national body to practice in BC.

Education, experience, and practice can differ between countries for the same profession. For most occupations, a credentialling organization will need to complete an assessment of your postsecondary credentials.

The exact process to become licensed or certified to practice in BC depends on your profession or field of training. Please see the FAQ for your occupation for more information.
What steps do IEAHPs need to take to practice in BC?

To be able to practice in BC, your credentials from outside of Canada will need to be assessed. After the assessment, you may be directed to take a qualifying examination, or you may need to complete some upgrading courses or supplementary education first.

The exact steps to become registered or certified to practice in BC will depend on your profession or field of training. Please see the FAQ for your occupation for more information.

For financial support to complete this process, contact Health Match BC who will provide information about the bursary program and guide you through the bursary eligibility criteria and the bursary return of service commitment.
Is there an English-language proficiency requirement?

During the credential assessment process, you may be asked to provide the results from an acceptable English-language proficiency test – these may or may not be the same tests that are accepted for immigration purposes.

These tests can generally be booked online and are delivered in-person or online with frequent testing dates.

The IEAHP bursary program will reimburse for a maximum of two English-language proficiency tests for the purpose of your credential assessment.

The credentialing body for your occupation should provide you with information about which English-language proficiency test you need to take.
What costs are covered through the bursary program?

Through Health Match BC (HMBC), the Province of BC will be supporting internationally educated allied health professionals with financial support, in the form of bursaries, to offset some of the costs of becoming licensed or certified to work in BC.

The costs associated with the credential assessment, supplementary education, and licensing or certifying processes vary depending on your occupation.

Some IEAHPs may qualify for a travel stipend to cover costs associated with eligible supplementary education programs.

Please see the FAQ for your occupation for more information or contact the credentialing body responsible for assessing education and qualifications for your occupation.
Who should apply to the bursary program?

The bursaries are for IEAHPs who currently live in British Columbia but are not yet working in a health care role aligned with their foreign training. It is also for those not yet in British Columbia but are looking to relocate here.

Possible applicants also include IEAHPs who are already undertaking the credentials assessment and licensing process.

IEAHPs who are eligible for the bursary can submit receipts for eligible expenses incurred on or after July 19, 2022. A valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), Canadian address and phone number, and a Canadian bank account are required for any expense reimbursements.

IEAHPs who have already completed the full pathway to licensure or certification, or those who have already had their credentials assessed and it was determined they are not able to become licensed or certified in BC, are not eligible for the bursary.

Please see the FAQ section for your occupation for more information on bursary program eligibility.
How is funding provided through the bursary program?

Depending on your occupation, your credential assessment fee may qualify to be paid directly by the Province to the associated credentialing or regulatory body. Otherwise, these fees will be covered by reimbursement.

All other eligible expenses incurred by eligible IEAHPs will be paid by a reimbursement process, by Health Match BC, up to the noted bursary maximum with proof of payment.

See the FAQ section for your occupation for more information.
Do I need a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) to apply?

A valid SIN is not required to apply for one of the IEAHP bursary programs, but you will need one and a Canadian bank account to receive bursary payments (reimbursement).

If you are not currently residing in Canada and are eligible for the bursaries, you will be reimbursed once you provide your SIN and Canadian bank account information for direct deposit.
How many IEAHPs will receive bursaries? Is there a cap?
How long will these bursaries be available?

There is no fixed end date for the IEAHP bursary program. Financial support through the program will be available while the Province has the budget.

Further funding beyond the initial budget may become available for the bursary program in future years, but this is not guaranteed.
How are IEAHPs matched with health care employers?
Health Match BC will:

Guide and support you through the professional licensing and registration process.

Work with you to determine where you want to focus your search efforts and identify the communities where you would most like to live, and work, and that would work best for you, and your family.

Match your skills and interests to job vacancies in regions of your choice and connect you with prospective employers.

Provide you with personal and professional support from the initial stages of expressing interest to receiving an offer of employment, and beyond.

If needed, Health Match BC can also provide information and guidance on the immigration process.
Can I be on Employment Insurance (EI) if I am applying for a bursary?

Yes, if you currently receive EI, you may still proceed with a bursary application for financial support. You may want to confirm with Service Canada whether there is anything you should know about receiving bursary support while on EI or income assistance.

Note that you may not be able to collect EI payments while taking training. For more information, see: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact/ei-individual.html
Can I be reimbursed for taxes too?
Can the credentials assessment process be started or completed from outside of Canada?

This will depend on the credentials assessment process for your occupation. For some occupations, the process may be started or completed from outside of Canada however we cannot reimburse you for your valid expenses unless you have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a Canadian bank account.

Please see the FAQ for your occupation for more information or contact the credentialing body responsible for assessing your education and qualifications.
Is the bursary funding considered taxable income?

Yes, bursary funding is taxable income. If you receive bursary funding, at the end of the tax year HEABC will issue you a T4A and mail it to the address you provided on your application. Alternatively, you can retrieve your T4A directly on the CRA website, here.

For advice regarding tax implications of receiving the bursary and your specific circumstance, consult a tax specialist or qualified accountant.

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED PHYSIOTHERAPISTS (IEPTs)

What is the Internationally Educated Physiotherapist (IEPT) Bursary Program?

Health Match BC, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health and the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR), will support eligible IEPTs who want to work in BC by offering financial support to help pay for costs associated with credential assessment, English Language proficiency testing, exam preparation and bridging education.
Who is eligible to receive financial support through the IEPT bursary program?
IEPTs must commit to a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health to have the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) Educational Credential and Qualification Assessment fees waived.

The ROS agreement states that you intend to complete the full credentialing and licensure process with the College of Health and Care Professional of BC (CHCPBC) and will work in BC with a public sector employers for a specified length of time.

Additional bursaries (reimbursements) are available to IEPTS who commit to a ROS agreement and meet the following criteria:

You do NOT currently hold (or have previously held) registration as a Physiotherapist in any province or territory in Canada.

Please note, applicants who complete an entry to practice clinical assessment in another Canadian province to register in that province prior to registering in BC will become ineligible for the IEPT bursary program.

BC must be the only province or territory you have applied for registration as a Physiotherapist. If you have active applications for registration in any other Canadian province or territory, those applications must be withdrawn.

Must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN), a Canadian address and phone number, and Canadian bank account for direct deposit. Those without these requirements may still be eligible but will not receive payment until they have both a valid Canadian SIN and bank account.

Have incurred costs on or after July 19, 2022.

Note: Applicants who choose to pay the CAPR assessment and fees themselves may still apply for bursary reimbursements of these fees at a later date if all bursary eligibility criteria have been fulfilled.

IEPTs who meet these criteria may already be somewhere along the pathway to full licensure in BC.

For more information and to see if you qualify, visit: https://alliedhealthjobsbc.ca/iept-bursary/ or contact Health Match BC at PTbursary@healthmatchbc.org
Who is not eligible for the IEPT bursary?
As an IEPT, you are not eligible for this bursary if you have:

Already had your credentials assessed with CAPR and it was determined that your education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained PT.

Already obtained full licensure with a Canadian provincial or territorial physiotherapy regulator (College).

Applicants who previously received bursaries for post-secondary training under Ministry of Health targeted programs may be ineligible for this bursary. Contact Health Match BC for further information.
How much does it cost to become licensed to practice as a PT in BC and what costs does the bursary program cover?

Significant financial barriers exist for IEPTs to become fully licensed to practice in B.C.

The application fee for the CAPR assessment is $1,486.00 CAD, however with various fees to obtain and submit required documents, the cost can be as high as $3,000.00 CAD, depending on where you live and other factors.

For IEPTs who opt to take an examination preparation course and/or a bridging education program, the full pathway to licensure can cost over $20,000 CAD not including expenses related to immigration or relocating (moving).

The maximum possible bursary amount for eligible IEPTs is $18,931 CAD. This includes the CAPR assessment fee, English Language proficiency testing, an exam preparation program, and full bridging education.

Bursary program participants can apply for all or a portion of this amount.
What costs are not covered by the IEPT bursary program?

Although the bursary program covers a substantial amount of the overall costs that IEPTs pay to become licensed in BC, there are some costs that are not covered by the bursary.

Examples of costs that are not covered include transcript fees, document translation and notarization fees, regulatory college registration fees, and licensing exam fees.

The bursary program also does not cover costs associated with the immigration process or relocation.
How much is the bursary for English Language Proficiency testing?

The program will pay up to a maximum of $800 CAD for up to two eligible English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests (maximum of $400 CAD per test).

Bursary program participants are responsible for determining which ELP tests are accepted by CAPR as part of the credential assessment process.

Bursary program participants can be reimbursed for eligible ELP tests taken on or after July 19, 2022.
When are funds provided to me? Is there any funding paid up front or are funds always provided by reimbursement?

If you have not yet started the CAPR credentials assessment process, you may be eligible to have the CAPR Educational Credential and Qualifications Assessment fee waived. When you register for the bursary program, CAPR and the Ministry of Health will be notified that you are participating in the bursary program and that you have signed a Return of Service agreement. Follow the directions on the CAPR application form carefully, to have this fee waived (paid directly by the Province of British Columbia).

A reimbursement process will be sued for all other costs, including fees for English language proficiency testing and eligible supplemental education programs (and if eligible, an associated travel stipend).

Bursary payments will be provided when proof of payment, and any other required documentation, is provided to Health Match BC.
What travel funding is provided? When will I be reimbursed?
Some IEPTs may qualify for a travel stipend if they are currently residing in BC and need to travel to an in-person component of an eligible supplemental education program.

The amount provided are based on estimated travel-related costs & fuel consumption based on distance travelled (kms).

Travel allowance amount is based on location of primary residence, up to the maximum values below:

Locations 300km-1,000km or BC ferry = up to $750

Locations 1,000km-2,000km = up to $850

Locations 2,000km+ = up to $1,000

If you are eligible for the travel bursary, you will be reimbursed when you can provide proof of successful completion of an eligible exam preparation or bridging education program, and upon commencement of your Return of Service term with a Qualifying Employer. You will also need to provide proof of location of primary residence in British Columbia.

For proof of residence, you can submit one of the following documents showing your full name and address:

A utility (water, hydro, TV, internet) and/or cell phone bill (issued within the last two (2) months).

Any letter, statement, bill, or certificate issued by an insurance company l in Canada, including home insurance, tenant insurance, auto insurance, or life insurance (issued within the last two (2) months).

Driver’s licence or vehicle registration.

Statements of account (e.g., bank account) from a Canadian bank or institution.
How long does it take for IEPTs to complete the full pathway to licensure in BC?

The length of time for the full pathway to licensure depends on a variety of factors, including how quickly you can provide your documents to CAPR for the Assessment of Educational Credential and Qualifications, and whether or not you need to take additional education to help you to pass the qualifying exams.

Immigration routes may also impact the time it takes to become fully licensed to practice in BC. For more information see the immigration FAQ.

We recommend that you move through the pathway as quickly as possible to ensure that bursary funding remains available throughout your journey.

Visit the CAPR website for more information about the process to becoming credentialed and licensed to practice in Canada.

Visit the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC website for more information about becoming fully licensed to practice in BC.
What if my assessment demonstrates that my education is substantially different from Canadian education?

Bursary participants who apply for the Assessment of Educational Credential and Qualifications and are informed by CAPR that their education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained PT will still be reimbursed for the CAPR assessment fee. However, further funding under this bursary program will not be available.

The bursary funding cannot be used towards taking a physiotherapy degree from a Canadian institution.

You may still be able to fulfil the term of the Return of Service agreement if you obtain another type of health care position with a public sector employer.

RETURN OF SERVICE (ROS) AGREEMENT

What is the Return of Service (ROS) Agreement?

The return of service (ROS) agreement is an agreement between you and the Province of British Columbia that you will complete 1 year of full-time continuous service (i.e. not a casual position) with a publicly funded health sector employer in BC. The ROS term is extended to two years if you obtain employment of 0.5 FTEs or less. The length service will also be extended to account for leaves of absence, if applicable.

Qualifying public sector employers will be defined in your ROS agreement document. They include regional health boards designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority (collectively a “Health Authority”), First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care or at a publicly funded long-term care or assisted living (AL) facility OR a publicly-funded private lab provider that is approved by the Province in writing.

Qualifying Employers do not include contract agencies supplying staffing solutions to eligible facilities.

As a bursary recipient, you must obtain employment with a Qualifying Employer within 6 months of obtaining full licensure or certification in your profession, unless otherwise extended by the province. Upon commencement of a Qualifying Position to start the Return of Service Term, you will submit a letter to the Province from the Qualifying Employer confirming the start date of the Return of Service Term, using the Province’s Return of Service Commencement Form and submitting it to: healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca
What happens if I cannot obtain licensure/certification?

The goal of the bursary program is to support you to gain employment in your field of training. Bursary program participants must use their best efforts to promptly obtain licensure or certification to practice in BC to obtain employment.

However, if licensure is not possible with reasonable efforts made (i.e., by taking supplemental education), you may be eligible to complete the RoS in a different “qualifying position” within the health care system. Individuals must contact the Ministry of Health (email healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca ) to confirm approved eligible positions considered for the fulfilment of the ROS commitment. The Ministry must review and approve alternative positions.
Do I have to pay back the money if I don't complete the licensure or certification process?

Yes, if you decide not to complete the process to become fully licensed or certified to practice in BC, you will need to repay any money received or fees waived through the bursary program to the Province of British Columbia.

If you are unsuccessful in passing the exams required to become licensed or certified to practice in BC, even after taking supplemental education, you can apply for an alternative job with a Qualifying Employer instead of paying back the funds. Individuals must contact the Ministry of Health (email healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca ) to confirm approved eligible positions considered for the fulfilment of the ROS commitment. The Ministry must review and approve alternative positions.
How do I pay back the money if I don't complete the process?
Do I need to sign more than one return of service (ROS)? i.e., one for each bursary amount received?
What if I cannot complete the full terms of the Return of Service (ROS)?

If you leave your Qualifying Position(s) for any reason before the ROS term is complete, you will be required to repay the province the amount of the bursary that is proportional to the percentage of the ROS term that has not been completed.

Recipients who do not meet the terms and obligations within the ROS agreement will be required to repay the bursary funds as explained in the agreements.

If you leave your job with a Qualifying Employer(s) for any reason during the ROS term, you will need to notify the Province at least two weeks in advance of your end date by contacting: healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca
Do I need to fulfill my return of service (ROS) in a specific community or region of BC?
What if I can’t find a job?

There are many job opportunities available across the province. Once you are licensed or certified to practice in BC, Health Match BC will assist you in finding a qualifying position. You are required to make your best efforts to find a qualifying position.

If it has been six months since licensure or certification and you are still unable to find a job to meet the ROS requirements, please contact the healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca
Can I change employers/jobs during my return of service (ROS)?
Is full time employment required or can I work two part-time jobs or casual to fulfill the return of service (ROS)?

You can concurrently hold and work in multiple, part-time Qualifying Positions, however casual employment does not meet the requirements of the ROS agreement.

The FTE (full time equivalent) for each Qualifying Position will be added together to calculate the FTE.

“FTE” means full-time equivalent, which is defined as 37.5 hours of work each week.

If you are working 0.5 FTEs or less, your ROS term will be extended to 2 years.
Can I take vacation, parental leave, or other leaves of absence during my return of service (ROS)?
I receive a job offer in another province where my family lives, can I transfer my return of service (ROS) to that province or can that province buy-out my return of service commitment with BC?
I am licensed/ certified or considering licensure/ certification in another Canadian jurisdiction. What are the implications to my Return of Service (ROS)?

If you are licensed/certified or have ever been licensed/certified in your allied health occupation in another Canadian province or terriority, you are not eligible for this program. If you have become licensed/ certified in another Canadian province or territory after you sign a return of service agreement, you will be withdrawn from the program and required to repay the Province any bursary amount(s) received, including any fees waived or reimbursed.
What happens at the end of my return of service (ROS) term? Do I need to contact the Ministry of Health?

IMMIGRATION

Can I apply for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Health Authority Stream from outside of Canada?
Yes, however, you must be qualified for the offered position. For regulated health professions, you would normally require a license to practice in BC prior to being accepted into the BC PNP. You must also meet all other eligibility requirements of the program. This includes:

An offer of permanent, full-time employment with a provincial health authority

Meeting the education, training, experience, and qualification requirements outlined by the provincial health authority.

A written offer of employment on official company letterhead from the employer.

Evidence that you meet the minimum income requirements.

English language proficiency (if applicable).
Is Health Match BC my legal representative for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Health Authority pathway?

Health Match BC is not a legal representative for the BC PNP. Authorized representatives are immigration consultants who are full members in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, or lawyers who are members in good standing with the Law Society of BC or another law society in Canada. To apply to the BC PNP, you do not have to use an immigration consultant or lawyer.

The BC PNP reviews all applications equally, regardless of whether they were prepared with the assistance of a representative. Your application will not receive special attention or faster processing if it was completed using the services of a representative.
When should I start an application for the BC Provincial Nominee Program?
Can my family members also obtain Permanent Residency status?
My application for BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has been approved (nominated), am I eligible to work in BC?

A nomination by the BC PNP does not allow you to work. However, if you are nominated, you may be eligible to receive a work permit support letter issued by the BC PNP to help you obtain or renew a work permit. Work permit support letters also allow you to apply for a work permit without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

You must apply and obtain a temporary work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While the BC PNP will provide post-nomination support, it does not apply for a work permit on your behalf. Nominees who do not have a valid work permit must apply for one within three months of your nomination date.
Can I apply for permanent residency before receiving a license to practice in BC and a job offer?
Where can I learn more about immigrating to BC and the BC PNP?

Internationally Educated Physiotherapist (IEPT) Credential Assessment and Education Bursary Program

IEPT Bursary Eligibility Criteria

What is the process for Internationally Educated Physiotherapists?

Return of Service

Financial Support (Bursaries)

Documents Required

Application Form

Personal Information

Education/Licensing Information

Applicants who hold or previously held FULL licensure as a Physiotherapist in any Province or Territory in Canada are not eligible for the IEPT Bursary. Thank you for your interest.

Required Documents

To be eligible for this bursary, internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) must agree to complete the full credentialing and certification process.

Additional Documents

Disbursement Requirements

Consent and Acknowledgement

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL ALLIED HEALTH BURSARY PROGRAM QUESTIONS

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED PHYSIOTHERAPISTS (IEPTs)

RETURN OF SERVICE (ROS) AGREEMENT

IMMIGRATION