Careers in Canada · Vets
The licensing route in Canada for vets trained in the UK, Ireland and Australia
Graduates of accredited schools usually apply to the National Examining Board, pass the NAVLE, receive a Certificate of Qualification and then apply to the provincial regulator. We help you through each step, introduce you to practices that are hiring, and connect you with a licensed consultant for the work permit.
Free for doctors, nurses and vets.We're paid by the clinics and health organizations that hire through us.
Immigration advice is provided by Sana Waqar, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Sana Immigration Consulting, licence R707540 [VERIFY].
The route, step by step
- 01
Confirm your school's accreditation
Check your school and graduation year on the AVMA list; many UK schools are accredited, and some accreditation depends on the year. [AVMA link] [VERIFY]
- 02
Apply to the National Examining Board (NEB)
The NEB is run by the CVMA. It certifies; it does not license.
- 03
Pass the NAVLE
It can be taken outside Canada [VERIFY]. If you pass after more than two attempts, further assessments (PSA and CPE) are required [CVMA NEB FAQ, Dec 2025, link] [VERIFY].
- 04
Receive the Certificate of Qualification (CQ)
Issued by the NEB once the requirements are met.
- 05
Apply to the provincial regulator
In Ontario, the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO), which also requires its jurisprudence exam and authorization to work in Canada. [CVO link]
Last checked: [date]
MRCVS and the NAVLE
In most cases, RCVS membership does not replace the NAVLE. [VERIFY]
The CVO has approved a limited-licence pathway for internationally educated vets. [link] [VERIFY scope and status]
Demand for vets in Ontario
The CVO, the Ontario Veterinary College and the OVMA have described the shortage of veterinarians as "province-wide, including the Greater Toronto Area", and list increasing efforts to recruit vets trained outside Ontario. [CVO link] We introduce you to practices that are hiring and connect you with a licensed consultant for the work permit.
Practice types and on-call
Small-animal, mixed and equine practices all recruit. In many towns an emergency clinic covers nights, so on-call can be lighter than in the UK or Ireland, but this varies; ask each practice. [VERIFY]
Ontario's records and controlled-drug rules
Ontario has its own medical-records standard and controlled-drug log requirements [CVO links]. If you join a clinic that uses SimonVet, our practice software, your CVO number appears on each consult record and HST is applied on invoices.
About SimonVetFrequently asked questions
Can a clinic sponsor my work permit?
Many clinics recruit internationally. The work permit route depends on the offer; Sana Waqar, RCIC, advises on it. Immigration advice is provided by Sana Waqar, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Sana Immigration Consulting, licence R707540 [VERIFY].
My registration has conditions or undertakings. Can I still apply?
That needs a private conversation with our licensing team rather than a yes or no here. The eligibility check routes this answer to them, and it stays with that team.
Do I pay Munro Banting?
No. Free for doctors, nurses and vets. We're paid by the clinics and health organizations that hire through us.
Who decides each step
No one can promise a licence, a work permit or a start date. Regulators and IRCC make those decisions.
How to check us
- We never ask vets for money.
- Immigration advice is provided by Sana Waqar, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Sana Immigration Consulting, licence R707540 [VERIFY]. Check the CICC public register.
- Our application for an Ontario recruiter licence is in progress. We will publish the licence number here when it is issued. [OWNER: confirm status] [LEGAL]
- Munro Banting Inc., Oakville, Ontario. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer in Canada, report it to compliance@munrobanting.com.
Check whether a route fits your degree
Free for doctors, nurses and vets.We're paid by the clinics and health organizations that hire through us.