Check what you qualify for
International medical graduates

Mortgages for international medical graduates

New to Canada, but not new to medicine. Your contract or residency can prove income from day one. Your status decides the rest.

Check what you qualify for
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Your path depends on your status

The same rules as any Canadian buyer

  • 5% down on the first $500,000 and 10% above, under $1.5 million
  • No foreign buyer taxes in BC, Alberta or Ontario
  • No Canadian credit yet? Some lenders accept an international report or bank letter
  • First time buyer tax breaks, once you meet each province’s residency test

From arrival to keys

  1. Contract or match

    Your signed contract or residency letter proves income.

  2. Licence and credit

    College licence underway, plus a credit report from home.

  3. Preapproval

    We match you with lenders that work with newcomers.

  4. Keys

    Funds in Canada, taxes planned, and you move in.

What lenders ask newcomers for

Signed contract, offer letter or residency letter
Passport, permit or permanent resident card
College licence, or proof it is in progress
International credit report or bank reference
Down payment history, including funds from abroad
Your start date

Moving to British Columbia? The guide for physicians moving to BC goes deeper. Starting residency? See mortgages for residents.

Questions newcomer physicians ask

Can I get a mortgage without a Canadian credit history?

Often, yes. Some lenders, and CMHC newcomer insurance, accept an international credit report or a reference letter from your bank in place of Canadian credit, alongside your contract or residency letter.

Do I need permanent residence to buy a home?

No, but your status changes the rules. The federal ban on non-Canadian buyers is in place until January 1, 2027, with exceptions for some work permit holders, and foreign buyer taxes can apply in BC and Ontario.

Can I use money from outside Canada for my down payment?

Yes, if it is documented. Lenders want to see where the money came from and that it has arrived in a Canadian account before closing, so plan the transfer early.

I matched to residency through CaRMS. Do the resident programs apply to me?

Yes. Once you are in an accredited Canadian residency, physician programs can qualify you on projected income like any other resident. Your immigration status still decides the down payment and any foreign buyer tax.

Find out what you can buy before you start looking

Tell us where you are in training or practice. Asim will compare medical professional programs across banks and broker-only lenders and show you a realistic budget.

Check what you qualify for
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