Designated medical practitioner program

Administrative procedures relating to the DMP life cycle

All DMPs should be aware of and follow the administrative procedures relating to the DMP life cycle outlined below.

• Becoming a DMP
• DMP absences
• DMP selection, appointment, termination and retirement

Becoming a DMP

The number, distribution and location of DMPs depend on the current and anticipated demand for Canadian immigration medical examinations as well government requirements to deliver services in both official languages.

In order to become a DMP, a medical practitioner must submit a DMP Appointment Application Form along with other required documents.

Decisions regarding the selection, appointment and reappointment of DMPs are made by the regional medical officer.

Find out more about the requirements for becoming a DMP and the phases of the professional life cycle:

1. Selection, qualifications and application forms
2. Approval process
3. Orientation
4. Appointment
5. Reappointment 

DMP absences

From time to time, DMPs may be absent from their medical practice. Depending on the location of the practice, the number of applicants typically examined by DMPs and the length of time they are away, the absence could affect program delivery. DMPs must notify their regional medical office of both short-term absences (10–20 working days) and long-term absences (more than 20 working days) beforehand.

On some occasions, the DMP may be asked to find an alternate medical practitioner (replacement or locum tenens) to perform immigration medical exams during the DMP’s absence. The replacement physician must be approved by the regional medical officer before the DMP can be absent from the practice.

Find out more about the administrative procedures for DMP absences:

• Types of absences

DMP selection, appointment, termination and retirement

The number, distribution and location of DMPs are influenced by the dynamics of the Canadian immigration program and the local demand for immigration medical examinations. Citizenship and Immigration Canada may increase or decrease the number of DMP positions in response to the changing demand. Decisions regarding termination are made by the regional medical officer.

DMPs may retire or decide to resign from being a DMP. DMPs should immediately inform their regional medical office of any changes to their status.

Find out more about termination and retirement.

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