VETERINARIANS (NEW MEMBERS)
How to Apply
To apply for MVMA membership as a veterinarian you must:
- Complete and submit the Registration Application Form
- Submit all accompanying documents that may include:
- A copy of your Diploma
- A copy of your Government-issued photo identification (passport, driver’s license)
- Proof of entitlement to work in Canada (Canadian Passport/Canadian Citizenship Card/Canadian Permanent Resident Card/Canadian Birth Certificate/Canadian Work Permit)
- If applicable, Letter(s) of Standing sent directly from the issuing jurisdiction(s)
- If applicable, a copy of your Diplomate credentials
- Pay your membership dues upon receipt of invoice
- July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 Veterinarian Membership Fees
- July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 Veterinarian Membership Fees
- Please do not send payment prior to receiving an invoice as some fees are prorated.
It typically takes the MVMA two weeks to process a membership application.
Eligibility for Registration and Licensure
Labour Mobility Applicant
- Route 1- Labour Mobility (CFTA)
For labour mobility applicants, please click here for more information.
Applicants with a Certification of Qualification from the National Examining Board (NEB)
- Route 2- Certificate of Qualification
A Certificate of Qualification is issued by the National Examining Board (NEB).
Graduates of programs accredited by the CVMA/AVMA that do not currently have a Certificate of Qualification must contact the NEB directly to obtain a Certificate of Qualification.
For graduates of programs accredited by the CVMA/AVMA prior to 1986, a Certificate of Qualification is not required.
Pathways to a Certificate of Qualification for graduates of programs not accredited by the CVMA/AVMA
Information can be located on the NEB website.
Current Pathways include:
- NEB Examination Route (please note that you may be eligible for a restricted licence while pursuing this route)
- ECFVG transfer to the NEB
- NEB + PAVE Option
- NEB + Clinical Year Option
Applicants without a Certification of Qualification
- Pathways
- Route 3- NEB Examination Route
- Route 4- Limited Licence- Board Certification
- Route 5- Limited Licence- Residency
- Route 6- Limited Licence- Internship
- Route 7- Limited Licence- CVMA/AVMA Accredited Program Graduate without Certification of Qualification
For an info graph of the pathways to an unrestricted licence, please click here.
Those that have graduated from an educational institution that is not accredited by the CVMA or AVMA may be eligible for membership with the MVMA as a veterinarian. These applicants must first begin the process by registering with the National Examining Board (NEB). More information about the NEB can be located on the NEB’s website.
Those in the process of obtaining a Certificate of Qualification from the National Examining Board are eligible for Restricted General Membership with the MVMA upon:
- Successful completion of the Basic and Clinical Sciences Examinations (BCSE);
- Successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE); and
- Registration for the Preliminary Surgical Assessment (PSA)
A restricted member must pass the Clinical Proficiency Examination within two years, failing which, a member’s registration may be revoked.
Those that have graduated from an educational institution that is not accredited by the CVMA or AVMA may be eligible for unrestricted membership upon successful completion of the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) and granting of a Certificate of Qualification from the NEB.
Supervision while holding a Restricted Licence
Until a restricted member has successfully completed the PSA, the member must practice under direct supervision of a practicing veterinarian member.
“Direct supervision” means the direction by a licensed member of another individual who is
performing a veterinary medical procedure, where the licensed member is on the premises at
which the procedure is being performed;
Following successful completion of the PSA, a restricted member practice at a minimum under indirect supervision of a practicing veterinarian member.
“Indirect supervision” means the direction by a licensed member of another individual who is performing a veterinary medical procedure, where the licensed member need not be on the premises at which the procedure is being performed but must be at least available to receive and respond to any communications from that individual in a manner and with timeliness that are reasonable given the nature and the circumstances of the procedure;
Language Proficiency Requirements
Please click here for more information.
This route is available if you are board certified by, or a diplomate of, a veterinary specialty organization that is recognized by the AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS), or equivalent.
If you are enrolled in a residency program of veterinary specialty organization that is recognized by the AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS), please contact the MVMA office to begin the application process.
If you are interested in obtaining a limited licence for the purpose of engaging in an internship in Manitoba, please contact the MVMA office for more information.
Please contact the MVMA office for more information.
Resources and Considerations
- Member Lookup
- Examination Information
- Experience for the CPE
- Peer Contacts
- Supervision Report
To determine the level of supervision required for a Restricted Member, please consult with the online public directory located here.
- Presurgical Assessment- More information about the PSA can be found here
- The Clinical Proficiency Exam (CPE)- More information about the CPE can be found on the NEB website:
- In the Self Assessment Tool
- In the CPE Manual
Under Development
Please visit the member side of the website to view supervisors and recent NEB graduates that are willing to share experiences and provide guidance.
Restricted Members are required to participate in the supervision program and provide a supervision report on an annual basis. The Supervision Report form can be located here.
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunities in Manitoba
Various organizations in Manitoba provide support to graduates of unaccredited programs as they pursue obtaining licensure in Manitoba.
Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program
This program supports internationally educated professionals (IEPs) towards their goal of working in their professional fields in Manitoba. It provides non-repayable financial assistance to help IEPs with assessment and training costs while pursuing registration. To be eligible, individuals must have started the registration process with a Manitoba regulator, and be motivated and able to complete the process in a timely, efficient and continuous manner. For more information and to apply, visit their website.
Recognition Counts
This program provides supports to skilled immigrants wishing to work in their field of expertise or an alternative career in Manitoba. The program offers financial counselling, as well as the opportunity to apply for a loan of up to $30,000 with Assiniboine Credit Union to help with the cost of having qualifications recognized in Manitoba and obtaining related employment. To learn more, visit their website.
Manitoba Student Aid
This is a supplemental financial assistance program for Manitobans who do not have enough resources to pay for post-secondary education (university or college) on their own. This program provides various types of funding through the Manitoba Student Aid Program and the Canada Student Loans and Grants Programs. Funding includes repayable government student loans and non-repayable grants and/or bursaries. For more information, visit their website.
Windmill Microlending
Windmill Microlending is Canada’s only national charity providing affordable loans to help skilled immigrants and refugees leverage their talents and contribute to the Canadian workforce. Our work brings together invaluable resources, generous donors and talented newcomers to reduce poverty, inequity, and labour shortages in Canada. For more information, visit their website.