Dr. Michael Antil, a physician from North Carolina, decided to move to Toronto in July 2023 in search of a more diverse environment and a universal healthcare system to work in. Despite Canada’s known shortage of doctors and various pathways for skilled workers to obtain citizenship, Dr. Antil and his family are still without permanent residency three years later.
Having over two decades of experience in the United States, Dr. Antil currently manages a large patient load of more than 2,000 individuals at a clinic in Toronto. However, he and his wife, who works as an ESL teacher, are only on temporary work permits. Their children face international student fees for higher education, and Dr. Antil had to pay an extra 25% foreign buyers’ tax on their home.
During an interview with Dr. Brian Goldman on “White Coat, Black Art,” Dr. Antil shared the challenges he has faced in obtaining permanent residency since his initial application in 2023. Despite the evident need for doctors in Ontario, Dr. Antil has been rejected three times due to technicalities in the process.
According to the Ontario Medical Association, over 2.5 million Ontarians do not have a family doctor, while the national figure stands at approximately 5.9 million. Wanda Morvay, who hired Dr. Antil at Albany Medical Clinic, expressed her astonishment that he has not yet obtained permanent residency, considering the significant demand for his medical services.
Dr. Antil’s immigration journey began with obtaining a license from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and an Ontario work permit. Despite facing numerous hurdles and rejections, he remains hopeful about the possibilities of obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
Efforts are being made by the Canadian government to streamline the immigration process for doctors, aiming to address the challenges faced by individuals like Dr. Antil. The Canadian Medical Association is collaborating with federal and provincial partners to create a more supportive system for medical professionals looking to practice in Canada.
As Dr. Antil continues to navigate the complexities of the immigration system, he remains optimistic about the prospect of calling Canada his permanent home.
