SIPPA: Saskatchewan’s Practice Ready Assessment Explained for IMGs

In this video, we explore Saskatchewan’s Practice Ready Assessment Program, officially called the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA). This pathway allows International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to gain full licensure in family medicine in Saskatchewan.

Eligibility Requirements for SIPPA
✅ 1. Exams Required

MCCQE Part 1 (Pass required).
NAC OSCE is required (Unlike BC and Alberta, which do not require NAC).
TDM Exam (Therapeutic Decision-Making) is required but by invitation only after initial screening.
English Proficiency Test is mandatory (as with all licensing pathways).
✅ 2. Immigration Status

PR or Canadian Citizenship is NOT required at the time of application.
Saskatchewan offers PR sponsorship, making it a great option for IMGs without permanent residency.
✅ 3. Recent Clinical Practice Requirement

You need at least three months of clinical practice in the last three years (lower than other provinces like BC and Alberta).
However, you must have at least three years of independent practice experience overall.
✅ 4. Postgraduate Training Requirement

Only one year of postgraduate training is required (such as a structured internship).
This makes it more accessible than provinces that require two years of training.
✅ 5. Return-of-Service Commitment

After passing the SIPPA program, you must work in Saskatchewan for three years before transferring to another province.
Once you complete this return of service, you can move anywhere in Canada with a full, independent family physician license.
Why Consider SIPPA?
✔ No PR Required – Saskatchewan sponsors PR applications, opening the door for IMGs without permanent residency.
✔ Lower Practice Requirement – Only three months of practice in the last three years is needed.
✔ One-Year Postgraduate Training Accepted – If you completed only an internship, you can still qualify.
✔ Pathway to Full Licensure – Leads to a provisional license, which transitions into an independent family practice license after the return-of-service period.

🔴 Possible Limitations

NAC OSCE is required (unlike BC and Alberta).
Three years of independent practice is required, making it less ideal for fresh graduates.
Mandatory three-year return of service before transferring to another province.
Final Thoughts
Saskatchewan’s SIPPA program is an excellent choice for IMGs who have at least three years of independent practice experience, but only one year of postgraduate training. The PR sponsorship option also makes it a valuable alternative for IMGs who have not yet obtained permanent residency in Canada.

📌 Next Steps:

Check if you meet the training, exam, and practice requirements.
Compare Saskatchewan’s SIPPA program to other Practice Ready Assessments to see which one fits your profile best.
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments below!