close search panel

Information for Applicants

Unaccredited School Graduate (Educated Internationally) – How to Apply

Applicants can either graduate from an AVMA-COE accredited veterinary school or from an acceptable unaccredited veterinary school. There are different examination and assessment pathways depending on the accreditation status of your veterinary school. For more information about accredited and unaccredited schools, please visit the AVMA website.

This information is intended for individuals who have graduated or are about to graduate from an acceptable unaccredited veterinary school.

In order to obtain licensure in Ontario, you must complete an approved licence examination and assessment pathway.

You may not begin to practise veterinary medicine until you are licensed with the College and have received written confirmation and a licence number. 

Step 1: Determine licence type

The College offers seven different licence types. Please review licence types to understand your options for licensure at the College.  

Restricted licence under supervision: The College provides graduates of acceptable unaccredited veterinary schools with the opportunity to acquire practical experience working under the supervision of a CVO member with a General licence, before they have passed the Clinical Proficiency Exam (CPE). Eligible applicants may be granted Restricted licences under supervision by the College’s Registration Committee. 

Step 2: Complete the licence application form

If you are a new applicant or have submitted an application in the past, please submit an online licensure application.

If you currently hold a licence with the CVO, please submit a paper licensure application.

The following must be submitted with your application form:

  • Complete the CVO Jurisprudence confidentiality declaration
  • provide payment for the licence application fee and CVO Jurisprudence Exam fee
  • attach your identification document and legal work authorization (if already obtained)

You will receive an email from College staff within five business days to let you know that the application has been received.

Step 3: Submit required documents

Submit the required documents that are applicable to the licence type you are seeking.

  • name change information (if required)
  • veterinary degree or transcripts
  • language proficiency (if required)
  • examination and assessment pathway results (if required)
  • suitability to practise information

See licensure requirements for detailed information about each of the requirements and how you may submit this documentation to the College.

Step 4: Complete CVO Jurisprudence Exam

Prepare for the CVO Jurisprudence Exam if it is a requirement for the licence type you are seeking.

You will receive an e-mail confirming your eligibility to take the CVO Jurisprudence Exam. Please review the Jurisprudence Exam Information page for detailed information about the exam.

Step 5: Pay licence fee

Once you have successfully completed the CVO Jurisprudence Exam and submitted all required documents you can pay the appropriate licence fee and ask to have your licence processed. The licence can be issued within two business days.

Questions about licensure?

Licensure team
licensure@cvo.org

Practising veterinary medicine in Ontario

Click here for Information on the Career Map and Global Experience Ontario.

Jurisprudence Exam

The College's jurisprudence exam requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to apply relevant Ontario legislation and regulations, as well as College standards and guidelines.