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How to guide applicants who have questions about 'transfers' in the R-1 second iteration

Applicants may reach out to us with questions regarding 'transfers' within the second iteration of the R-1 match i.e. current residents who want to transfer out of their existing program and into a new one.

There are two different processes for residents to move programs, one CaRMS is involved in and one CaRMS is not. Please see below for additional information about each process: 

 Process 1.   How it works 

Through the CaRMS R-1 Match (second iteration)  
  • Governed by CaRMS policies, not the AFMC national transfer guidelines
  • Residents can apply to positions through the match like any other applicant (if eligible) 
  • The process is confidential, just like any CaRMS application 
  • Applicants do not have to inform their current program that they are applying through CaRMS. The system allows residents to apply without notifying their programs. 

IMPORTANT:

If applicants want to go through process 1, this would be an entire new residency. They aren't applying to transfer, they are applying to start over completely.

If applicants ask if they will be granted any 'credits' if the residencies are "similar" and have some shared content, we are unable to answer this as it would be determined by the program they match to.

Programs sometimes expect their residents to tell them, but there is no national rule requiring disclosure for CaRMS participation. From a CaRMS perspective, applications are confidential.

 Process 2.   How it works 

Through the National Transfer Process (i.e. AFMC transfer guidelines 
  • Happens outside CaRMS.
  • Managed by PGME offices.
  • Requires sharing evaluations, training records, etc.
  • Eventually requires release from the home program, we are not involved in this. 

IMPORTANT:

This would be a scenario where if a resident wants to transfer out of a residency and into another, and another resident also wants to transfer, then this is how that works.

If applicants ask where they can get further information, here is a link to the AFMC National Transfer Guidelines: National-Transfer-Guidelines_2025.pdf it indicates the process and who to contact about the application process. The link is also available on our website here: R-1 Summary of eligibility for applicants with accredited post-graduate residency training in Canada and the U.S. - CaRMS