Immigration Medical Exam Canada
Understand the Canada immigration medical exam requirements for permanent residence, visitor visas, study permits and work permits, including panel physician appointments and required documents.
What Is an Immigration Medical Exam for Canada?
An Immigration Medical Exam (IME) is a medical examination that may be required as part of a Canadian immigration application. The exam helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) determine whether an applicant is medically admissible to Canada.
The examination must be completed by a doctor approved by IRCC, known as a panel physician. Your regular family doctor cannot complete the immigration medical exam unless they are also an IRCC-approved panel physician.
The examination must be completed by a doctor approved by IRCC, known as a panel physician. Your regular family doctor cannot complete the immigration medical exam unless they are also an IRCC-approved panel physician.
What Can Be Included in a Canada Immigration Medical Exam?
| Medical Requirement | What It May Involve |
|---|---|
| Medical History | The panel physician reviews relevant medical history and asks questions about your health and previous medical conditions. |
| Physical Examination | The examination may include a general physical assessment based on IRCC requirements. |
| Chest X-Ray | A chest X-ray may be required depending on your age and the medical examination requirements applicable to your case. |
| Laboratory Tests | Blood or other laboratory testing may be required depending on age, application type and current IRCC requirements. |
| Vaccination Records | You may provide available vaccination records so the panel physician can record relevant information. |
| Additional Tests | Further tests or specialist referrals may be requested where medically necessary or required under the applicable examination process. |
How ICG Globe Can Help
- ✓ Explain when an immigration medical exam may be required
- ✓ Guide you on finding an IRCC-approved panel physician
- ✓ Explain the difference between an upfront medical exam and an exam requested after application
- ✓ Help you understand the documents and identification you should prepare
- ✓ Review your immigration application timeline and medical exam requirements
- ✓ Explain what generally happens after the medical examination
- ✓ Help coordinate your immigration documentation around the medical examination
Our Canada Immigration Medical Exam Guidance Process
01
Application Review
We review your immigration pathway and explain whether an immigration medical examination may be required.
02
Panel Physician Guidance
We explain how to locate an IRCC-approved panel physician who can perform the examination.
03
Appointment Preparation
We help you understand what identification, medical information, vaccination records and other documents you may need.
04
Medical Examination
You attend the appointment with the approved panel physician and complete the examination and any required tests.
05
Result Submission
The panel physician submits the medical results through the applicable process, and IRCC makes the final immigration medical admissibility decision.
What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam
- ✓ Valid passport or other accepted identification
- ✓ Medical examination request or IMM 1017 form, if provided
- ✓ Previous medical reports where relevant
- ✓ List of current medications
- ✓ Available vaccination records
- ✓ Glasses or contact lenses if required for your vision assessment
- ✓ Any additional documents requested by your panel physician
- ✓ Recent photographs if the clinic does not use eMedical
FAQS
Canada Immigration Medical Exam Questions
Who can perform an immigration medical exam for Canada?
+Only a doctor approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), known as a panel physician, can perform the immigration medical exam. Your regular family doctor cannot perform it unless they are an approved panel physician.
Do I need a medical exam for Canada PR?
+Permanent residence applicants generally need an immigration medical exam, subject to the requirements and exemptions that apply to their circumstances. Family members may also need to complete an exam even if they are not accompanying the principal applicant.
Can I complete an upfront medical exam for Canada?
+For certain temporary residence applications, including visitor, study and work applications, an upfront medical exam may be available. Whether you should complete one depends on your application and the current IRCC requirements.
What should I bring to my Canada immigration medical exam?
+You should bring valid identification and any medical examination request or forms provided by IRCC, along with relevant medical records, medication information and vaccination records. Your panel physician may provide additional instructions.
How much does a Canada immigration medical exam cost?
+The cost is paid by the applicant and can vary by panel physician and location. Additional tests, specialist referrals, radiology or other services may result in additional charges.
Does the panel physician decide if I am medically admissible to Canada?
+No. The panel physician conducts the medical examination and submits the results. IRCC makes the final decision regarding medical admissibility for the immigration application.