Immigration Medical Exam for Canada: What to Expect and How to Prepare

If you are applying for permanent residence in Canada, or in some cases for a temporary visa or permit, you will likely need to undergo an immigration medical examination (IME). The medical exam is a mandatory step in the Canadian immigration process, designed to protect the health and safety of Canadians and to assess whether an applicant's health condition would cause excessive demand on Canada's health or social services. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare and reduce anxiety about this important step.

The immigration medical exam is not like a regular visit to your family doctor. It follows a specific protocol established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and must be performed by a designated panel physician — a doctor specifically authorized by IRCC to conduct these examinations. This guide walks you through every aspect of the process.

Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?

The following applicants are generally required to undergo a medical examination:

• All permanent residence applicants — Regardless of the immigration program (Express Entry, family sponsorship, Provincial Nominee Program, etc.)
• Temporary resident applicants who plan to stay in Canada for more than six months and have resided in or traveled to certain designated countries or territories
• Applicants for work permits in occupations that involve close contact with people, such as healthcare workers, childcare providers, and teachers
• Refugee claimants and protected persons applying for permanent residence
• Dependents of the principal applicant, including children, even if they are not accompanying the applicant to Canada

Finding a Designated Panel Physician

You cannot go to just any doctor for your immigration medical exam. You must visit a designated panel physician (DPP) authorized by IRCC. You can find a panel physician using the IRCC panel physician search tool.

See also: Express Entry CRS Score Guide

When choosing a panel physician:

• Verify they are currently authorized by IRCC (designations can be revoked)
• Call ahead to confirm availability and book an appointment — wait times can be long, especially in busy cities
• Ask about the total cost during the call, as fees vary by physician and location
• Inquire about what you need to bring to the appointment

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Arrive at your medical exam appointment with the following:

1. Valid passport or travel document — Original, not a photocopy
2. IME medical form or instructions from IRCC — If you applied online, you will have received medical exam instructions through your account. Bring the printout with the bar code or your unique medical identifier (UMI)
3. Four recent passport-sized photographs — Some panel physicians take photos on-site, but bring extras just in case
4. Proof of payment or payment method — Cash, credit card, or debit, depending on the physician's accepted methods
5. Prescription glasses or contact lenses — For the vision test
6. List of current medications — Including dosages and prescribing doctors
7. Medical history documents — Particularly if you have a pre-existing condition, have had surgery, or are currently receiving treatment for a condition
8. Vaccination records — Especially for children and for applicants whose programs require proof of vaccination

What Happens During the Exam

The immigration medical exam typically includes the following components:

Medical History Review

The physician will review your medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, current medications, and any known chronic conditions. Be completely honest — withholding information can lead to your application being refused for misrepresentation, which carries a five-year bar from Canada.

Physical Examination

A general physical examination including checking your heart, lungs, abdomen, and reflexes. The physician will take your blood pressure, check your height and weight, and assess your overall physical condition.

Vision and Hearing Tests

Basic vision screening (with correction if you wear glasses or contacts) and hearing assessment.

Chest X-ray

A chest X-ray is required for all applicants aged 11 and older. The X-ray screens primarily for tuberculosis (TB) but can also reveal other pulmonary conditions. If you are pregnant, inform the physician — the X-ray may be deferred or special precautions taken.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are required for all applicants aged 15 and older. The standard panel screens for:

• HIV — Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Syphilis — Treponema pallidum antibodies
• Hepatitis B — In some cases, depending on the applicant's profile

Additional blood tests may be ordered if the physician identifies a concern during the examination.

Urinalysis

A urine test may be conducted, particularly for applicants over 15, to screen for diabetes, kidney disease, and other conditions.

Mental Health Assessment

The physician will conduct a brief assessment of your mental health status. This is not a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation but rather an initial screening. If concerns are identified, you may be referred for additional assessment.

Costs of the Immigration Medical Exam

The cost of an immigration medical exam varies significantly depending on your location and the panel physician. In Canada, typical costs in 2026 are:

• Adults (15 and older) — $200 to $450 CAD, including physical exam, chest X-ray, blood tests, and urinalysis
• Children (11 to 14) — $150 to $300 CAD (physical exam and chest X-ray, typically no blood tests)
• Children (under 11) — $100 to $200 CAD (physical exam only, usually no X-ray or blood tests)

Costs outside Canada vary widely by country. In some countries, the total cost may be as low as $100 USD or as high as $500 USD or more. The IRCC does not set the fees — each panel physician determines their own pricing.

After the Exam: What Happens Next

After your examination, the panel physician submits your results directly to IRCC through the eMedical system. You do not receive a copy of the results (though you can request your records from the physician separately). Here is what happens next:

1. Results submitted to IRCC — Typically within a few days of the exam
2. IRCC medical officer review — An IRCC medical officer reviews the results. If everything is clear, your medical is considered "passed" and this step is complete.
3. Additional tests or information — If the initial results raise concerns, you may be asked to undergo additional tests, provide specialist reports, or submit further information. This can add weeks or months to your processing time.
4. Medical surveillance — In some cases, particularly if you have a history of tuberculosis, you may be subject to medical surveillance after arriving in Canada. This means you must report to a designated health authority for follow-up screening.

Validity of Medical Exam Results

Immigration medical exam results are valid for 12 months from the date of the examination. If your immigration application is not finalized within 12 months, you may need to undergo a new medical exam. This is particularly relevant for programs with long processing times.

For Express Entry applicants, you typically receive instructions to complete your medical exam after submitting your application for permanent residence. You have 30 days to complete the upfront medical exam (or you can do it in advance and include the results with your application).

Conditions That May Affect Your Application

Not every medical condition leads to inadmissibility. IRCC assesses whether a condition:

• Poses a danger to public health — Conditions like active, untreated tuberculosis
• Poses a danger to public safety — Conditions that could cause unpredictable or violent behavior
• Would cause excessive demand on health or social services — Conditions requiring treatment that would cost more than the threshold (currently approximately $24,057 CAD per year, adjusted annually) or that would require services that are already in short supply

Having a medical condition does not automatically make you inadmissible. Many conditions are manageable and do not meet the excessive demand threshold. If you are concerned about a medical condition affecting your application, consult with an immigration professional before your exam.

Tips for Your Medical Exam

1. Book early — Panel physician availability can be limited. Book your appointment as soon as you receive medical exam instructions from IRCC.
2. Bring all medications — Bring your actual medication bottles, not just a list, so the physician can verify exactly what you are taking.
3. Do not eat heavy meals before the exam — While fasting is not always required, a light meal is recommended as blood tests may be performed.
4. Stay hydrated — Adequate hydration makes blood draws and urinalysis easier.
5. Disclose everything honestly — Attempting to hide a medical condition can lead to misrepresentation findings, which are far worse than the condition itself.
6. Follow up proactively — If you do not see your medical results reflected in your IRCC account within a few weeks, contact your panel physician to confirm the results were submitted.

For more information on immigration medical exams, visit the IRCC medical exam page. To track all the steps in your immigration journey and ensure nothing falls through the cracks, use the WelcomeAide immigration checklist.