Medical Exam for Canadian Immigration: Upfront vs Requested
Everything you need to know about the IRCC medical exam, including when to complete it upfront vs wait for a request.
An immigration medical exam (IME) is required for most permanent residence applications and some temporary permits. It must be performed by a specific doctor approved by IRCC called a Panel Physician. Completing your medical exam strategically can shave weeks off your application processing time.
This is general information only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Medical requirements can change. Always verify current guidance at canada.ca and confirm with a licensed Panel Physician.
Who needs a medical exam
- All permanent residence applicants (Express Entry, PNP, family sponsorship, refugees)
- Applicants for some work permits if the job involves public health, children, or healthcare
- Study permit applicants staying over 6 months from designated countries
- Anyone staying in Canada for more than 6 months from countries with elevated TB risk
- Applicants IRCC requests an exam from based on specific circumstances
Upfront medical exam
An upfront medical is when you complete the exam before you submit your application or as soon as possible after submission. This is the recommended approach for most permanent residence applicants because it can reduce processing time by 2-3 months.
Benefits of upfront medical
- Faster overall application processing
- IRCC does not need to send you a medical request
- Reduces back-and-forth with IRCC
- Results are attached to your file automatically by the Panel Physician
- Generally recommended for all Express Entry and PNP applicants
When to do upfront medical
Complete your medical exam within 12 months of submitting your application, or at the latest when you have an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Medical exam results are valid for 12 months, so timing matters.
Requested medical exam
If you do not complete an upfront medical, IRCC will send you a Medical Request Letter during processing. You then have 30 days to complete the exam and submit proof.
Drawbacks of waiting for a request
- Adds 2-3 months to processing time
- Risk of missing the 30-day deadline
- More administrative burden
- Not recommended unless you have a specific reason to wait
If you are in Express Entry and have received an ITA, do your medical exam as soon as possible. Every week matters for your 60-day deadline to submit documents.
Finding a Panel Physician
You must use a doctor approved by IRCC. Regular family doctors and general practitioners cannot perform the IME.
- Visit canada.ca and search for Panel Physicians in your country
- Panel Physicians are listed by city and clinic
- Book an appointment directly with the clinic
- Confirm they use the eMedical system (most do now)
- Ask about fees upfront - they vary by clinic and country
Medical exam cost
The cost is not regulated by IRCC and varies significantly by country:
- Canada: CAD $150 to $300
- United States: USD $150 to $400
- India: INR 3,000 to 6,500
- Philippines: PHP 6,000 to 10,000
- United Kingdom: GBP 200 to 350
- Other countries: Contact your Panel Physician for exact pricing
What the medical exam includes
- Review of your medical history
- Physical examination including vital signs
- Blood test for HIV and syphilis (for applicants 15+)
- Urine test
- Chest X-ray (for applicants 11+)
- Mental health screening
- Additional tests if your history warrants it
What to bring to your medical exam
- Valid passport
- IRCC medical instructions letter (if IRCC requested the exam)
- Any prescription medications you take
- Eyeglasses or contacts if you wear them
- List of any major medical conditions or past hospitalizations
- Payment for the exam fee
How long results are valid
Medical exam results are valid for 12 months from the exam date. If your application is not finalized within 12 months, IRCC may request a new medical exam. To avoid this, time your upfront medical so it does not expire during processing.
Common medical exam mistakes
Using a non-approved doctor
Results from doctors not on the IRCC Panel Physician list are not accepted. You will need to repeat the exam at your own cost.
Waiting too long after ITA
If you wait weeks after receiving an ITA to do your medical, you risk running out of time within your 60-day deadline, especially if you need follow-up tests.
Letting results expire
Medical exams are only valid for 12 months. If you did one too early, you may need to repeat it when IRCC reviews your file.
Forgetting family members
All accompanying family members on your application also need medical exams, including dependents. Check each family member on your PR application.
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