Medical Exam for Permanent Resident Applicants
Who can do your exam
You must see a doctor on the list of panel physicians. Your own doctor can’t do the medical exam.
The panel physician doesn’t make the final decision about your medical exam. We make that decision. If there’s a problem with your medical exam, we’ll contact you in writing.
Find a panel physician to do your exam.
When to get your medical exam
You can get your medical exam before or after you apply, depending on the program you’re applying for. Read the instruction guide for your program to find out when to get your exam.
Before you submit your application
If you’re applying under the Express Entry Program, you have the option of getting an exam before you apply. This is called an upfront medical exam. To get one, contact a panel physician directly.
You can’t get an upfront medical exam if you’re being sponsored as a spouse, partner or child. Wait for our instructions before going for your medical exam.
After you submit your application
We’ll send you instructions on how to get your medical exam done. You must go for your medical exam within 30 days of receiving these instructions.
If you make a refugee claim at a port of entry, a Border Services Officer will tell you to get a medical exam within 30 days.
If you don’t follow these instructions, we may refuse your application.
Port of entry: A place where a person may seek entry into Canada, such as at an airport, land or marine border crossing.
Border services officer: Officers of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), a federal government agency, who have the legal authority to decide who can enter and remain in Canada. These officers have many of the same powers as police officers, including the right to conduct searches, make arrests, and seize documents or goods.
What to bring
When you go to your appointment for the medical exam, you must bring:
- proper identification – at least 1 government-issued document with your photograph and signature, such as a passport or national identity card
- You may also use a Canadian driver’s license, but only in Canada
- eye glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them
- any medical reports or test results that you have for any previous or existing medical conditions
- a list of your current medications
- the Medical Report form (IMM 1017E), if you don’t get an upfront medical exam
- We’ll send you this form
- If the panel physician doesn’t use eMedical, you must bring 4 recent photographs.
- Contact the panel physician before your appointment to find out.
Bring any proof of previous vaccination for COVID-19, if you have one.
- This is not mandatory.
- The panel physician will include this record with your exam.
If you are referred for an x-ray or other tests, you may be asked to present your identification again when you go for those tests.
eMedical: An online tool that doctors approved by IRCC to do medical exams use to record and send Immigration Medical Exam (IME) results to IRCC. It is more accurate, convenient and faster than paper-based processing.
What you need to pay for
You must pay all fees related to the medical exam when you’re there, including:
- the fee for the doctor or radiologist
- any special tests, investigations or treatment needed
- any specialists you need to see
If we refuse your application after your medical exam, we won’t refund those fees.
Refugees and asylum seekers are exempt from paying the fees.
What to expect during your exam
Only an approved panel physician can do a complete medical exam for immigration reasons.
When you arrive
The Panel Physician or clinic staff will ask you for identification to confirm your identity. If you are referred for an x-ray or other tests, you may be asked to present your identification again when you go for those tests. Your picture will also be taken for our records.
Medical history questionnaire
The doctor will fill out a medical history questionnaire with you. This questionnaire is about any previous or existing medical conditions. They’ll also ask you about any medications you’re taking.
It’s important to tell the panel physician about any previous or existing medical conditions. Processing your medical exam could take longer if you don’t.
Physical examination
You’ll undergo a physical exam.
The doctor or medical clinic staff will:
- weigh you
- measure your height
- check your hearing and vision
- take your blood pressure
- feel your pulse
- listen to your heart and lungs
- feel your abdomen
- check how your limbs move
- look at your skin
The doctor or medical clinic staff won’t examine your genitals or rectal area. These parts of the body aren’t required for the immigration medical exam.
The doctor may need to examine your breasts. If they do, they will:
- provide you with an explanation of why and how the examination is being done
Other possible tests
Depending on your age, you may be asked to do chest x-rays and laboratory tests at the clinic or a laboratory. This is routine screening and the doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you.
