The Five Ws of Immigration Medical Exams

Who, Where, When, What, Why - Understanding Immigration Medical Exams in Canada

Immigrating to Canada involves both eligibility requirements for the respective program for temporary or permanent residence (PR) as well as admissibility to Canada. Undergoing a medical examination is required to determine if an applicant is medically admissible. Immigration medical exams are an essential part of the Canadian immigration process, ensuring the health and safety of both applicants and the Canadian public. 

Who Needs a Medical Exam?

Generally, individuals applying for permanent residence in Canada are required to undergo a medical examination. Some temporary residents, such as international students or workers, may also need a medical exam depending on their length of stay, type of application and work in Canada, and travel history. Medical exams can be required for temporary residents if they travelled in designated countries for a certain amount of time, if they are applying for a parent and grandparent super visa, or if they are planning to work in a job in which public health must be protected, such as:
  • workers in health care settings
  • clinical laboratory workers
  • patient attendants in nursing and geriatric homes
  • medical students admitted to Canada to attend university
  • medical electives and physicians on short-term locums
  • workers in primary or secondary school settings, or workers in child-care settings
  • domestics
  • workers who give in-home care to children, the elderly and the disabled
  • day nursery employees
  • other similar jobs

Where to Get One

Canada has designated panel physicians who are authorized to conduct immigration medical exams. Applicants cannot use their own family doctor and must choose a panel physician from this list. Panel physicians can be found in most countries around the world, and may offer service in many languages. 

When to Do it

Applicants for temporary residence can complete their immigration medical exam before or after they apply. Medical exams completed before application submission are known as upfront medical exams. Previously, Express Entry candidates had to submit the medical exam with their application for PR. Since October 1, 2023, applicants are now asked to submit their applications without one and wait for instructions. If no medical exam is submitted with the application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send instructions on how to complete the medical exam. Instructions will include when to book an appointment and the type of medical exam required.

Typically, medical exams are valid for 12 months, and applicants need to come to Canada within this timeframe. However, due to a temporary policy valid until October 6, 2024, outdated medical exams can still be used in some cases. The exemption applies to applicants in Canada who completed an immigration medical exam within the past 5 years that indicated a low or no risk to the public.

What to Expect During the Medical Exam

Applicants must bring proper identification to the exam such as their passport, driver's license or birth certificate to the appointment, along with their glasses or contact lenses, any medical reports about existing conditions and a list of current medications. The medical examination typically includes a physical examination, a review of medical history, and various tests such as chest X-rays and blood tests. Applicable fees must be paid by the applicant and includes a fee for the doctor as well as any special tests or specialists that may be involved. The total cost is usually between $400 and $600 per person. The panel physician will assess the applicant's overall health and may inquire about any pre-existing medical conditions. The results of the medical exam directly to IRCC. While applicants do not normally receive a copy of their medical results but will be informed if further action is required.

Why it can Lead to Inadmissibility

The medical exam is conducted to assess the applicant's health and ensure they do not pose a risk to public health or safety. Certain infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or active syphilis are considered a danger to public health; whereas a risk of unpredictable or violent behaviour, or loss of physical or mental abilities can constitute a danger to public safety. The immigration medical exam also helps identify conditions that could potentially strain Canada's healthcare system. Excessive demand is defined as a cost of more than $128,445 over a 5-year period (or $25,689 per year) for Canada's health and social services to treat and manage an applicant's condition. If a medical condition is found that could be a danger to public health or safety or could cause excessive demand on healthcare resources, an applicant may be deemed inadmissible.


If you are unsure if your condition may make you medically inadmissible and on how to proceed, contact us today!

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