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The Complete Guide to Immigration Medical Exams

Kevin Kuhlmann

Summary of Key Points:

  • Immigration medical exams (IMEs) are required for many people coming to Canada—sometimes including children, teenagers, adults, and refugees.

  • An IME is important for letting Immigration & Citizenship Canada know whether you have any medical conditions that could affect public health and safety in Canada. Only an approved Panel Physician can conduct a valid immigration medical exam.

  • IMEs include verification of your ID, a questionnaire about your medical history, a physical and mental exam, and possible lab tests including chest x-rays for most applicants.

  • You can complete your entire IME at one of Panel Physician’s 5 locations throughout the GTA.

Many people planning to enter Canada need an immigration medical exam (or IME) to complete their application—but if you’ve never been through this process before, you probably want to find out more about how it works and what you need to do to comply with all the requirements. Panel Physician is here to help.

We perform safe and accurate immigration medical exams at our clean facilities in Toronto, Brampton, Scarborough, North York, and Oakville, so our knowledge about this process comes from years of experience. Below, you’ll find our complete guide to immigration medical exams—including what they are, how they work, why they matter, and when and where to get them.

What Is An Immigration Medical Exam (and Why Is It Important)?

Your immigration medical exam provides vital details to Immigration and Citizenship Canada about your health status so they can make responsible decisions about your application to enter Canada. Most applications for permanent residency and many people applying for status as students, visitors, or temporary workers require medical exams.

It is vital to understand that only a government-approved Panel Physician can conduct your immigration medical exam. Our panel physicians are members of the International Panel Physician Association and are continually updating their skills to comply with these requirements.

Why You (Probably) Need an Immigration Medical Exam Before Entering Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers Immigration Medical Examinations (IMEs) to be a vital part to the transition to Canada. It will help them to identify important medical illnesses that may be endemic to your departure country and need specific assessment in Canada.

When & Where to Book Your Immigration Medical Exam

You’ll book your immigration medical exam at different times during the process, depending on how you’re applying to enter Canada.

If You’re Applying for Permanent Residency

  • If you’re applying for PR status under the Express Entry program, get your immigration medical exam before applying.

  • If you’re being sponsored as a spouse, partner, or child, submit your application first. IRCC will send you instructions for getting your immigration medical exam afterward.

  • If you make a refugee claim at a port of entry, you’ll get instructions from a Border Services Officer.

If you receive instructions after submitting your application or from a Border Services Officer, you’ll have to get your medical exam within 30 days.

If You’re Applying for Visitor, Student, or Temporary Worker Status

If you’re applying to come to Canada in any of these categories, you’ll have the option to get your immigration medical exam before submitting your application. If you don’t, IRCC will send you instructions for getting your medical exam that you’ll need to follow within 30 days.

Where to Get Your Immigration Medical Exam

In any of the above cases where you will get an immigration medical exam before submitting your application, you’ll need to contact a Panel Physician directly. You can book an appointment for your immigration medical exam with us here.

See Also: How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam

What to Expect During Your Immigration Medical Exam

Your immigration medical exam will consist of the following steps:

Verifying Your ID

When you arrive at any of our locations for your exam, you’ll need to show identification and have your picture taken. Make sure the ID you bring is a government-issued document that has a photo and signature on it, like a driver’s license or national identity card.

Answering Questions about Your Medical History

Your panel physician will ask you specific questions about your medical history, including medications you are currently taking. It is important to bring your medications to the appointment as well as any important medical notes relating to your previous health history that you may have.

A Physical Examination

During this portion of your immigration medical exam, we’ll check:

  • Your weight & height

  • Your hearing & vision

  • Your blood pressure

  • The sound of your heart and lungs

  • Your abdomen

  • The movement of your limbs

  • The condition of your skin

These tests will be non-invasive, and we will not examine your genitals or rectal area. You’ll also have the option to have a staff member from our clinic chaperone you during the process.

Mental Status Examination

You may have to undergo a mental status examination during your IME if you are over 75 years of age or have certain medical conditions. This is NOT an IQ test and you do not need to study or prepare for it in any way.

Possible Additional Tests

Chest x-rays are a required part of the IME for anyone over 11 years old. Most of our locations offer on-site x-ray services. Click here to see hours of operation and locations for our clinics.

The following tests may also be necessary in specific cases:

  • Urinalysis: for applicants over the age of 5

  • Creatinine: for applicants over the age of 15 or with pre-existing kidney disease

  • Syphilis: for applicants over the age of 15

  • HIV: for applicants over the age of 15

You do not need to fast prior to your appointment or the bloodwork, and you can eat and drink as normal. You can complete your entire immigration medical exam (including the physical exam, urine test, blood test, and chest x-ray) on the same day when you book it with us.

After Your Exam

Once your exam has been completed, we’ll use eMedical to submit your results directly to Immigration & Citizenship Canada within 5-10 days. You’ll get an information sheet with your photo and case number, which you can use to track your file.


Book Your Immigration Medical Exam with Confidence

Now that you understand the importance of your immigration medical exam and what to expect from the process, you can schedule your exam and prepare for it properly. Contact us now to book your IME at any of our 5 convenient locations or to talk with one of our staff members who can answer any further questions you may have.