IME vs. MDT Requirements
Summary of Key Points:
The Immigration Medical Exam (IME) is a comprehensive medical examination required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for nearly all immigrants, which screens for conditions that could pose a risk to public health or safety in Canada and helps determine if newcomers will excessively demand public healthcare services. It must be conducted by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician.
The Medical Diagnostic Test (MDT) is a streamlined medical check sometimes offered to refugees who require urgent assistance, including Ukrainians under the CUAET program. It focuses on screening for specific healthcare conditions that could pose a significant risk to others in Canada and connecting these individuals to needed healthcare services upon arrival.
Preparations for both IME and MDT include bringing a government-issued photo ID, necessary medical records and prescribed medications, and preparedness to pay the exam fee. Those eligible for the MDT should also bring any letters received from the IRCC to their appointment.
The IME usually takes longer than the MDT, which takes 1-2 hours. Both exam results are typically valid for up to one year. The IRCC makes decisions based on Canadian immigration health standards if either exam identifies a medical condition.
Both MDTs and IMEs are important for safeguarding the health of potential immigrants and the Canadian population. Ukrainians under the CUAET program are uniquely considered and have provisions to help ensure their health doesn't impede their safe resettlement.
IME vs. MDT Requirements
Nearly everyone who comes to Canada from another country has to undergo some form of medical check to screen for specific health conditions and connect them with the necessary healthcare services. While most immigrants to Canada need to get an IME (Immigration Medical Exam), some refugees under specific conditions may only require the MDT (Medical Diagnostic Test) instead. But how do these two types of medical check differ, and which one will you need to enter Canada legally?
At Panel Physician, we’ve conducted countless medical exams for newcomers to Canada, so we know all about the differences between the IME and the MDT. Read on as we explain each one below so that you can book the right kind of exam to complete and submit your immigration application.
What Is an Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?
An IME is a comprehensive medical examination that is required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of the immigration process. It is an essential part of your application and must be conducted by a Panel Physician approved by the IRCC.
Purpose of the IME
The IME has two main goals:
To screen for conditions that could pose a danger to public health or safety in Canada
To ensure that newcomers to Canada will not have an unreasonable impact on public healthcare services (this is called “excessive demand”).
What Does the IME Include?
The IME consists of the following steps:
Verifying your ID: You’ll need to present a government-issued document with your photo and signature on it.
A medical questionnaire: Your Panel Physician will ask you a number of questions about your medical history, including any medications you are currently taking.
A physical examination: This involves checking your weight, height, hearing, vision, blood pressure, abdomen, limb movement, skin condition, and the way your heart and lungs sound.
A mental health examination: This is not an IQ test and does not require any preparation. It is only required for applicants over the age of 75 or those with specific medical conditions.
Possible extra tests: Anyone over the age of 11 will need to have chest X-rays taken as part of the IME. Applicants over 5 must also have urinalysis testing, while applicants over the age of 15 must typically be tested for syphilis, HIV, and creatinine as well.
Who Is the IME For?
Generally, all applicants for Permanent Residency in Canada must undergo an IME, along with all prospective visitors, students, and temporary workers. Whether you are required to book your IME before or after submitting your application depends on how you are applying and under what program. For more information, read our Complete Guide to Immigration Medical Exams.
Preparing for Your IME
To prepare for your IME, you should:
Bring at least one piece of government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license)
Bring any corrective lenses you require for clear eyesight
Bring a list of medications you currently take or have taken recently
Bring medical records of any current or former conditions and the treatments you have received for them
Prepare to pay the fee for your exam (see our IME fees here)
For more information, read our article on How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam.
However, some refugees are not required to book an IME if they complete an MDT upon arriving in Canada. Read on to learn whether this applies to you.
What Is a Medical Diagnostic Test (MDT)?
The MDT is a streamlined type of medical check sometimes offered to refugees who require urgent assistance to find a temporary safe haven due to dangerous or unstable conditions in their home countries.
Purpose of the MDT
The MDT has similar goals to the IME, but is aimed at helping populations in need satisfy the medical requirements to temporarily settle in Canada safely and responsibly. The primary goals of the MDT are:
To screen for specific healthcare conditions that could otherwise pose a significant risk to others in Canada
To connect members of populations in need to the healthcare services they need upon arriving
What Does the MDT Include?
The MDT consists of:
A visual health check
A blood test
A chest X-ray (depending on the applicant’s age)
Who Is the MDT For?
Currently, the MDT is available to Ukrainians who are applying to enter Canada through the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program. Ukrainians who come to Canada under this program must complete an MDT within 90 days of their arrival, while Ukrainians who apply through different programs must still complete an IME.
Preparing for Your MDT
To prepare for your MDT, you should:
Bring at least one piece of government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license)
Bring all letters you have received from the IRCC to your appointment with a Panel Phyisican
Do I Need an IME or an MDT?
To help you determine what type of exam you need more easily, we’ve created a quick flowchart. See it in English and Ukrainian below to get a clear idea of how to proceed:
Frequently Asked Questions About IMEs vs. MDTs
How Long Do The IME & MDT Exams Take?
An MDT generally takes anywhere from 1-2 hours. The IME, given its comprehensive nature, can take longer. However, it usually gets completed in a single visit, unless additional tests or consultations are required.
How Long Are the Results of an IME or MDT Valid For?
The results of both the MDT and IME are typically valid for up to one year. However, when you book your exam with Panel Physician, we use eMedical to send the results to IRCC directly within 5 days of your visit, so you’ll never need to worry about forgetting to submit them as part of your application.
What If My MDT Results Indicate a Health Issue?
If your MDT results indicate a health issue, we recommend seeking appropriate medical care. While the MDT is designed to help refugees in need meet the medical requirements to find temporary safe haven in Canada, addressing health issues before beginning your immigration process can still prevent potential setbacks.
What Happens If My IME Identifies a Medical Condition?
If your IME identifies a medical condition, the IRCC will make a decision based on Canadian immigration health standards once your Panel Physician has provided the report to them. Not all health conditions will make you inadmissible to Canada, so completing your IME in a timely manner and submitting a complete application is still the best way to come to Canada.
Can I Bring a Family Member or An Interpreter to My Exam?
Yes, you can bring someone with you to your appointment. If you do not understand English or French well, it may be helpful to bring an interpreter so that you can understand each procedure and any concerns your Panel Physician may have.
Can I Use My Personal Doctor to Conduct the IME or MDT?
No. The IME or MDT must be conducted by a panel physician who is approved by IRCC. Only examinations performed by approved panel physicians will be accepted.
Scheduling the Right Exam At the Right Time
Moving to a new country can be a daunting process, but understanding the requirements helps make the transition as smooth as possible. Both the MDT and IME are critical for safeguarding not only the health of potential immigrants but also that of the Canadian population. Knowing which one you’ll need and booking it at the right time are key steps towards successfully resettling in Canada.
If you're a Ukrainian refugee under the CUAET program, keep in mind that your unique circumstances will also be considered during the immigration process. The Canadian government recognizes the urgent nature of your situation and has provisions in place to ensure your health does not become a barrier to your safe resettlement.
Both MDTs and IMEs are conducted with your well-being in mind. They not only help ensure that you are healthy enough to make the journey to your new home but also that you can enjoy a healthy and productive life once you arrive. To book the medical exam you’ll need to complete your application, reach out to Panel Physician. We’re ready to perform an accurate exam and submit the results to the IRCC on your behalf, making your journey towards a new life in Canada as smooth and hassle-free as possible.