Getting an Immigration Medical Exam in Scarborough: Who, When & Why

Doctor doing a dental exam on a man

Summary of Key Points:

  • Completing your mandatory Immigration Medical Exam (or IME) is crucial to the immigration process in Canada.

  • The IME screens incoming immigrants for significant health issues or conditions and is conducted by a Panel Physician. The exam consists of a physical exam, chest X-rays and blood and urine tests.

  • There are a number of support groups and resources available to immigrants in Scarborough. You can find support through a quick online search or through a personal referral.

  • The Panel Physician clinic in Scarborough offers medical support to a number of immigrant communities and includes same-day exam appointments in one location, fast medical report submissions and a friendly, multilingual staff.


Getting an Immigration Medical Exam in Scarborough: Who, When & Why

One of the most important parts of the immigration process in Canada is completing your Immigration Medical Exam, also called an IME. This exam screens newcomers to Canada for any significant health issues or conditions that may pose a risk to current Canadian residents. An IME is conducted by an approved physician, like our Panel Physicians in Scarborough. Our team breaks down the process of the IME and why it’s important to newcomers to Canada.

What Does The Immigration Medical Exam Entail?

An IME is mandatory for almost all prospective immigrants, whether you’re becoming a permanent resident, student or simply a visitor to Canada, and it’s best to get examined as soon as you receive directions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Not only will an IME help expedite your application, but it ensures immigrants are meeting health requirements set by IRCC. All of our Panel Physicians are authorized by the IRCC and continually update their medical skills as members of the International Panel Physicians Association.

When you visit our Scarborough clinic, you’ll complete the full IME exam on the same day. During your exam, you can expect a general physical examination, a chest x-ray and blood/urine samples to be drawn. These tests will be able to provide a Panel Physician with information regarding any communicable diseases, significant mental health disorders and other health conditions that require ongoing care.

When you arrive at your appointment, please inform your Panel Physician of any previously diagnosed conditions like:

  • Pregnancy

  • Developmental disorders or mental illnesses

  • HIV/AIDs or other sexually transmitted infections

  • Tuberculosis

  • Cardiovascular or respiratory diseases

  • Chronic disorders (chronic joint pain, etc.)

  • Past operations or treatments

  • A history of blackouts, seizures/epilepsy, etc.

  • Diabetes

  • A history of alcohol or drug abuse

By disclosing this information ahead of time, your application can be processed faster and will prevent any unnecessary delays. 

Learn More:What Tests Are in An Immigration Medical Exam?

Immigrants standing together for a group photo

Immigration Resources in Scarborough

Scarborough is a diverse and vibrant immigrant community and home to many prominent immigrant groups from Bangladesh, China, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and various African nations.

Beyond your Immigration Medical Exam, there are a number of ways to get immigration support in Scarborough. Immigration groups and organizations are crucial for immigrant orientation, community building and advocacy—whether it’s job assistance, language courses and more. We highly recommend using these official government resources to find support:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): The official government website provides lists of authorized organizations and available resources.

Provincial and municipal websites: Explore regional government websites for localized services and organizations.

You can also do a general online search or use a personal referral to find the group you need. A few notable organizations include COSTI Immigrant Services and Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS).

Learn More: A Guide to Finding Immigrant Organizations in Canada

Trust Panel Physician Scarborough With Your Medical Needs

By completing your Immigration Medical Exam, you’re not only screening your own health and helping to protect the Canadian general public, but also expediting your application to become a permanent resident, student, or visitor in one of Scarborough’s newcomer communities.

We know that the immigration process can be stressful, that’s why we offer all of this and more at our Scarborough clinic:

  • Same-day appointments

  • Ability to complete the entire medical exam in one location

  • Medical reports submitted fast and directly to IRCC via eMedical

  • Multilingual and friendly staff and physicians

To schedule your IME, book an appointment with a Panel Physician at our Scarborough location. You can also check out our Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Scarborough Location

Where is the Scarborough Office Located?

The Panel Physician Scarborough clinic is located in the shopping plaza at the southwest corner of Sheppard & Birchmount, above the Rexall pharmacy. Parking is free at the clinic. There’s a Tim Horton’s just across the street and Inglewood Heights Park only a few blocks away, offering you plenty to do before or after your appointment.

Here’s the physical address:

3609 Sheppard Ave E, Unit 202, Scarborough, ON M1T 3K8

When is the Scarborough Office Open?

The Scarborough office is open Monday through Sunday 7am to 9pm.

How Do I Book an Appointment?

You can book an appointment online through the Panel Physician website or contact the physician's office directly at
(416) 240-6179.

What Should I Bring to My Appointment?

Bring your passport, any previous medical records, glasses or contact lenses if you wear them and a list of any medications you are currently taking.

What to Expect Upon Arrival at My Appointment?

Here is what you can expect at your appointment with Panel Physician:

  • Your photo will be taken in the clinic.

  • Your immigration medical exam will be completed the same day. This includes x-ray and blood/urine tests, if required, depending on your age.

  • Please drink water prior to your appointment, since you will need to drop off a urine sample if you are 5 years of age and older. Menstruation will not affect your exam.

  • You can eat before your appointment. You do not need to fast.

  • We use eMedical to send your reports directly and promptly to IRCC within 5-10 days. At the end of your appointment, you will be given an information sheet, which has your photo and case number. You can use this for tracking your file.

How Much Does an Immigration Medical Exam Cost?

Here’s a quick breakdown of price by age group and time of week.

Can I Order a Copy of My Completed Report?

Yes, you can order a copy of your report here.

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