Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration Medical Exams in Canada
Summary of Key Points:
Most newcomers to Canada need to undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME), which helps determine a portion of their eligibility and identify any conditions that might pose a danger to the Canadian public, including infectious diseases.
Only a Panel Physician approved by the Government of Canada can legally conduct your IME. Your family doctor cannot conduct an IME on your behalf.
Bring a piece of Government-issued photo ID to your appointment, along with any corrective lenses you need to see clearly, any medications you’re currently taking, and a list of medical reports and test results for previous or current conditions.
The IME takes 30 minutes to 2 hours for most cases. It involves a non-invasive physical checkup, a mental examination (not an IQ test), and additional tests like chest X-rays or specific laboratory tests for applicants above a certain age.
IME results are valid for 12 months after the exam date. We submit your results to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada directly within 5-10 business days. You can also order a copy of your results for a small fee.
If you miss your IME appointment, be sure to reschedule it as soon as possible. This will help avoid delays in processing your application.
The Immigration Medical Exam (IME) will likely be a necessary step in your journey to Canadian permanent residency—but when should you take this exam, who can conduct it, what will you need to prepare beforehand, and how much does it all cost? Don’t worry; Panel Physician is here to help you find the answers to these questions and many others.
Our Immigration Medical Exams have helped many prospective permanent residents submit complete applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada—so we know all about the steps involved. Read on for a list of answers to the questions we get most often so that you can prepare yourself for your IME ahead of time.
What Is An Immigration Medical Exam?
An Immigration Medical Exam (IME) is a medical assessment required by Canadian immigration authorities for most individuals who apply to come to Canada for six months or more. The IME has three purposes:
To assess the applicant’s health status
To determine whether they have any medical conditions that may pose a risk to public health or safety
To determine whether they have any medical conditions that might place excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare or social services
Who Needs to Undergo An Immigration Medical Exam?
Most individuals applying for Canadian permanent residency will need to undergo an Immigration Medical Exam—along with many who plan to visit, study, or work in Canada for more than six months.
You might not need to get an IME if you are coming to Canada for less than six months, traveling through Canada on your way to another country, or coming to Canada as a diplomat, a consular officer, or an official representative of a different country.
Who Can Conduct My Immigration Medical Exam?
Immigration Medical Exams can only be performed by a designated Panel Physician who has been approved by the Government of Canada. They cannot be performed by your family doctor. Book your IME with an approved Panel Physician here.
What Should I Bring to my Immigration Medical Exam?
You should bring:
At least one (1) piece of government-issued photo ID with your signature (like a passport or national identity card)
Any glasses, contacts, or other corrective lenses you need to see clearly
A list of all medications you are currently taking
All medical reports and test results for your current and previous conditions
How Much Does an Immigration Medical Exam Cost?
The cost of your IME will vary depending on where you book it, your age, and the day of the week for which your appointment is scheduled. Our prices are as follows:
| Age 0–14 | Age 15–59 | Age 60–74 | Age 75+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | $140 | $160 | $200 | $220 |
| Weekends & Holidays | $160 | $180 | $220 | $220 |
What Tests and Procedures Are Included in An Immigration Medical Exam?
Each IME includes the following steps:
Physical Checkup
This portion of the IME includes noninvasive tests or measurements for the following:
Height and weight
Vision and hearing
Heart rate and blood pressure
Heart and lungs
Abdominal condition (by pressing gently on the abdomen to check certain organs)
Limb movement
Skin condition
Mental Examination
This phase of the IME involves a brief check of your mental fitness. This is not an IQ test. It’s purpose is to look for signs of psychiatric conditions that could pose a danger to you or others after entering the country.
Additional Tests
Most IMEs also require chest X-rays and several lab tests. These include:
Urinalysis: for individuals older than 5
Syphilis: for individuals older than 15
HIV: for individuals older than 15
Creatinine: for individuals older than 15
How Long Does An Immigration Medical Exam Take?
Your IME will most likely take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on what additional tests are needed. This does not include the time required for tests that must be performed separately (such as chest X-rays)—however, note that we can perform chest X-rays at most of our locations in the GTA, making this part of the process faster and easier.
Can I Get a Copy of My Immigration Medical Exam Results?
Yes—you can request a copy of your immigration medical exam results from your Panel Physician after the exam. You will have to pay a small fee to obtain a copy of your IME results. Order a copy of your report here.
How Long are Immigration Medical Exam Results Valid For?
The results of your IME will remain valid for 12 months after the date of your exam. Booking your exam with Panel Physician ensures that your results will be submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada while they are still valid, since we use eMedical to file all results directly within 5-10 business days.
What Happens if I Miss My Immigration Medical Exam Appointment?
If you miss your scheduled IME appointment, you may be able to reschedule. However, you should contact your Panel Physician as soon as possible to avoid any delays in processing your application.
Can I Have a Chaperone During My Immigration Medical Exam?
Yes—a chaperone is permitted for the entirety of the exam and you may bring your own chaperone if you wish. One of our staff members will be happy to be present during your exam when you book with us to help ensure your comfort throughout the process.
What Should I Do After My Immigration Medical Exam?
Once your IME has been completed and submitted, you will need to submit all other required portions of your application to immigrate to Canada and wait for a decision. During this time, make sure to follow any guidelines or restrictions provided by your Panel Physician.
You should also respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the Government of Canada while your application is being processed. If you have any concerns or questions about the status of your application or the processing of your IME results, contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or your Panel Physician for further guidance.
Prepare Properly for Your Upcoming Immigration Medical Exam
The more you know about the Immigration Medical Exam, the easier it will be to schedule yours and make sure you’re ready for your appointment. Use the information above to prepare for your IME, then reach out to Panel Physician when you’re ready to book or to have additional questions answered by an expert.
