What Is An IRCC Authorized Panel Physician? 8 Common Questions Answered
Summary of Key Points:
Panel physicians conduct immigration medical exams (IMEs) for most applicants to immigrate to Canada—including permanent residents, students, temporary workers, and some visitors.
Panel physicians must be approved by the Government of Canada. Your family doctor cannot perform a valid IME for you.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is the government agency that manages Canada’s immigration system. If you are applying for immigration to Canada, the IRCC will make the decision on your application.
Panel physicians conduct IMEs and send the results to the IRCC for evaluation. Your panel physicians will not make the decision about your application, but it is essential that you prepare for your IME so they can provide the IRCC with accurate information. This will help avoid delays in your application.
Panel Physician offers safe, accurate IMEs at five clean locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Contact us for help booking your IME so your application can continue to the next phase.
What Is An IRCC Authorized Panel Physician? 8 Common Questions Answered
Immigrating to Canada is complex and involves many different players, including government agencies, legal professionals, and medical professionals. Government-approved panel physicians play a vital role in this process, conducting medical examinations for most applicants.
Panel Physician conducts immigration medical exams for countless individuals at five locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. We’re happy to share our firsthand experience of this work with you, so that you know what to expect when it’s time to see us. Below, we will explain what our panel physicians do, what the IRCC is, and how we work with them to help Canada's immigration system run smoothly.
What Is a Panel Physician?
A panel physician is a doctor who has been approved by the Government of Canada to conduct medical examinations for individuals who are applying for immigration to Canada. These exams are called Immigration Medical Exams (or IMEs).
It is important to note that IMEs are required for most people applying to come to Canada as permanent residents, as well as many students, temporary workers, and visitors.
It is also critical to understand that only a government-approved Panel Physician can legally perform your IME—you cannot have it done by your family doctor.
Our panel physicians are responsible for conducting a range of medical tests and exams required as part of the immigration process. These exams may include tests for communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, as well as other medical tests that are required to ensure that you are in good health and able to adjust to life in Canada.
What Is the IRCC?
The IRCC stands for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This is the government agency that is responsible for managing Canada's immigration system.
The IRCC is responsible for
Processing applications for immigration
Granting permanent resident status
Helping individuals who are seeking asylum in Canada
Processing applications for citizenship
Issuing travel documents (such as passports)
What Is The CIC?
The CIC, or Citizenship and Immigration Canada, was the former name of the department now known as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In 2015, it was restructured and renamed to IRCC to better reflect its responsibilities which include handling refugee cases along with immigration and citizenship services.
This change aimed to enhance the services provided and improve the processing of applications. Although the name has changed, the core functions of the department remain largely the same, focusing on the smooth processing of immigration, offering refugee protection when needed, and managing the way citizenship and permanent residence are granted.
How Do Panel Physicians Work with the IRCC?
IRCC relies on panel physicians to conduct IMEs when they are required as part of the immigration process. Upon applying for immigration to Canada, you will likely be required to undergo an IME. IRCC will notify you of this, then provide you with a list of panel physicians located near your home. Your next step will be to schedule an appointment with one of these physicians and attend your IME.
See Also: How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Where Can I Find the IRCC Panel Physicians List?
You can locate a government-approved panel physician near you by visiting the official IRCC website. There, you will find a search tool that allows you to search for panel physicians by country, city, or postal code. This tool provides up-to-date information on authorized physicians around the world.
Remember, it is crucial to choose a panel physician from this list, as only those listed are authorized to conduct the required Immigration Medical Exams (IMEs) for your application.
Our panel physicians are included on this list—you can also book your IME directly with us now.
What Steps Do Panel Physicians Take During IMEs?
When you go for your IME, you’ll be asked for a valid form of ID and to complete a short questionnaire about your medical history. You should bring any medications you currently take, as well as any medical notes you have about your health history from previous care providers.
The panel physician will then conduct the necessary medical tests and exams. These include:
A non-invasive physical examination: during this process, key data will be collected on your weight, height, hearing, vision, and blood pressure. The panel physician will also measure your abdomen, limb movement, the condition of your skin, and the sound of your heart and lungs. They will not examine your genitals or rectal area.
An examination of your mental status: this may be required for applicants over 75 or with specific medical conditions. It is not an IQ test and requires no preparation.
Chest x-rays: these are required for applicants over 11 years old. Most of our locations offer on-site x-ray services.
Urinalysis: this test is required for applicants over 5 years old.
Creatinine testing: this is required for applicants over 15 years old or who have pre-existing kidney disease
Testing for syphilis: this is required for applicants over 15 years old.
Testing for HIV: this is required for applicants over 15 years old.
How Do Panel Physicians Report Exam Results to the IRCC?
Once the tests are completed, your panel physician will provide a report to the IRCC detailing the results. We use a program called eMedical to submit your results to the IRCC directly within 5-10 days after your exam has been completed.
IRCC will then use this information as part of your overall immigration assessment. You may be asked to undergo further medical examinations.
Do Panel Physicians Make Decisions about Immigration Applications?
No. Your panel physician's role is limited to conducting your IME and providing the report to IRCC. We do not make any decisions about your application for immigration. That determination is made by IRCC, based on the results of your IME and the other information you provide as part of your immigration application.
Finding a Panel Physician for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Our government-approved panel physicians play a necessary role in your immigration journey to Canada. By conducting your IMEs in clean facilities and reporting accurate results to the IRCC, we ensure that your application is complete and that the correct decisions can be made, saving time and avoiding unnecessary challenges or delays.
For more information on booking your IME, contact Panel Physician and speak to a member of our team. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you with the next step in the process.