The Immigration Medical Exam: When It Is Required and When It Is Not
Most permanent residence applicants need an immigration medical exam, and some temporary applicants do too. How it works and how exemptions are handled.
Who needs one
Permanent residence applicants and their family members generally need an immigration medical exam. Some temporary residents do as well, depending on how long they plan to stay and where they have recently lived. Requirements can vary, so check your own situation.
The exam exists to assess whether a person’s health condition might endanger public health or safety, or place excessive demand on health or social services. Most applicants pass without difficulty.
A scenario worth walking through
A hypothetical applicant in the US is told she needs an immigration medical exam. She first goes to her regular family doctor, who is not on the panel list, and the results cannot be used. She then finds a panel physician, books an appointment, and brings her identification and any required records.
The physician sends the results directly to IRCC, so she does not carry sealed paperwork herself. Because she did the exam in good time, her results are still valid when her application is processed. A small mistake in choosing the doctor cost her a few weeks, which is a common and avoidable delay.
How the exam works
- It must be done by a physician on IRCC’s panel list.
- The physician submits results to IRCC directly.
- IRCC says results are generally good for 12 months; for students and workers, the letter of introduction shows the expiry date.
- An unfavourable finding does not automatically mean refusal, but you may be asked for more information.
Exemptions and in-Canada applicants
IRCC has a temporary public policy that exempts some people already living in Canada from a new exam: those who applied for permanent or temporary residence, completed a previous exam within the last five years, and whose earlier exam showed low or no risk to public health or public safety. They give the earlier exam number with their application. People outside Canada need a new exam.
For US applicants applying from the United States, the exam is done by a panel physician in the US. Using a doctor who is not on the panel list will not satisfy the requirement, regardless of how thorough the exam is.
Practical tips
- Book with a panel physician early, as appointment availability varies
- Bring identification and any records the physician asks for
- Keep proof of the exam and note its validity period
- Do not wait until the last moment, since results expire
How to prepare over the next 30 days
- Confirm whether you and your family members need the exam
- Find a panel physician in your area on the IRCC list
- Book early and bring your identification and any requested records
- Note the validity period of the results and plan your application around it
- Ask whether you may be exempt if you are applying from inside Canada
Quick answers
- Who can do the exam? Only a panel physician authorised by IRCC. You generally cannot use your family doctor unless they are on the panel list.
- How long are the results valid? IRCC says immigration medical exam results are generally good for 12 months, and a letter of introduction shows the expiry date for students and workers.
- Can people already in Canada skip a new exam? Some can. A temporary public policy exempts certain people living in Canada who completed an exam in the previous five years that showed low or no risk, and they provide the previous exam number. People outside Canada need a new exam.
Further guidance
For more background, see sponsorship services and moving to Canada with family.
Before you decide
Use a panel physician, book early, and watch the validity period of the results. The medical exam guide has more detail, and a free assessment will tell you whether you need one at all.
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