Overview
Immigration medical examinations
Permanent residence applicants and their family members normally need immigration medical examinations. Only an IRCC panel physician can perform the exam, and IRCC—not the doctor—decides medical admissibility.
Family members are examined too
A spouse, partner or dependent child may need an exam even when not accompanying the principal applicant. Failure to complete required examination can affect the application and future sponsorship.
Temporary residents need an exam in specified situations, including certain countries of residence or work in public-health-sensitive jobs.
Timing depends on the application
Express Entry applicants currently complete an upfront exam after invitation. Other PR applicants generally wait for IRCC’s instructions and then have 30 days to comply.
Book only with a physician on IRCC’s panel list. A family doctor cannot substitute unless also designated.
Some in-Canada applicants can reuse a prior exam
A temporary public policy extended to October 5, 2029 may exempt certain applicants already living in Canada who completed a low- or no-risk exam within the previous five years.
Provide the earlier IME or unique medical identifier. IRCC will send new instructions if it cannot reuse the result.
Bring medical records and follow-up promptly
Take identity, medication lists and relevant reports. The panel physician may order tests or specialist information but does not make the immigration decision.
IRCC assesses public-health danger, public-safety danger and, where applicable, excessive demand. A fairness process may follow before an adverse decision.
When to get legal advice
Obtain advice if IRCC raises medical inadmissibility.
Medical fairness responses can require specialist evidence, cost analysis and an individualized mitigation plan. Work backward from the response deadline rather than waiting for the final days.
IRCC sends a medical procedural-fairness letter
A family member cannot complete the exam
The condition may involve public safety or excessive demand
Medical information in the file is inaccurate or incomplete
A focused question may only need 15 minutes.
Use the time to identify the issue, any immediate risk and the next sensible step. If the matter needs more work, the lawyer can explain the proposed scope before you decide whether to proceed.
Read what an immigration lawyer can do and how an immigration law firm may handle further work.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about immigration medical examinations
Can my own doctor do the immigration medical exam?
Only if the doctor is also on IRCC’s panel-physician list.
Do non-accompanying family members need a medical exam?
They normally do, unless IRCC provides an exemption.
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