Summary
- Many people who apply to move to Canada must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) performed by an approved panel physician.
- Each IME involves a physical exam. There may also be a chest X-ray, lab tests for blood and urine, and a questionnaire about your family medical history or current medications.
- You typically need to get an IME if you are applying for permanent residency, staying in the country for longer than 6 months, or working in a sensitive sector where you could have a greater-than average impact on public healthcare.
- Most people who need an IME have two options: you may either wait for IRCC instructions or take the exam early to save time. This is called an upfront medical exam.
- Visit panelphysician.ca to connect with trusted IRCC-approved doctors in Toronto, Brampton, North York, Scarborough, and Oakville.
How to Complete Your Immigration Medical Exam for Canada
If you want to move to Canada, you will probably need to take a medical exam called the Immigration Medical Exam (IME). This exam is required for many immigration applications—including Express Entry, work permits, and permanent residency.
However, you should not be worried. The exam is not difficult! In this article, we will explain what the IME is, why you may need it, and how to find a doctor who can perform it correctly.
What Is the Immigration Medical Exam?
The IME is a specific kind of health checkup that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) often requires for newcomers to Canada. It helps the government reduce the risk new immigrants could potentially pose to public health or safety after entering the country, as well as any unreasonable strain they might put on the national healthcare system.
Specific doctors are the only ones who can do this exam. These doctors are called panel physicians. That means you cannot go to your family doctor to get an IME.
What Tests Do IMEs Normally Include?
An Immigration Medical Exam exam may include the following:
- A physical checkup (standard)
- Blood tests (for children over 15 years old)
- A chest X-ray (for children over the age of 11)
- Questions about your health history (standard)
The physical component of your exam is non-invasive. This means your panel physician will not put anything inside your body. However, they may collect information about your height and weight, hearing and vision, and blood pressure. They might also measure your stomach, look at the way you move your limbs, check the condition of your skin, and use a stethoscope to examine your heart and lungs.
Who Needs the IME?
You will most likely need to take an Immigration Medical Exam if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- Applying for permanent residency (PR)
- Planning to stay in Canada for 6 months or longer
- Planning to work in a sector where protecting public health is especially important—like healthcare, childcare, or farming
Setting Up Your IME
There are two different routes to getting an IME.
You might receive a letter from IRCC after entering the country. This letter will have instructions on how to book your exam, along with a date by which you must book it.
You may also choose to take the exam earlier (this is called an upfront medical exam). You should do this before submitting your immigration application—especially if you are applying through Express Entry or applying for a work or study permit. This can help speed up the time it takes to process your application.
Where to Get Your IME
You can get your IME at any clinic that performs them, as long as they use an approved panel physician who works with the IRCC. One easy solution if you live in the Greater Toronto Area is to visit panelphysician.ca. They operate approved clinics in the following communities:
- Toronto
- Brampton
- North York
- Scarborough
- Oakville
These clinics routinely perform immigration exams for newcomers to the country, and they can do lab tests at most locations if they are required. They can also send your results directly to IRCC through a secure online system, and they can often take same-day appointments.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
When you go to your IME, make sure to take along:
- Your passport or a form of government-issued photo ID
- Any instructions you may have received from the IRCC
- Glasses or contact lenses (if you wear them)
- A list of the medications you take and any health problems you have
During your exam, make sure you follow the instructions you get from clinic staff. They will show you what to do.
After the Exam
This part is easy! Your panel physician will send your medical report directly to IRCC. You won’t need to send in anything yourself.
IRCC will then review your exam and make a decision about whether you meet their criteria. The clinic where you got your exam cannot influence your results. Only IRCC can make a decision about whether your application moves forward.
Final Tips for Prospective Newcomers
The IME is an important part of the Canadian immigration process. Being prepared and choosing the right clinic will help make your journey easier and faster. To find a trusted panel physician near you, visit Panel Physician Toronto. They can help you book your exam and answer any questions you may have.
