Anyone applying for permanent residence, temporary residence (work or study permit), or certain visas to Canada may be required to undergo a medical exam. The purpose of this examination is to ensure that applicants do not pose a risk to public health and safety and will not place an excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system.
1. Who Needs a Medical Exam?
Permanent Residence Applicants
All applicants for permanent residence and their dependents must undergo a medical exam, including spouses and children.
Temporary Residents (Work or Study Permit Applicants)
A medical exam is required if the applicant:
Works in healthcare, childcare, or primary/secondary education
Will be staying in Canada for more than six months and has lived in a country with a high risk of tuberculosis in the past year
Plans to work in agriculture and has lived in certain countries with a high health risk
Visitors
Medical exams may be required for visitors staying more than six months, depending on the applicant’s country of residence and health conditions.
2. When and How to Get a Medical Exam?
Upfront Medical Exam
Some applicants (especially Express Entry candidates) can get a medical exam before submitting their application. This is called an upfront medical exam and helps speed up processing times.
After Receiving Instructions
If not done upfront, applicants will receive a Medical Examination Instructions letter from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The letter will specify the deadline for completing the exam.
3. Where to Get a Medical Exam?
Medical exams must be conducted by a panel physician approved by IRCC. Regular family doctors cannot perform this exam unless they are part of IRCC’s list of approved panel physicians.
To find a panel physician:
Visit the official IRCC website
Select your country to see a list of approved doctors
Book an appointment with a panel physician closest to you
4. What to Bring to the Medical Exam
A valid passport or ID
The Medical Examination Instructions letter (if applicable)
Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
Medical history records (any existing medical conditions)
A list of current medications
4 passport-sized photographs (if required)
5. What Happens During the Medical Exam?
The medical exam includes:
Physical Examination – Checking heart, lungs, vision, hearing, and general physical health
Chest X-ray – Screening for tuberculosis (not required for pregnant women)
Blood Tests – Checking for infectious diseases like syphilis and HIV
Urine Test – Screening for kidney issues or infections
Additional Tests – If a pre-existing condition is found, additional testing or specialist visits may be required
6. Medical Exam Fees
Applicants must pay for their own medical exam, and fees vary by country and clinic. The costs typically range from $150 to $350 CAD, depending on the tests required.
7. What Happens After the Medical Exam?
The panel physician sends the results directly to IRCC. Applicants do not need to submit medical reports themselves unless requested.
If no health issues are found, the immigration process continues. However, if concerns arise, IRCC may request:
Further testing or specialist evaluations
A Medical Inadmissibility Review (for serious health conditions)
8. Medical Inadmissibility to Canada
Applicants may be deemed medically inadmissible if they:
Have a contagious disease that poses a public health risk (e.g., untreated tuberculosis)
Require excessive healthcare services that could burden the Canadian healthcare system
Have a condition that could pose a danger to public safety
In some cases, applicants can submit a mitigation plan proving they will not be a burden on healthcare services.