IRCC Medical Exam — Panel Physician Requirements
Required health examination by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician for most temporary residents staying over 6 months and all permanent residence applicants. Tests for tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV (PR only), and general fitness. Cost: paid directly to Panel Physician, varies by country.
What is the IRCC medical exam?
The Immigration Medical Examination (IME) is a health screening required by IRCC for most immigration applications. The examination is conducted by a Panel Physician — a doctor authorized by IRCC. Self-arranged examinations by your regular doctor are not accepted.
Who must take the IME
- All permanent residence applicants and accompanying family members
- Temporary residents (visitor, study, work permit holders) staying in Canada over 6 months AND coming from a country with elevated TB risk
- Temporary residents working in occupations requiring close contact with people (healthcare, childcare, eldercare, etc.) regardless of country
- Refugee claimants
What the IME tests for
- Tuberculosis (TB) — chest X-ray + symptom screen
- Syphilis — blood test (applicants 15+)
- HIV — blood test (PR applicants 15+ only; not TR)
- General medical history + physical examination
- Mental health assessment
- Vision and hearing screen
- Urinalysis
How the IME process works
- IRCC sends you instructions (or you can do an "upfront medical" before applying)
- Locate an authorized Panel Physician via the IRCC eMedical list
- Schedule the exam — bring passport, photos, glasses if you wear them, list of medications
- Panel Physician conducts exam + tests
- Panel Physician submits results directly to IRCC via eMedical (you typically don't see the results)
- IRCC's medical officer reviews and renders an opinion
Cost
Paid directly to the Panel Physician. Varies by country:
- Pakistan / India: ~PKR 15,000-25,000 / INR 5,000-10,000
- UAE: ~AED 800-1,500
- Philippines: ~PHP 6,000-10,000
- Canada (in-Canada applicants): ~CAD 200-450
Validity
IME results are valid for 12 months from the date of the exam. If processing exceeds 12 months, you may be asked to redo the exam.
Possible outcomes
- Pass — no medical inadmissibility: most common outcome
- Pass with conditions (e.g. ongoing TB treatment to monitor)
- Refer to IRCC medical officer for further review — may trigger Procedural Fairness Letter under IRPA s.38
- Fail — medical inadmissibility under IRPA s.38 — only after a PFL response process
See IRPA s.38 for details on medical inadmissibility.
Not sure how Medical Exam applies to your file?
Halani Immigration Services Inc. — Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB R711322). Free eligibility assessment, no obligation.
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