Canada Immigration Medical Exam (IME) 2026 — Full Guide
The Canadian Immigration Medical Exam (IME) is a required step for PR applications + many other immigration pathways. Conducted only by IRCC-designated panel physicians, with specific tests + a 12-month validity. This page covers the full IME process, what's tested, where to go, and Upfront Medical Exam strategy.
Who needs a medical exam
- All PR applicants + accompanying family members
- Work permit applicants in healthcare, childcare, education, or staying 6+ months from designated countries
- Study permit applicants in some healthcare/childcare programs, or from designated countries
- Visitor visa applicants staying 6+ months from designated countries
- Refugee claimants (after eligibility determined)
What the exam covers
Panel physician conducts:
- Physical examination — height, weight, blood pressure, general physical, vision, hearing
- Medical history review — past illnesses, surgeries, medications, mental health, family history
- Chest X-ray — TB screening (waived for children under 11, pregnant women in some cases)
- Blood tests — HIV (in some cases), syphilis (in some cases)
- Urine analysis — kidney function, drug detection in some cases
- Mental health assessment — basic screening; specialized review if concerns
Panel physicians (where to go)
Only IRCC-designated panel physicians can conduct IMEs. Find list at canada.ca/medical — search by country + city. Considerations:
- Major immigration countries (India, Philippines, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, etc.) have many panel physicians
- Smaller countries may have only 1-2 designated panel physicians
- In Canada, panel physicians available in all major cities
- For remote applicants, travel to nearest panel physician city required
What to bring to exam
- Passport (current + valid)
- IRCC Medical Report (IMM 1017) if provided by IRCC
- 4 passport-sized photos
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if you wear them)
- Medical history records, current prescriptions, list of medications
- Specialist reports for any ongoing medical conditions
- Payment for exam (panel physician usually accepts cash, debit, credit)
The Upfront Medical Exam (UMP) — strategic timing
For Express Entry, PNP, and some other pathways, you can complete medical BEFORE IRCC requests it:
- Visit panel physician early in your process
- Tell physician this is "Upfront Medical Exam" for Canadian immigration
- Physician uploads results to eMedical (IRCC system) within 7-10 days
- You receive Upfront Medical Form + IMM 1017 reference number
- Reference these in your IRCC application — IRCC sees medical is already complete
Benefits: faster processing (no waiting for IRCC to request medical), pre-emptive medical clearance, ability to address any concerns before submission.
Cost (varies widely)
| Country (representative) | Approx Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| India | $150-$300 |
| Philippines | $200-$350 |
| Pakistan | $150-$250 |
| UAE | $300-$500 |
| USA | $300-$500 |
| UK | $400-$700 |
| Canada (in Canada) | $200-$400 |
| Nigeria | $200-$300 |
Children may have reduced rates. Tests sometimes priced separately from the exam itself.
What happens after the exam
- Panel physician uploads results to eMedical → IRCC
- IRCC medical officer reviews
- If clear: medical is accepted; no further action
- If concerns: IRCC may request additional tests or specialist evaluations
- If excessive demand concerns: IRCC sends Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) — see Medical Inadmissibility
Common medical exam mistakes
- Going to non-panel physician — exam not valid; need to redo
- Hiding medical conditions or medications — misrepresentation = 5-year ban
- Letting medical expire (older than 12 months at decision date) — need redo
- Not bringing eyeglasses to exam if you wear them
- Not declaring ongoing medications + specialist care
FAQ
When do I need a medical exam?
Medical exam required for: PR applications (all categories), most work permits if working in healthcare or with children, study permits in some cases, visitor visas in limited cases (stays 6+ months from designated countries). Required by IRCC upon request — they'll send Medical Instructions when needed.
Where do I take the medical exam?
Only at IRCC-designated PANEL PHYSICIANS. Regular doctors don't qualify. Panel physicians are specifically designated by IRCC. Find list at canada.ca/medical (Find a panel physician). 100+ countries have designated panel physicians; some countries have only 1-2 cities with options.
How long is the medical exam valid?
12 months from the date of exam. If your PR application takes longer than 12 months (common), IRCC may request new medical. Plan timing to align with expected decision date.
What does the exam cost?
Cost varies widely by country + panel physician: CAD $100-$400+ for the medical exam itself, plus tests (chest X-ray, blood, urine analysis). Total often CAD $200-$500 per person. Children + dependents pay separately. Pay panel physician directly; not part of IRCC application fee.
What's an Upfront Medical Exam (UMP)?
For Express Entry + some other pathways, you can complete the medical exam BEFORE submitting your application — at the time of profile creation or ITA. This speeds processing. The panel physician provides an Upfront Medical Form (eMedical) that you reference in your application.
Medical exam timing + strategy — book your free review
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) advises on UMP timing, panel physician choice, and medical inadmissibility mitigation. Free 15-min review.
Free Medical Exam Review →Related: Medical inadmissibility · Biometrics 2026 · Express Entry