Canadian Immigration Resources

If you’re applying for a Canadian work permit or a post-graduate work permit (PGWP), you might be wondering whether an immigration medical exam is required. The answer depends on your job type, your intended length of stay, and whether you’ve recently lived in a country with higher rates of certain infectious diseases.

In this post, the team at GTA Immigration Physicians walks you through:

• Which work permit applicants need a medical exam

• What IRCC considers “high-risk” sectors

• Specific rules for post-graduate work permit holders

• What to expect during the exam

• How to book your appointment quickly in Toronto or the GTA

Why Does IRCC Require a Medical Exam for Some Work Permit Applicants?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires medical exams to help protect the health and safety of people living in Canada — especially in environments like hospitals, schools, and care homes. These are known as public health sensitive occupations.

A panel physician, such as those at GTA Immigration Physicians, ensures applicants are screened for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis, which could pose a risk in settings with vulnerable populations.

Who Needs a Medical Exam for a Canadian Work Permit?

You will likely need an IRCC immigration medical exam if:

• You plan to work in healthcare, childcare, or education

• You will be in Canada for six months or more

• You’ve lived or stayed for six or more consecutive months in a country identified by IRCC as having a higher risk of certain diseases within the past year

Important: Even if your work permit is for less than six months, you will likely still need a medical exam if you’re working in a public health–sensitive occupation. However, it is always best to check directly with IRCC or consult your immigration representative to confirm your specific requirements.

IRCC Public Health Sensitive Occupations Where You Will Very Likely Need a Medical Exam

If you're applying to work in any of the following roles, you will very likely need to complete a medical exam, even if you are from a low-risk country or your stay in Canada is short. Final determination is made by IRCC, but in most cases, applicants in these occupations are required to undergo a medical assessment:

Healthcare-related jobs

• Physicians and medical residents

• Nurses, orderlies, and nurse aides

• Clinical laboratory staff

• Medical students in training

• Caregivers or home support workers

• Dental professionals and assistants

• Physiotherapists

• Paramedics and emergency responders

Education-related jobs

• Teachers and substitute teachers

• Early childhood educators

• Teaching assistants

• School support staff

Child and elder care positions

• Nannies (Live-in caregivers)

• Personal support workers (PSWs)

• Home childcare providers

• Workers in long-term care homes or assisted living facilities

Do Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Applicants Need a Medical Exam?

Yes — if you’re applying for a PGWP and plan to work in any of the public health sensitive jobs above, you will very likely need to complete an immigration medical exam.

Even if your study program was in Canada and you’ve never left the country recently, your medical exam is still strongly recommended if you intend to work in caregiving, healthcare, teaching, or similar roles.

Many international students plan to work as nurses, early childhood educators, or in long-term care — all of which generally require clearance from an IRCC panel physician. At GTA Immigration Physicians, we regularly see PGWP applicants and help streamline the process.

When Should You Book Your Medical Exam?

You have two options:

1. Upfront Medical (before IRCC requests it)
   If you know you’ll need one (e.g. you’re working in healthcare), you can book it before IRCC sends a medical request letter.

2. After receiving a medical request from IRCC
   IRCC will give you instructions and a deadline to complete your exam.

GTA Immigration Physicians offers same-day and next-day appointments to help you meet IRCC deadlines quickly. Evening and Saturday time slots are also available.

What to Expect During Your Immigration Medical Exam

IRCC medical exams are standardized and follow clear requirements. Here’s what’s involved:

Age Group: 0–10

• Physical exam by the panel physician

Age Group: 11–14

• Physical exam

• Chest X-ray

Age Group: 15–64

• Physical exam

• Chest X-ray

• Blood test

Age Group: 65+

• Physical exam

• Chest X-ray

• Blood test

• Further tests may be required based on assessment by the panel physician

Note: No urine test or blood pressure check is required for IRCC exams (as of 2024).

At GTA Immigration Physicians, all testing is performed on-site, including chest X-rays and bloodwork — eliminating the need to visit multiple locations.

For a full breakdown of what's included, you can also review our Immigration Medical Exam Checklist.

Serving the GTA — Fast, Friendly & IRCC-Approved

Our clinic at 5 Fairview Mall Drive, Suite 405, in North York is easily accessible by TTC and has ample parking available on-site.

We proudly serve applicants from:

• Toronto

• North York

• Scarborough

• Markham

• Vaughan

• Richmond Hill

• Brampton

• Ajax

• Pickering

• Whitby

• And surrounding communities across the GTA

GTA Immigration Physicians is known for fast turnaround, professional service, and helpful staff. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can also book online in under 2 minutes.

Common Questions We Hear from Work Permit Applicants

Do I need a medical exam if I’m just switching employers?
Yes — if you're changing roles into healthcare, teaching, or caregiving, IRCC may require a fresh exam.

What happens after the medical?
Your results are submitted directly to IRCC electronically. We’ll give you a document confirming your exam was completed.

How long are results valid?
IRCC medical exams are valid for 12 months.

Can I book now if I haven’t applied yet?
Absolutely! Many clients do an upfront medical to avoid delays in work permit processing.

Ready to Book Your Exam? We’re Here to Help.

If you're applying for a Canadian work permit or PGWP and plan to work in a public health sensitive role, don’t wait for IRCC to request your exam.

Book your immigration medical now with GTA Immigration Physicians and avoid delays.

Visit https://gtaimmigrationphysicians.ca
Call us at (416) 494-5634
Or book online

We look forward to helping you take the next step toward working in Canada.

Related Resources

• Immigration Medical Exam Cost in Canada: Panel Physician Fees, Coverage, and Booking Info

• What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam – Complete Checklist by GTA Immigration Physicians

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice or relied upon as official guidance. Always consult IRCC directly or speak with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer to confirm your eligibility and medical exam requirements.