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Do You Need an Immigration Medical Exam for a Visitor or Student Visa to Canada? Complete Guide by GTA Immigration Physicians
Nov 24, 2025
Navigating the Canadian immigration medical exam? Don't let uncertainty slow you down. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from required tests to ensuring a smooth process.
Applying for a visitor or student visa to Canada can raise questions about medical exam requirements. Many applicants are unsure whether a medical exam is needed, when to complete it, and how it fits into their overall immigration process.
This guide by GTA Immigration Physicians explains exactly when an immigration medical exam (IME) is required for visitor and student visa applicants, how the process works, and how it differs from work permit exams. It also outlines what to expect at our North York clinic, which serves applicants across Toronto, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Brampton, and Newmarket.
Understanding the IRCC Medical Exam Requirement
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires certain applicants to complete a medical exam to protect public health and safety. These exams ensure newcomers do not have conditions that could pose a health risk to others or place an excessive demand on the Canadian healthcare system.
Medical exams must be performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician. GTA Immigration Physicians is a certified panel physician clinic located at 5 Fairview Mall Drive in North York, Toronto. We provide same-day and next-day appointments for immigration medicals, including on-site X-rays and blood work for one-stop convenience.
When Visitor Visa Applicants Need a Medical Exam
Most visitor visa applicants are not automatically required to complete an immigration medical exam. However, IRCC requires one in specific cases, including:
You plan to stay in Canada for more than six months and have lived or travelled for six consecutive months or more in the past year in a country designated by IRCC as requiring medical screening.
You intend to work in a job that affects public health, such as healthcare, childcare, education, or elder care.
You have a known or existing medical condition that may need assessment before entering Canada.
Even if your visit is expected to be shorter, completing an upfront medical exam before applying can help you avoid processing delays and show readiness to IRCC.
Learn more about upfront exams in Upfront Medical Exam for Express Entry Applicants in Canada.
When Student Visa Applicants Need a Medical Exam
If you are applying for a study permit (student visa), a medical exam is typically required if:
Your study program will last more than six months, and
You have lived or travelled for six consecutive months or more in a country on IRCC’s designated list, or
You will be training or working in fields involving healthcare, childcare, or education.
Students entering programs such as nursing, early childhood education, or clinical placements must complete a medical exam before their visa can be approved.
If you are already studying in Canada and need to extend your study permit, you may also need a new medical exam if your previous one is more than 12 months old.
Learn more about timing and validity in How Long Does the IRCC Immigration Medical Exam Take?.
How Visitor, Student, and Work Permit Medicals Differ
While the process is similar for all visa categories, the requirement threshold differs.
Visitor visa applicants usually need a medical only for long stays or certain occupations.
Student visa applicants require a medical for programs exceeding six months or involving clinical or childcare work.
Work permit and post-graduate work permit (PGWP) applicants must complete a medical exam if they work in healthcare, childcare, or education, regardless of duration.
For full details on work and PGWP medicals, visit Do You Need a Medical Exam for a Canadian Work Permit or PGWP?.
What to Expect During Your Medical Exam
At GTA Immigration Physicians, your entire exam can be completed in one visit. All services, including the medical assessment, X-ray, and blood test, are completed on-site.
Typical steps include:
Registration and ID verification. Bring your passport and any IRCC letter if you received one.
Medical history and symptom review with the physician.
Physical examination, including vital signs and general health assessment.
Chest X-ray for applicants aged 11 and above.
Blood test for applicants aged 15 and above.
Your results are submitted directly and securely to IRCC through the eMedical system, usually within a few days.
For a detailed checklist, visit What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam in Canada.
Exam Costs and Payment Options
GTA Immigration Physicians provides competitive, transparent pricing for all age groups. For the latest fee breakdown, please visit our Exam Prices page.
We accept debit, cash, and credit. Payments made by credit card include a $5 surcharge, while debit and cash have no additional fee.
Parking is available on-site, and our location is easily accessible by TTC and major highways.
How to Book Your Visitor or Student Visa Medical Exam
Booking your exam is simple and can be done online in minutes. We offer:
Same-day and next-day appointment availability
Saturday scheduling options
Walk-ins when space allows
On-site testing for X-rays and blood work
Our clinic serves applicants from North York, Markham, Richmond Hill, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Brampton, Newmarket, Scarborough, Toronto, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Once completed, results are sent directly to IRCC—no additional steps are needed from your side. To schedule your exam, visit GTAimmigrationphysicians.ca.
Understanding Medical Inadmissibility and Follow-Up Requests
Most applicants pass their medical exam without issue. However, if a health concern arises, IRCC may request further testing or specialist reports before making a decision.
This does not necessarily mean your application will be refused. Learn more in Understanding Medical Inadmissibility in Canada.
Advantages of Doing an Upfront Medical Exam
Completing your medical exam before IRCC requests it can reduce processing time and eliminate delays later in your visa or study permit application.
Upfront exams provide several benefits:
Your file is ready for faster processing.
You avoid additional document requests.
You gain peace of mind knowing your medical results meet all IRCC requirements.
For more details, visit Upfront Medical Exam for Express Entry Applicants in Canada.
Summary: Who Needs a Medical Exam for Visitor and Student Visas
You will likely need an immigration medical exam if you plan to stay in Canada for more than six months, have lived in countries requiring screening, or will work or study in environments involving public health or childcare.
Short-term visitors and tourists are generally exempt, but completing a medical upfront is a smart option if you anticipate extending your stay or switching visa types later.
Book Your Exam in North York Today
GTA Immigration Physicians makes the process quick, efficient, and IRCC-compliant. With same-day and next-day appointments, on-site X-rays and blood tests, and secure eMedical submission, your entire exam can be completed in one visit.
To book, visit GTAimmigrationphysicians.ca or contact our North York clinic.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, GTA Immigration Physicians cannot guarantee it is 100% current or comprehensive. Immigration policies and IRCC requirements may change without notice. For personalized guidance, please consult a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant.