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Immigration Medical Exam for Canadian Permanent Residency: What IRCC Looks For and How to Prepare
Oct 20, 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.
Understanding the PR Immigration Medical Exam
When applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada, completing an immigration medical exam is a critical step in your application. This exam ensures that all applicants meet the health standards set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before becoming permanent residents.
Unlike short-term visa medicals, the PR medical exam has long-term implications — it helps IRCC confirm that applicants do not pose a risk to public health or place an excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system.
At GTA Immigration Physicians in Toronto, our IRCC-approved panel physicians conduct complete PR medicals and submit your results directly to IRCC via the secure eMedical system.
Why IRCC Requires a Medical Exam for PR
IRCC’s goal is to protect Canada’s public health and ensure that new permanent residents can safely integrate into society without creating a strain on healthcare resources.
The medical exam helps IRCC determine three key things:
Public health risk: whether an applicant has a communicable disease such as tuberculosis or untreated syphilis.
Public safety risk: whether a condition could make someone a danger to others (for example, certain severe psychiatric conditions).
Excessive demand: whether ongoing medical needs might exceed the average Canadian healthcare expenditure threshold (updated annually by IRCC).
Applicants who meet these health standards are considered medically admissible and can proceed to the next stage of their PR process.
Who Must Complete the PR Medical Exam
A medical exam is mandatory for all PR applicants, regardless of whether they apply through:
Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Family or spousal sponsorship
Refugee or humanitarian programs
All dependents — including spouses and children, even if they are not accompanying you to Canada — must also complete the exam.
For a full breakdown of who requires a medical, visit: Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada.
When to Complete the PR Medical Exam
There are two main timing options depending on your PR category:
Upfront medical exam:
Many Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program applicants choose to complete their medical exam before submitting their PR application. This can shorten processing time since IRCC already has your medical file on record.
See Upfront Medical Exam vs Medical Request Letter: What’s the Difference? for a full comparison.After receiving a medical request:
Some applicants receive an IMM 1017 Medical Request Letter from IRCC after applying. You’ll need to book and complete your exam as soon as possible once you receive it.
How IRCC Uses Your Medical Exam Results
After your medical exam is completed, the panel physician uploads your results securely to IRCC through the eMedical system. You will not receive your detailed test results directly; instead, you’ll get an Information Sheet confirming completion.
IRCC’s medical officers then review your file to determine:
Whether your health condition poses a public health or safety risk
Whether any ongoing treatment would create excessive demand
If follow-up information (known as a “furtherance”) is required
In rare cases, applicants may receive a request for further tests before a final decision.
How Long the PR Medical Exam Is Valid
Your immigration medical exam results are typically valid for 12 months from the date of your exam.
If your PR application is not finalized within that timeframe, IRCC may ask you to complete a re-medical to confirm your current health status. This is common for applications that take longer to process or when applicants postpone travel after approval.
Health Conditions and PR Medical Admissibility
Most applicants successfully pass their medical exams. However, some conditions can affect admissibility depending on severity, treatment needs, and potential costs.
IRCC may raise concern if:
The condition poses a public health risk.
The condition is likely to require expensive, ongoing medical care.
The applicant has a condition that may lead to dangerous or unpredictable behaviour.
It’s important to note that many conditions are not automatically disqualifying. IRCC assesses each case individually and may request further information from your panel physician before making a final decision.
For a deeper understanding of how IRCC evaluates medical admissibility, visit: Understanding Medical Inadmissibility in Canada.
Avoiding Delays or Re-Medicals in Your PR Application
You can reduce the risk of delays by:
Completing your medical early in the PR process.
Bringing proper identification and medical documentation.
Informing the clinic if you have chronic conditions or ongoing treatments.
Responding quickly to any IRCC requests for additional information.
If you completed your medical at GTA Immigration Physicians and later receive a request for further testing, simply contact us — our team will help coordinate the follow-up process efficiently..
Preparing for Your PR Medical Exam
To make your appointment smooth and stress-free:
Bring your passport or government-issued ID.
Bring your IMM 1017 letter if you’ve received one.
List your current medications and any medical conditions.
Wear comfortable clothing for your physical exam and X-ray.
Eat and drink normally (fasting is not required).
Inform the clinic if you are pregnant so appropriate measures can be taken for your X-ray.
For a detailed preparation guide, see: What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam in Canada – Complete Checklist.
Cost of the PR Medical Exam in Toronto
Exam prices depend on age and IRCC requirements. GTA Immigration Physicians offers transparent pricing with all services — including bloodwork and X-rays — completed on-site.
You can review the most up-to-date fees on our Exam Prices page.
Why PR Applicants Choose GTA Immigration Physicians
Thousands of permanent residency applicants across the Greater Toronto Area have trusted GTA Immigration Physicians for their IRCC medicals.
We provide:
IRCC-approved panel physicians with extensive experience in PR medicals
Same-day and next-day appointments
On-site X-rays and blood tests
Weekend availability for added flexibility
Fast and secure eMedical uploads to IRCC
Convenient North York location with on-site parking and easy TTC access
Our goal is to make your Canadian immigration medical process simple and stress-free.
Book Your Immigration Medical Exam for PR in Toronto
Ready to complete your medical exam for Canadian Permanent Residency?
Book your same-day or next-day appointment with GTA Immigration Physicians in Toronto. All required medical testing — including bloodwork and X-rays — is performed on-site for faster processing and seamless IRCC submission.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant for official guidance.