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If you’re applying for permanent residence, a Canadian work permit, a post-graduate work permit (PGWP), or even a visitor visa extension, you’ll likely need to complete an immigration medical exam approved by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

A common question from applicants is, what medical tests are included in the immigration medical exam in Canada?

This detailed guide from GTA Immigration Physicians — an IRCC-approved panel physician clinic in Toronto (North York) — explains everything you need to know about the required medical tests, how they’re performed, and what to expect. All testing, including blood work and X-rays, is completed on-site (subject to laboratory opening hours) to make your exam faster and simpler.

What Is an IRCC Immigration Medical Exam

An immigration medical exam (IME) is a mandatory requirement for many people applying to live, work, or study in Canada. It helps IRCC assess your overall health and determine if you are medically admissible to enter or remain in the country.

The exam must be performed by a panel physician — a doctor authorized by IRCC to conduct immigration medicals. Applicants cannot use their family doctor for this exam.

IRCC requires this health check to ensure you do not have a condition that:

• Poses a public health risk (such as tuberculosis)

• Could cause excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system

• May affect your ability to work safely in sensitive occupations like healthcare or childcare

Your results are uploaded directly to IRCC through the eMedical system, which allows faster and more secure processing.

Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada

You must complete an IRCC medical exam if you are:

• Applying for permanent residence

• Applying for a work permit (including PGWP) in healthcare, childcare, or education

• Extending your visitor visa beyond six months

• Applying for a study permit and plan to work in healthcare or childcare

• A refugee or protected person (covered under the Interim Federal Health Program, IFHP)

For a detailed guide by visa type and age group, visit: Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada.

Medical Tests Included in the Immigration Medical Exam (2025 IRCC Update)

As of 2025, IRCC requires the following core tests as part of the immigration medical exam in Canada:

1. Physical examination by a panel physician

2. Chest X-ray (for applicants aged 11 and older)

3. Blood tests (for applicants aged 15 and older)

At GTA Immigration Physicians, all tests are completed on-site (subject to laboratory opening hours) — no separate lab visits are required. This ensures a faster process and fewer delays in your immigration file.

Physical Examination: The Foundation of Your IRCC Medical Exam

The physical examination is completed by one of our experienced IRCC panel physicians. During this assessment, the doctor will:

• Review your full medical history, including any medications and surgeries

• Ask questions about current symptoms or chronic conditions

• Measure height, weight, vision, and hearing

• Listen to your heart and lungs

• Examine your skin, abdomen, and general health

This part of the exam helps IRCC identify any visible or known conditions that may require further evaluation. The physical exam is non-invasive, and you do not need to fast before your appointment.

Chest X-ray: Screening for Tuberculosis (TB) and Lung Conditions

A chest X-ray is required for all applicants aged 11 years and older. This test screens for tuberculosis (TB) and other lung-related conditions that could pose a public health risk in Canada.

At GTA Immigration Physicians, the chest X-ray is performed on-site using digital imaging technology. Results are uploaded directly to your eMedical file for IRCC review.

Lead shielding is used in pregnancy for safety. If you are pregnant or think you might be, inform the clinic in advance so appropriate protective measures can be taken.

Blood Tests: Required for Applicants Aged 15 and Older

IRCC mandates blood tests for applicants aged 15 and older. These tests screen for:

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

• Syphilis

• Kidney function

These are part of Canada’s standard public health screening for immigration applicants. The blood tests are performed on-site (subject to laboratory opening hours) at GTA Immigration Physicians and processed by accredited laboratories. Results are securely transmitted to IRCC through the eMedical system.

Completing your blood test and X-ray at the same visit ensures your application moves quickly to IRCC for review.

Urine Tests and Blood Pressure Checks (No Longer Required by IRCC)

In 2025, IRCC confirmed that urinalysis (urine tests) and blood pressure checks are no longer required for standard immigration medical exams.

Additional Tests (Furtherance Cases)

Sometimes, IRCC may request more information after reviewing your initial results. This is called a furtherance request. Additional testing could include:

• Sputum testing (if TB is suspected)

• Specialist consultations (for specific chronic conditions)

• Repeat X-rays or imaging

If you had your initial medical exam completed with GTA Immigration Physicians and later receive a furtherance request from IRCC, please contact our clinic. We will help guide you through the process and ensure all follow-up requirements are completed correctly.

To learn more about medical admissibility and what “furtherance” means, see: Understanding Medical Inadmissibility in Canada.

Documents You Must Bring to Your IRCC Medical Exam

To avoid delays, make sure you bring the following to your appointment:

• Original passport or government-issued photo ID

• Any IRCC medical request letter (IMM 1017 form), if you’ve received one

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if you wear them)

• A list of your current medications

• Payment for your exam

If you are completing an upfront medical exam (before submitting your application), you will receive the eMedical Information Sheet from us containing your unique IME number. You’ll need this document to upload proof of medical completion to IRCC.

For a detailed checklist, visit: What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam in Canada – Complete Checklist.

How Long Does the Immigration Medical Exam Take

At GTA Immigration Physicians, we generally recommend allowing 2–3 hours for the entire IRCC medical exam process.

This includes:

• Registration and medical history

• Physical exam with the doctor

• Chest X-ray (if required)

• Blood test (if required)

All X-rays and blood tests are done on-site. Results are typically sent to IRCC within 5–10 business days, depending on lab processing times.

For a full breakdown of processing times and result delivery, visit: How Long Does the IRCC Immigration Medical Exam Take.

Where to Complete Your IRCC Medical Exam in Toronto

Choosing a convenient IRCC-approved panel physician clinic can make a big difference in how quickly your results reach IRCC.

GTA Immigration Physicians is located at 5 Fairview Mall Drive, North York (Toronto) — near Don Mills subway station and Fairview Mall. We offer:

• Same-day and next-day appointments

• On-site X-rays and blood tests (subject to laboratory opening hours)

• On site parking and easy TTC access

• Weekend availability

• Fast eMedical submission directly to IRCC

We serve patients from Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, and the entire GTA.

Exam Fees and Transparent Pricing

Exam prices vary based on age and IRCC test requirements. You can view full and up-to-date fees on our Exam Prices page.

All pricing is transparent, with X-rays and bloodwork completed in-house to save time and cost. No hidden fees. Results are submitted electronically to IRCC for faster approval.

Tips to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam

• Bring valid ID and any medical request letter

• Wear comfortable clothing for easy mobility during the exam and X-ray

• Eat and drink normally (fasting not required)

• Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early for check-in

• If pregnant, inform the clinic in advance

Good preparation ensures your appointment runs smoothly and efficiently.

Why Choose GTA Immigration Physicians in Toronto

When completing an IRCC medical exam, choosing a clinic that performs all tests on-site can save you days — or even weeks — in processing time.

At GTA Immigration Physicians:

• Chest X-rays and blood tests are completed on-site (subject to laboratory opening hours)

• Results are uploaded to IRCC via the secure eMedical system

• Our doctors are experienced IRCC-approved panel physicians

• We offer weekend appointments for added convenience

• Thousands of applicants across the GTA have trusted our clinic for fast, reliable results

Whether you’re applying for permanent residence, a work permit, or a study permit, our team makes the process quick, professional, and stress-free.

Book Your IRCC Immigration Medical Exam in Toronto

Ready to book your immigration medical exam in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area?

Visit the GTA Immigration Physicians website to schedule your same-day or next-day appointment with our IRCC-approved panel physicians.

All required medical tests — including bloodwork and X-rays — are completed on-site to save you time and deliver results faster to IRCC.

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.