Canadian Immigration Resources
Guides
Top 20 IRCC Immigration Medical Exam FAQs in Canada (2025 Edition)
Sep 2, 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.
Looking to book your IRCC immigration medical exam in Canada? You’re not alone — thousands of applicants each month need to complete this important step. At GTA Immigration Physicians, we’ve compiled the top 20 most frequently asked questions based on Google searches, patient concerns, and IRCC requirements.
Whether you’re applying for a work permit, PR, PGWP, or are a refugee claimant, this guide will help you prepare for your appointment with confidence.
1. Do I need a medical exam for Canadian immigration?
Yes — a medical exam is required for most work permits (including PGWP), study permits over 6 months, permanent residency, and refugee claims.
👉 Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada
2. Who can perform an immigration medical exam in Canada?
Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can perform these exams — your family doctor cannot.
Panel physicians are specially designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to follow e-Medical protocols and submit results directly to the government.
3. What documents do I need to bring to my medical exam?
You’ll need:
Original passport
Any medical history or medication list
IME form or UCI number (if provided by IRCC)
👉 What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam in Canada
4. How much does the IRCC medical exam cost?
Costs vary depending on the clinic and applicant’s age.
At GTA Immigration Physicians, we offer one of the most affordable and transparent fee structures in Toronto.
👉 Immigration Medical Exam Fees at GTA Immigration Physicians
5. What happens during the immigration medical exam?
You’ll be seen by one of our specialist IRCC panel physicians who will:
Review your medical history
Conduct a physical exam
Order a chest X-ray (if age 11+)
Order a blood test (if age 15+)
✅ All tests are done on-site for speed and convenience.
6. How long does the exam take?
You should allow a minimum of 2 hours to complete all steps of the immigration medical exam.
👉 How Long Does the IRCC Immigration Medical Exam Take?
7. Can I eat before my immigration medical exam?
Yes — fasting is NOT required. Eat and drink as usual before your appointment.
8. Can I do my medical exam before IRCC asks for it?
Yes — this is called an Upfront Medical Exam, commonly used for Express Entry, study permits, and work permits.
It may help reduce visa delays since IRCC already has your results on file when they assess your application.
9. What if I have a medical condition?
Having a medical issue doesn’t automatically lead to inadmissibility. IRCC considers:
If the condition poses a public health risk
If it would create an excessive demand on Canadian health or social services
👉 Understanding Medical Inadmissibility in Canada
10. What happens after my immigration medical is completed?
Once your exam is complete:
We submit your results directly to IRCC through eMedical
You’ll receive a proof of completion document (information sheet)
IRCC will then assess your medical results as part of your visa processing
11. Is pregnancy a problem for the immigration medical?
No — you can still proceed with the medical exam.
If you're pregnant:
You may defer the chest X-ray until after delivery
Or, if you choose to proceed, protective gear will be provided during the X-ray
12. Can children or babies get an IRCC medical exam?
Yes — even infants may require an immigration medical depending on the visa type.
👉 Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada
13. Is the IRCC medical exam covered by insurance?
Most private insurance plans do not cover the exam
However, refugee and IFHP-covered applicants are fully covered with valid paperwork
14. Do I need to bring my IME or UCI number?
Yes — if IRCC has given you a medical request form or IME/UCI number, bring it.
If not, we can generate a new IME number for you at the clinic.
15. How are my results submitted to IRCC?
All medical results are submitted electronically via eMedical.
You’ll be given a confirmation document at the end of your visit.
16. How long are IRCC medical results valid for?
The validity period is determined by IRCC. In most cases, results are valid for 12 months from the date of the exam.
If your application is delayed beyond that, IRCC may request a repeat medical.
17. Can I reschedule my immigration medical appointment?
Yes — we understand that plans change.
👉 Book or reschedule your appointment
18. Can I request a copy of my immigration medical results?
Yes — we can provide a copy of your medical report after it has been submitted to IRCC, for a nominal processing fee.
👉 Order My Report
19. How do I book an immigration medical exam in Toronto?
📍 5 Fairview Mall Drive, Suite 405, North York
🩺 Same-day and Saturday appointments available
🧪 X-ray and blood tests done on-site
👉 Book Your Appointment
20. Can I get a medical exam if I’m visiting Canada?
Yes — if you're in Canada on a visitor visa, you may still need a medical exam for:
Super Visas
Caregiver work permits
In-land spousal sponsorship
Related Resources:
👉 Immigration Medical Exam Cost in Canada
👉 What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam
👉 Do You Need a Medical Exam for a Work Permit or PGWP?