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What Is the IMM 1017 Form? Your Guide to IRCC’s Medical Request Letter for Canadian Immigration Exams
Sep 10, 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.
If you've received an immigration medical exam request from IRCC, chances are you've come across a document called the IMM 1017 — often titled Medical Report: Client Biodata and Summary. But what exactly is this form? Do you need it to book your immigration medical? And how is it different from doing an upfront medical exam?
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the IMM 1017 form, including:
What it is and what it looks like
Who receives it and when
How it differs from upfront medicals
What to do if you lost it
What to bring to your appointment
Common mistakes to avoid
Whether you're applying for permanent residence, sponsoring a family member, or going through refugee processing, this blog is your complete resource.
What Is the IMM 1017 Form?
The IMM 1017 is the official IRCC form used for medical exams in support of a Canadian immigration application. It’s titled:
IMM 1017E – Medical Report: Client Biodata and Summary
This form is generated by IRCC and sent to applicants who are required to undergo a medical after submitting their immigration application. It contains:
Your full name and date of birth
Your Unique Client Identifier (UCI)
Your immigration category (e.g. PR, refugee, family class)
A unique IME or UMI number
A barcode linked to your file
Instructions for the panel physician
A validity window
Panel physicians use this form to access your case in eMedical, the secure system where your medical results are uploaded directly to IRCC.
Who Gets an IMM 1017?
Not all applicants receive the IMM 1017 form. Here’s a breakdown:
You will receive IMM 1017 if:
You submitted your application without doing an upfront medical
IRCC has reviewed your file and now requests a medical
You are in one of the following categories:
Permanent residence
Family sponsorship
Inland refugee or protected person
Certain LMIA or restoration cases
You will not receive IMM 1017 if:
You completed an upfront medical exam
You are applying under Express Entry and included an IMM 1017B
You’re a work or study permit applicant doing a voluntary upfront medical
Not sure if you need a medical? Read:
Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada?
How Will I Receive the IMM 1017?
IRCC typically sends your IMM 1017 form through:
Your IRCC Secure Account
Email from IRCC or your representative
Online portal (if your application is through a portal or RCIC)
Look for a message titled:
“Medical Examination Instructions”
“Request for Medical Exam”
“Ready for Visa – Medical Required”
It will include a PDF of your IMM 1017E – Medical Report: Client Biodata and Summary, which you must print or show digitally at your appointment.
IMM 1017 vs. Upfront Medical Exam: What’s the Difference?
When is it used?
IMM 1017: After you’ve submitted your immigration application and IRCC requests a medical
Upfront Medical: Before you submit your application
Who issues it?
IMM 1017: Issued by IRCC via email or portal
Upfront Medical: You initiate it by booking directly with a panel physician
Form type
IMM 1017: IMM 1017E – Medical Report: Client Biodata and Summary
Upfront Medical: IMM 1017B – Upfront Medical Report
Who typically uses it?
IMM 1017: PR applicants, refugee claimants, family sponsorship
Upfront Medical: Express Entry, work permit, or study permit applicants
Do you need the form at the appointment?
IMM 1017: Yes — you must bring the form with you
Upfront Medical: No form needed — your IME number is generated during your appointment
IME number issued by
IMM 1017: Provided by IRCC ahead of time
Upfront Medical: Generated by the clinic at your appointment
Submission process
IMM 1017: Panel physician uses your IRCC-provided IME number to upload results
Upfront Medical: Panel physician generates the IME and submits it directly to IRCC
Purpose
IMM 1017: Used for requested exams after IRCC initiates the process
Upfront Medical: Used voluntarily or proactively to speed up your application
Want more info?
Upfront Medical Exam vs Medical Request Letter
Booking Your Exam with an IMM 1017
Booking your medical exam at GTA Immigration Physicians with an IMM 1017 is simple:
Book online at gtaimmigrationphysicians.ca
Bring your IMM 1017 form (printed or digital)
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (preferably passport)
Attend your exam — everything (chest X-ray, blood test, and medical exam) is done on-site
Same-day and next-day appointments available
Walk-ins welcome and TTC accessible
Also read:
What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam in Canada
What Is an Upfront Medical Exam?
An upfront medical exam is an immigration medical that you complete before submitting your application to IRCC.
Common for:
Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST)
Work permit applicants in healthcare, caregiving, or education
Study permit applicants from designated TB-risk countries
Instead of waiting for a request, you proactively book and complete your exam. The panel physician generates an IMM 1017B – Upfront Medical Report, which you then upload with your application.
No IME or UMI is issued beforehand — it is created during the appointment.
Benefits of an Upfront Medical
Speeds up IRCC processing
Avoids delays caused by waiting for IRCC to request your medical
Helps meet tight timelines for job offers, school admissions, or Express Entry profile completion
Read more:
Upfront Medical Exam for Express Entry Applicants in Canada (2025 Update)
Lost or Missing Your IMM 1017?
If you can’t find your IMM 1017, try the following:
Check your IRCC account under “Messages”
Search your email for “Medical Examination Instructions”
Ask your immigration representative (if applicable)
Contact IRCC using their web form to request a re-issue
What Does the IMM 1017 Look Like?
A standard IMM 1017 includes:
Title: Medical Report: Client Biodata and Summary
IME or UMI number
Full name, UCI, date of birth, gender
IRCC file number
Barcode
Notes for the panel physician
We recommend printing it clearly or saving a high-resolution PDF to your phone. Blurry or cropped images can delay your check-in.
Common FAQs About the IMM 1017
Do I need to bring the IMM 1017 form to my appointment?
Yes — it is required unless you're doing an upfront medical.
Can I book my appointment before I receive the form?
Yes, but you must bring the IMM 1017 to your appointment.
What is the IME number?
Your Immigration Medical Exam number — it links your exam to your IRCC application.
Can I reuse the IMM 1017 for another application?
No. It is valid for one-time use and is tied to a specific IRCC file.
Explore more FAQs:
Top 20 IRCC Immigration Medical Exam FAQs (2025 Edition)
How Much Does the Medical Exam Cost?
Our pricing is transparent and competitive. All required tests are completed on-site — including blood work and chest X-rays where applicable.
View our current rates here:
GTA Immigration Medical Exam Prices
Note:
Additional fees may apply for Saturday appointments or credit card payments
IFHP-covered refugee claimants must bring valid documentation
Final Tips for IMM 1017 Applicants
Bring a printed or digital copy of your IMM 1017
Bring valid photo ID (preferably passport)
Arrive 10–15 minutes early
Notify staff if you are pregnant or require accommodations
Book Your Immigration Medical Today
At GTA Immigration Physicians, we proudly serve clients from:
Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Markham
Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Mississauga, Brampton
Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and the surrounding GTA
We offer same-day and next-day appointments, walk-in X-rays, and all testing under one roof with IRCC-approved panel physicians.
Book now at: gtaimmigrationphysicians.ca
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a licensed immigration lawyer or RCIC for personalized guidance.