Canadian Immigration Resources

Are you applying for a Canadian work permit, study permit, permanent residency, or extending your stay? You may be required to complete an immigration medical exam approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This detailed guide from GTA Immigration Physicians outlines who needs a medical exam, what it involves, costs, and how to book an appointment in Toronto or the GTA — fast. 📍 Need a panel physician near you? Book your IRCC immigration medical exam today

✅ What Is an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada?

An Immigration Medical Exam (IME) is a mandatory health check required by IRCC for many types of Canadian immigration applications.

It typically includes:

• A physical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician

• Blood test (for ages 15 and older)

• Chest X-ray (for ages 11 and older)

At GTA Immigration Physicians, all tests are performed on-site for your convenience.

Learn about the full exam process →

🛂 Why IRCC Requires a Medical Exam

IRCC uses the immigration medical to:

• Identify communicable diseases (like tuberculosis and syphilis)

• Evaluate long-term health conditions

• Protect Canada’s healthcare and public health systems

You can only complete this exam with a designated panel physician.

🧭 Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada?

Whether you need a medical exam depends on:

• Your visa or permit type

• Your intended job or field of study

• Whether you’re applying for permanent residence, temporary residence, or an extension

  
  

1. 🇨🇦 Permanent Residency (PR) Applicants

✅ Mandatory for all PR applicants under:

• Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FST)

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Family sponsorship

• Humanitarian or compassionate pathways

📌 Medical results must be less than 12 months old when IRCC makes a final decision.

• What Is an AOR From IRCC? →

• PR Pathways for International Students →

  
  

2. 💼 Work Permit Applicants (Including PGWP)

✅ Required for all work permit applicants who plan to work in:

• Healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, long-term care)

• Childcare or elder care

• Schools (elementary or secondary)

• Labs, food handling, or public health-sensitive occupations

This includes:

• LMIA-based work permits

• Open work permits

• Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP)

📌 Even if your permit is under 6 months, the exam is required if working in any of these settings.

3. 🎓 Study Permit Applicants

✅ Medical exam required if:

• You're entering health-related programs (e.g. nursing, medicine, caregiving), or

• IRCC requests it based on your background

Getting the exam early also helps future applications like PGWP or PR.

4. 🛬 Refugees and Protected Persons

✅ Always required
Medical exams are mandatory for refugee claimants and protected persons.

Covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) — but applicants must bring:

• Refugee claimant form

• Any additional IRCC documentation

Our clinic directly bills IFHP and assists applicants on-site.

5. ✈️ Visitor Visa Extensions & Super Visa Applicants

✅ Required if:

• You’re extending a visitor visa beyond 6 months, or

• You’re applying for a Super Visa (for parents/grandparents of PRs or citizens)

  
  

🧪 What Tests Are Included in the Medical Exam?

All tests at GTA Immigration Physicians are completed on-site:

• Physical exam

• Blood test (age 15+)

• Chest X-ray (age 11+)

IRCC no longer requires urinalysis or blood pressure checks.

Full test breakdown here →

💰 How Much Does an Immigration Medical Exam Cost?

GTA Immigration Physicians pricing:

• Ages 0–10: $150 — medical exam only

• Ages 11–14: $150 + $40 chest X-ray

• Ages 15–64: $190 + $40 chest X-ray (blood test included)

• Ages 65+: $240 + $40 chest X-ray (blood test included)

• IFHP (Refugee Claimants): Covered with required paperwork

Additional Fees:

• +$10 for Saturday appointments

• +$5 for credit card payments

✅ Bloodwork & X-rays are done on-site
❌ Private insurance usually does not cover IMEs

View full cost details →

📍 Where to Book Your Exam in Toronto & the GTA

We offer:

• ✅ Same-day and next-day bookings

• ✅ On-site bloodwork and X-rays

• ✅ Free parking + easy TTC access

• ✅ Walk-ins welcome

📍 5 Fairview Mall Drive, North York
Book your exam now →

🩺 Why You Must Use a Panel Physician

Only an IRCC-approved panel physician can complete your exam.
Walk-in clinics and family doctors are not authorized.

We submit results directly to IRCC through the eMedical system, ensuring quick turnaround and full compliance.

What is a Panel Physician? →

✅ Final Takeaway

Whether you’re applying for a work permit, study visa, PR, or refugee claim, a fast and accurate immigration medical exam is essential.

📅 Book your appointment today with a trusted panel physician at
👉 gtaimmigrationphysicians.ca

🛑 Disclaimer: Every immigration case is different. The information above is general in nature. For advice specific to your application, please consult a licensed immigration lawyer.