The Canada Immigration Medical Exam is one of the most important steps in your PR, work permit, or study visa process. Whether you’re applying for Express Entry, a student visa, or family sponsorship, IRCC requires a medical assessment to ensure public safety and protect Canada’s healthcare system.
Despite how essential this step is, many applicants feel unsure about what actually happens, how long the exam takes, what documents to bring, and how strict the process can be. This guide breaks down everything in a simple, step-by-step format based on real applicant experience and professional insights.
What Is the Canada Immigration Medical Exam?
The Canada Immigration Medical Exam is a health assessment conducted only by IRCC-approved panel physicians. Its purpose is to confirm that applicants do not have medical conditions that may pose public health risks or cause excessive demand on the healthcare system.
It doesn’t judge your fitness level or reject people for minor issues but it does evaluate your overall health as per IRCC medical exam requirements.
Who Needs to Take This Medical Exam?
You need this medical exam if you are applying for:
- Canada PR (Express Entry, PNP, Family Class)
- Study visas (if staying 6 months or more)
- Work permits
- Visitor visas (in specific cases)
- Refugee or humanitarian programs
You may also need the exam if you lived in certain countries for more than 6 months, as part of the Canada visa medical examination procedure.
Canada Immigration Medical Exam Process (Step-by-Step)
Here is the medical test for Canada PR step-by-step, exactly how it happens:
1. Book an appointment with a panel physician
IRCC only accepts exams from IRCC-authorized panel doctors. Search via the IRCC website and choose a clinic near you.
2. Carry the required documents
Your passport, photos (if needed), and appointment details. Some clinics may ask for additional forms.
3. Complete biometrics (if required)
This is separate from the medical exam, but many people complete both around the same time.
4. Undergo the physical examination
The doctor checks:
- Vision and hearing
- Heart and lungs
- Blood pressure
- Neurological health
- Skin, abdomen, and general mobility
5. Provide blood and urine samples
These check for infectious diseases and other health conditions.
6. Chest X-ray
One of the most important parts—it checks for TB or other lung issues.
7. Physician submits results directly to IRCC
You don’t send anything. The clinic uploads everything electronically.
8. Wait for IRCC to review your results
You can track updates on your IRCC account.
This is the general Canada immigration medical exam process, but small variations may occur depending on your country or the clinic.
What Doctors Check During the Exam
Many applicants ask: What doctors check in Canada immigration medical test?
They look for:
- Lung health (via X-ray)
- Infectious diseases (HIV, Syphilis)
- Organ function
- Physical limitations that may require long-term healthcare
- General wellness indicators
The exam is not designed to fail people. It is used to ensure applicants won’t pose a public health threat and meet the panel physician requirements Canada applies globally.
Canada PR Medical Exam Checklist
Here is a simple, scannable Canada PR medical exam checklist you should follow:
- Valid passport
- Two recent passport-size photos (if required)
- Medical history details
- Prescription glasses or lenses
- List of medications (if any)
- Previous medical reports (if applicable)
- IRCC medical request letter (for upfront exam, this may not be needed)
This list is essential for anyone preparing for the medical exam for Canadian immigration.
Canada Medical Exam Documents Needed
Most IRCC panel physicians ask for:
- Passport (mandatory)
- National ID (if requested)
- IRCC medical form (if doing after AOR)
- Photos (if the clinic does not take digital photos)
- Any existing medical reports or specialist summaries
Without these, the clinic cannot proceed with your Canada visa medical test details.
Canada Immigration Medical Exam Cost
The Canada Immigration Medical Exam cost varies depending on your country and clinic.
Typical cost ranges are:
- India: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
- Philippines: ₱6,500 – ₱10,000
- UAE: AED 380 – AED 650
- Canada: CAD $250 – $450
X-rays, blood tests, and consultation fees are usually included.
How Long the Medical Exam Takes
Most appointments take 45–90 minutes.
If you’re wondering: How long does Canada immigration medical take?
Here’s the quick answer:
The medical exam itself takes about 1 hour, and IRCC usually receives your results within 3–7 days.
You can monitor your Canada PR medical exam timeline through your IRCC account.
Common Reasons for Medical Exam Delays
Medical exam delays are more common than people think. Here are the top causes:
- Additional tests requested by IRCC
- Suspicious or unclear X-ray results
- Active TB or past TB scarring
- Incomplete documentation
- Lab delays
- Incorrect information provided by the clinic
These are the typical common reasons for medical exam delays Canada immigration applicants face.
How to Prepare for the Medical Exam (Do’s & Don’ts)
Do’s
- Get enough sleep the night before
- Drink plenty of water
- Carry all required documents
- Bring past medical records
- Wear comfortable clothing
Don’ts
- Do not avoid disclosing medical history
- Don’t drink alcohol 24 hours before
- Don’t take heavy meals right before blood tests
- Don’t panic—this is a routine exam
These do’s and don’ts before Canada immigration medical help ensure smooth processing.
Is the Canada Immigration Medical Exam Strict?
Many applicants worry that the exam is strict.
The reality?
The exam is thorough, but not strict.
IRCC only declines applicants with conditions that pose public health risks or require excessive healthcare resources.
Most healthy individuals pass without issues.
When to Contact Yoke Immigration
If you are unsure about documents, medical history issues, or want guided support through your Express Entry or study visa process, Yoke Immigration can help you prepare and avoid delays. Their team ensures your documentation, timelines, and submission meet IRCC standards.
FAQ Section
1. What does the doctor check in a Canada immigration medical exam?
Panel physicians check your overall health—lungs, heart, blood pressure, vision, mobility, blood tests, urine tests, and X-rays. These tests identify any infectious diseases or health conditions that might impact public health or Canada’s healthcare system.
2. How long are Canada medical exam results valid?
Medical results are typically valid for 12 months. If your PR application takes longer, IRCC may request a new exam or reassessment depending on your case.
3. Can medical issues affect PR approval?
Yes, but only in specific cases. Conditions that pose a public health risk (like active TB) or those that may require expensive long-term healthcare could affect approval. Minor medical issues usually do not impact PR decisions.
4. How long does IRCC take to process medical exam results?
Usually 3 to 14 days. If no additional tests are needed, results appear quickly in your IRCC account. If IRCC requests further testing, the timeline may extend.
