Moving Abroad

Canada Immigration Medical Exam: Who Needs One and How It Works

4 min read

In this guide
  1. Who needs a Canada immigration medical exam?
  2. Who does the exam?
  3. When should you get it?
  4. What should you bring?
  5. Can you be exempt if you are already in Canada?
  6. What is medical surveillance?
  7. Common mistakes
  8. FAQ
    1. Who pays for the exam?
    2. Can I do the exam after I apply?
  9. Key takeaways
  10. Related guides
  11. Sources

Quick answer: A Canada immigration medical exam is a health check done by a doctor approved by IRCC, called a panel physician. Your own doctor cannot do it. Whether you need one depends on how long you will stay, where you have lived or travelled, the job you will do and the application you are making.

The immigration medical exam (IME) is meant to show you are not inadmissible to Canada for medical reasons. Many applicants lose time because they book it too late or go to the wrong doctor. This guide explains who needs the exam, who does it and what to bring, based on IRCC’s pages for visitors, students and workers and for in-Canada applicants.

Who needs a Canada immigration medical exam?

For visitors, students and workers, IRCC separates short and long stays.

Your plan Medical exam
Stay of 6 months or less Generally not needed, unless you will work in a job where public health must be protected
Stay of more than 6 months Needed if you lived in or travelled to certain countries for 6 months or more in a row in the year before coming, you will work in a job where public health must be protected, or you are applying for a parent and grandparent super visa

IRCC’s examples of public-health jobs include health care workers, clinical laboratory workers, patient attendants in long-term care homes, medical students and physicians on short-term locums, school and child-care workers, domestic workers and in-home caregivers. Certain agricultural workers who spent time in listed countries are also included. If a medical exam is needed, the visa office tells you what to do next.

Who does the exam?

You must see a doctor on IRCC’s list of panel physicians. Your own doctor cannot do the exam. The panel physician does not make the final decision; IRCC does, and if there is a problem it contacts you in writing.

When should you get it?

IRCC says you should get your exam before you apply, which it calls an upfront medical exam. You can get one if you apply to visit, including the super visa, to work or to study. To get one, contact a panel physician directly. If you are applying for a study permit and need an exam, check the timing early, since it adds to your preparation.

What should you bring?

  • Your passport, which IRCC strongly recommends as your ID. Other approved ID may be accepted, such as a national ID card or, if you are still in the issuing country, a driver’s licence from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States.
  • Glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them.
  • Reports or test results for any existing or past medical conditions.
  • A list of your current medications.
  • The Medical Report form (IMM 1017E or IMM 1020E), if you are not getting an upfront exam. IRCC sends it.
  • Four recent photographs, if the panel physician does not use eMedical. Ask beforehand.
  • Proof of past vaccinations, which IRCC encourages.

Can you be exempt if you are already in Canada?

IRCC says it has extended a temporary public policy that exempts certain foreign nationals in Canada from the IME requirement until October 5, 2029. To be exempt, you must be applying for permanent or temporary residence, already live in Canada, have completed your previous IME in the last 5 years, and your previous IME must have shown a low or no risk to public health or safety. If you completed an IME within 5 years, include your previous IME number in your new application.

What is medical surveillance?

If your exam finds inactive tuberculosis, IRCC says you will need medical surveillance once you are in Canada, so you receive proper treatment.

Common mistakes

  • Going to your own doctor. Only panel physicians count.
  • Forgetting ID. Bring your passport.
  • Assuming a short stay always means no exam. Certain jobs require one.
  • Leaving Canada with an expiring exam. IRCC says students may need a new exam to return if theirs expires while abroad.

FAQ

Who pays for the exam?

IRCC has a section on what you need to pay for. Check it on the official page before you book.

Can I do the exam after I apply?

Yes. If you do not get an upfront exam, the visa office tells you what to do next.

Key takeaways

  • Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can do the exam.
  • Stays over 6 months, certain jobs and super visas often need an exam.
  • An upfront exam before you apply can save time.
  • Some in-Canada applicants are exempt until October 5, 2029.

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules on the official IRCC site. Last updated: October 2026.

Sources

IRCC: Medical exams, immigration; IRCC: Medical exams for visitors, students and workers.

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