If you’re planning to move to Canada (or you’re already here and applying for permanent residence, a work permit, or a study permit), there’s a good chance you’ll need an immigration medical exam. For many people, it’s one of those “important but mysterious” steps—something you know you must do, but you’re not totally sure what the day will look like, what you should bring, how long it takes, or how to avoid delays.

This guide is designed to make the process feel a lot more predictable. We’ll walk through what the exam is for, who needs it, what to bring, what actually happens during the appointment, how long results usually take, and the most common reasons people get tripped up. Along the way, you’ll also get practical tips for booking, budgeting, and keeping your application timeline on track.

Why Canada asks for an immigration medical exam in the first place

The immigration medical exam isn’t meant to be scary or judgmental—it’s a standardized health screening required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The goal is to identify conditions that could pose a public health risk, create public safety concerns, or lead to excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services (depending on the program you’re applying under).

In practice, most applicants pass without issue. The exam is less about “perfect health” and more about ensuring IRCC has the medical information it needs to make a decision. If something shows up on your results, it doesn’t automatically mean refusal. It may simply mean additional tests, specialist reports, or a request for more information.

It also helps to know that the exam must be completed by an IRCC-designated panel physician (not just any family doctor). Even if your own doctor knows your health history, IRCC requires the exam to be done through their approved network so the results are submitted in the correct format.

Who typically needs the exam (and when)

Whether you need a medical exam depends on your application type, where you’ve lived, and what kind of work you plan to do in Canada. Many permanent residence applicants need it. Some temporary residents (workers and students) need it too, especially if they’ll be working in jobs that involve close contact with vulnerable populations.

IRCC may ask for the exam after you submit your application, or you may be allowed to do an “upfront medical” before applying (common in certain pathways). The timing matters because medical results have a validity period—typically 12 months—so you want to align the exam with your expected processing timeline.

If you’re unsure whether your situation requires it, check your IRCC instructions carefully. It’s also smart to confirm whether your application stream accepts upfront medicals, because doing it too early can create a headache if processing takes longer than expected.

Booking the appointment without overcomplicating it

Booking is usually straightforward, but a few small choices can save you time. First, make sure you’re booking with a panel physician or clinic listed by IRCC. A regular walk-in clinic can’t complete this exam for immigration purposes, even if they offer similar services.

When you call, ask what documents they need, what tests are done on-site, and whether you’ll need a separate visit for lab work or X-rays. Some clinics coordinate everything in one place; others may send you to a partner lab or imaging center nearby. Knowing this upfront helps you plan your day and avoid last-minute surprises.

If you’re in the Greater Toronto Area and want a starting point for location planning, you can also look up a local immigration medical center to get a sense of travel time, parking, and nearby transit options before you commit to a time slot.

What to bring so you don’t get delayed at check-in

The easiest way to turn a simple appointment into a stressful one is missing a key document. Clinics can only proceed if they can verify your identity properly and match your details to your IRCC file. That means what you bring matters as much as showing up on time.

Here’s what you’ll typically want to have with you (your clinic may add a few items):

• Passport (or another accepted government-issued ID if the clinic confirms it’s okay)
• IRCC medical instructions letter (if IRCC requested the exam after you applied)
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses if you use them
• Current medication list (names, doses, and what they’re for)
• Any relevant medical records (recent specialist letters, treatment summaries, or test results if you have an ongoing condition)
• Vaccination records (not always required, but helpful context for the physician)
• Payment method accepted by the clinic (ask in advance)

If you’re applying as a family, double-check whether each person needs separate photos or separate identification documents. Some clinics take photos digitally; others may ask you to bring passport-style photos. Don’t guess—confirm.

One more practical tip: if your name spelling differs across documents (for example, accents, spacing, or multiple surnames), bring supporting documents that explain it. Small inconsistencies can slow down data entry and, in rare cases, cause IRCC to request clarifications later.

What happens during the exam (step by step)

People often imagine the immigration medical exam as a single “doctor visit,” but it’s more like a package of checks. The exact flow depends on the clinic, your age, and your medical history, but the overall structure is pretty consistent.

Most appointments include identity verification, a medical history questionnaire, a physical exam, and additional tests like a chest X-ray and lab work. Some components may happen in different rooms or even different locations if the clinic uses an external lab or imaging provider.

Check-in, forms, and identity verification

When you arrive, the staff will confirm your identity and collect your documents. They’ll also confirm whether you’re doing an upfront medical or responding to an IRCC request. This step matters because it determines how your file is created in the eMedical system (the platform used to submit results).

You’ll usually complete forms about your medical history, past surgeries, chronic conditions, and any medications you’re taking. Be honest and thorough—this isn’t the time to “downplay” something. If the doctor later sees evidence of a condition you didn’t disclose, it can create extra questions and delays.

Staff may also take a photo for your file. If they do, it’s typically a simple digital photo taken on-site. If your clinic requires printed photos, they’ll tell you when you book.

The physical exam with the panel physician

The physical exam is usually straightforward: height, weight, blood pressure, basic vision check, listening to your heart and lungs, and a general review of your health. The doctor may ask questions about any conditions you listed, or anything that comes up during the exam.

If you have a known condition—like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or a past surgery—expect questions about your treatment plan and whether it’s stable. Bringing a short letter from your treating doctor (or a recent summary) can speed things up because the panel physician can document it clearly.

For parents: children’s exams are typically lighter and age-appropriate. The clinic will guide you on what tests apply by age group.

Lab tests and chest X-ray

Most adult applicants will need blood and urine tests. These are used to screen for certain conditions as required by IRCC. The clinic will tell you if you need to fast, but many places do not require fasting for the standard immigration panel.

A chest X-ray is commonly required for adults, mainly as part of tuberculosis screening. Pregnant applicants should tell the clinic right away—there are protocols to handle this safely, and in some cases the X-ray may be deferred or done with additional shielding depending on the situation and IRCC requirements.

If your clinic sends you off-site for X-ray or lab work, ask how the results are transmitted back. The smoother the handoff between providers, the less likely you’ll face delays caused by missing or mismatched paperwork.

How long the appointment takes (and why it varies)

A common question is: “How much time should I set aside?” The realistic answer is that your total time can range from under an hour to a half-day, depending on how the clinic structures the process and how busy it is.

If everything is done in one location—forms, physician exam, blood/urine collection, and X-ray—you might finish in 60–120 minutes. If you’re visiting separate facilities, add travel time and potential waiting room time.

It also varies by your situation. If you have a complex medical history, the physician may spend extra time documenting details. That’s not a bad thing; thorough notes can reduce the chance IRCC asks for more information later.

How long it takes for results to be submitted and reflected in your IRCC file

After your exam, the clinic submits results through eMedical once all components are complete. Some parts (like the physical exam) are immediate, but lab and X-ray results can take time to come back.

Many applicants see updates in their IRCC account within several days to a couple of weeks, but timelines vary. If a test result requires review or if the clinic is waiting on an external provider, it can take longer. It’s also normal for your online status to lag behind what the clinic has already submitted.

If IRCC needs more information, they may issue a request for furtherance—additional tests, a repeat X-ray after a waiting period, or a specialist report. That can extend timelines, so it’s wise to leave breathing room in your overall immigration plan.

Understanding the immigration exam cost and what you’re actually paying for

Costs are one of the biggest stress points because the exam is not usually covered by provincial health insurance for immigration purposes. The fee can include the physician assessment plus separate charges for lab work and the chest X-ray, depending on the clinic’s setup.

Because pricing varies by region and provider, it helps to look at a clear breakdown before you book. If you want a reference point for typical pricing structures, you can review immigration exam cost information that outlines what may be included and what may be billed separately.

When you’re comparing clinics, don’t just compare the headline number. Ask whether the quote includes everything you’ll need (physician exam, labs, X-ray, eMedical submission) and whether there are extra fees for photos, printing, or additional forms. The cheapest option up front isn’t always the cheapest once all components are added.

Small choices that make the day easier

You don’t need to “prepare” in an intense way, but a few simple steps can make the appointment smoother. Start with hydration: if you know you’ll need a urine sample, drinking water earlier in the day helps you avoid awkward delays.

Wear clothing that makes a basic exam easy—something comfortable, with sleeves that allow blood pressure checks and bloodwork without a struggle. If you’re going to an X-ray facility, avoid jewelry and metal-heavy clothing that might need to be removed.

Plan your schedule with buffer time. Even efficient clinics can run behind, and you don’t want to be stressed about a meeting or childcare pickup while you’re waiting for lab work.

What “problematic” results really mean (and what usually happens next)

It’s normal to worry that any medical issue could derail your application. In reality, IRCC’s medical assessment is nuanced. Many conditions are manageable and don’t lead to refusal, especially if they’re stable and well-documented.

If something comes up, the most common next step is a request for more information. That could be a specialist note, proof of treatment, additional lab work, or repeat imaging. The key is responding quickly and providing clear documentation.

If you already have a condition you know might raise questions, consider bringing a concise medical summary to your exam. It can help the panel physician submit a clearer report, which can reduce back-and-forth later.

Upfront medical vs. medical after IRCC request

An upfront medical means you complete the exam before submitting your application (or before IRCC asks). The benefit is that you may save time later because IRCC doesn’t need to wait to request it. The downside is timing risk: if processing is slow and your medical expires, you may need to redo it.

A medical done after IRCC request is more “just-in-time.” You’ll receive instructions and a deadline. This can feel safer because it aligns the medical validity period with your active file, but it can add time if appointment availability is tight.

If your program allows upfront medicals, the best approach is to think about your likely processing timeline and your personal schedule. If you’re moving soon, traveling, or dealing with expiring documents, coordinating timing thoughtfully can prevent a scramble.

Special situations: pregnancy, kids, and chronic conditions

Some applicants need a little extra planning. Pregnancy is a common example. The chest X-ray is often the part people worry about, but clinics have established protocols and will explain options. Tell the clinic as early as possible so they can advise you properly.

For children, the exam is generally simpler and quicker. Still, bring whatever identification and documents the clinic requests. If your child has a pediatrician’s record or vaccination history, it can be helpful context even if it’s not strictly required.

If you have chronic conditions—like heart disease, kidney issues, or a history of cancer—expect that the panel physician may document more details. Bringing recent test results or a specialist letter can reduce the chance of IRCC requesting furtherance later.

How to avoid the most common delays

Delays usually come from predictable issues: missing ID, mismatched names or dates of birth, incomplete lab work, or not completing the X-ray portion promptly. The good news is that most of these are preventable with a simple checklist.

Before your appointment, confirm whether the clinic does everything in-house. If not, ask for the exact address of the lab or imaging center, whether you need an appointment there, and what paperwork you must bring. If you leave the clinic without completing a required component, your submission may sit in limbo until it’s finished.

After the exam, keep any receipts and your information sheet (often called an eMedical Information Sheet or similar). If IRCC asks for proof you completed the exam, that document is usually what you’ll upload.

What to expect emotionally (because it’s not just paperwork)

Even when the exam is simple, it can feel like a big moment. For many people, immigration is tied to family plans, career goals, and a lot of waiting. Having a medical exam attached to that can make it feel higher-stakes than a normal clinic visit.

If you’re nervous, it helps to remember that panel physicians do these exams all the time. They’re not there to judge you—they’re there to follow IRCC’s process and submit accurate information. Asking questions during the appointment is completely okay, especially if you don’t understand a form or a test.

It can also help to plan a “low-pressure” day around the appointment. Don’t schedule it between stressful commitments if you can avoid it. Giving yourself time makes the whole experience feel less intense.

If you’re in the GTA: coordinating location, timing, and next steps

The Greater Toronto Area has many options, which is great—but it also means you may need to compare availability and logistics. When you’re choosing a clinic, consider transit access, parking, and whether you can complete lab work and X-ray quickly.

If you want to explore a clinic option in the Markham/GTA area and see what the process looks like, you can click here for details and use that information to guide your planning questions (like what’s included, what to bring, and how scheduling works).

Regardless of where you book, the best approach is to treat the exam like a coordinated checklist: documents ready, appointment confirmed, and a clear plan for any off-site tests. That’s what keeps your IRCC timeline moving without unnecessary pauses.

A practical checklist you can copy before you go

To make this easy, here’s a quick checklist you can run through the day before your appointment. It’s not fancy, but it works.

Documents and essentials:

• Passport (and any other ID the clinic requested)
• IRCC medical instructions letter (if applicable)
• Glasses/contacts
• Medication list
• Relevant medical notes (if you have ongoing conditions)
• Payment method
• Any photos if the clinic told you to bring them

Day-of planning:

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early
• Drink some water (especially if urine testing is required)
• Wear comfortable clothing (easy sleeves for bloodwork)
• Leave buffer time in case you need to visit an X-ray or lab location

Once you’ve done the exam, keep your receipt and any information sheet the clinic gives you. Then it’s mostly a waiting game while results are processed and uploaded.

What happens after the exam while you wait

After your appointment, it’s tempting to refresh your IRCC account constantly. Try not to panic if you don’t see an immediate update. Clinics submit results when all components are in, and IRCC’s system updates can lag.

If you’re asked for additional tests, treat it like a normal part of the process rather than a sign that something is “wrong.” Book follow-ups quickly, keep copies of everything, and make sure any third-party results are sent to the panel physician if required.

Most importantly, keep your contact information consistent across your immigration application and the clinic records. If IRCC needs to reach you for further instructions, you want those messages to land in the right place.