Planning your Canadian immigration journey?
Understanding how to book a medical appointment for Canada immigration for PR is essential for a smooth application process. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the health assessment requirements, from finding the right doctor to understanding your results.
| Key Takeaways ✓ Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can perform your immigration medical exam, not your family doctor. |
Who Must Complete Health Assessments?
Permanent Residence Applicants:
- Principal applicants and all family members
- Dependent children (regardless of whether they're immigrating)
- Spouses and partners are included in applications
Temporary Residents: You generally don't need a medical exam unless you plan to work in certain jobs in which public health must be protected, or if you've lived in specific countries for extended periods.
Special Categories: Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), all people seeking asylum must get an IME. They must undergo their IME within 30 days following their claim for asylum.
How to Locate IRCC-Approved Panel Physicians
Many people get confused here: Your own doctor can't do the medical exam. You must find a panel physician that the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has approved to do it. These specially designated doctors understand immigration health requirements and follow specific protocols.
Finding Qualified Medical Examiners
The easiest way to find approved physicians is through the official IRCC panel physician search tool. You can choose a panel physician anywhere in the world, even in a different country from where you live.
What to Look For:
- Current IRCC approval status
- Positive patient reviews
- Comprehensive on-site services (X-ray, lab work)
- Reasonable appointment availability
Immigration Medical Exam Booking
Timeline Planning: Most clinics recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak immigration periods. You can usually check the status of your medical exam results within 30 days of the date you booked your exam.
Questions to Ask When Booking:
- Total cost including all required tests
- Required documentation
- Age-specific testing protocols
- Payment methods accepted
- Appointment duration
Smart scheduling prevents delays and ensures you're fully prepared for your assessment.
What You'll Need to Bring
Proper documentation makes your immigration medical appointment run smoothly and prevents costly delays.
Primary Identification
It’s strongly recommended that you bring your passport as your identification document. You can also use other approved identification documents, such as a driver's license or a national identity card with a photo and signature.
Health Records
- Current medication lists with dosages
- Vaccination history and immunization records
- Recent medical reports for ongoing conditions
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses
Immigration Papers
- IRCC instruction letter (if you've received one)
- IME number or UCI (Unique Client Identifier)
- Application reference numbers
Special Considerations
If you're pregnant, inform the clinic when booking. The proof of vaccination is not mandatory. If you give consent, the panel physician will discuss available vaccinations during your visit.
Understanding the Physical Examination Process
Knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety and ensures you're properly prepared.
1. Standard Assessment Components
Health History Discussion: Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive medical history review covering previous surgeries, chronic conditions, medications, and family health history. It's important to tell the panel physician about any previous or existing medical conditions. Processing your medical exam could take longer if you don't.
Physical Assessment: The doctor or medical clinic staff won't examine your genitals or rectum. These parts of the body aren't required for the immigration medical exam. The examination includes:
- Vital signs and basic measurements
- Vision and hearing evaluation
- Heart and lung assessment
- General physical condition review
2. Required Testing by Age
- Ages 0-10: Basic examination with limited lab work
- Ages 11-14: Standard assessment plus urine analysis
- Ages 15+: Complete protocol including chest X-ray and blood work
Depending on your age, you may be asked to do chest x-rays and laboratory tests at the clinic or a laboratory. This is routine screening, and the doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you.
Timeline and Results Processing
Understanding the processing timeline helps you plan your immigration journey effectively.
What Happens After Your Assessment
The physician will give you a document confirming that you had a medical exam. Keep the document with you as proof of your immigration medical exam. The clinic electronically submits your results to IRCC—no physical paperwork required on your part.
Processing Timeline
- Short-term (5-10 days): Reports are submitted within 5-10 business days of your exam.
- Review Period (30+ days): IRCC will take a minimum of 30 days to review your results and update your application status.
- Validity Period: Your medical exam results are valid for 12 months only. If you don't come to Canada as a permanent resident within that time, you may need to have another exam.
This timeline helps you coordinate your health assessment with other application components.
Cost Considerations
Medical examination costs vary significantly by location and age, so it's important to budget appropriately.
Typical Fee Structure
Base Assessment Costs: Based on current clinic data, expect to pay:
The cost of an Immigration Medical Exam can range from $150 CAD to $280 CAD, depending on the age and health of the exam's recipient.
Immigration medical examination: $200 per person. Lab tests are based on age
Additional Expenses:
- Chest X-rays (if required)
- Specialized blood tests
- Follow-up consultations
Payment Information
You must pay for the medical exam, and the cost can differ from one doctor to another. Most clinics require payment at the time of service, with some accepting cash only while others take credit cards.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Smart preparation ensures your assessment goes smoothly and results are processed efficiently.
Before Your Appointment
Health Optimization:
- Maintain regular medication schedules
- Get adequate rest the night before
- Stay hydrated and eat normally
- Wear comfortable, easily removable clothing
Document Organization: Create a checklist of required items and organize everything the night before. Make copies of important documents in case originals are needed for other purposes.
During Your Visit
- Communication Best Practices: Be completely honest about your health history. You may be referred to a specialist for more testing, depending on the results of your medical exam. Complete this request as soon as possible to avoid delays in the processing of your medical examination.
- Comfort Measures: You have the right to a chaperone at any time during the medical exam and can request that procedures be explained before they're performed.
After Your Assessment
Understanding post-assessment steps helps you stay on top of your application progress.
Monitoring Your Results
Once IRCC has reviewed your medical exams, your application's status will be updated, and you will be notified about any additional steps or document requirements. Check your online account regularly for status updates and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Addressing Potential Issues
If additional testing is required, complete it promptly. If you have doubts about your medical exams, you might be referred to additional tests or consultations. Finishing these additional tests quickly is essential to avoid delays in your application processing.
Tips for a Smooth Process
Several factors contribute to a smooth health assessment experience:
Strategic Planning
- Schedule appointments early in your application process
- Factor processing time into your immigration timeline
- Budget for all associated costs upfront
Professional Preparation
- Organize all required documentation in advance
- Research your chosen panel physician's reputation and services
- Understand what to expect during your visit
Proactive Follow-up
- Monitor your application status regularly
- Respond quickly to any additional requests
- Address health issues promptly if they arise
Your medical exam represents a significant milestone in your Canadian immigration journey. With proper preparation and understanding of the process, this requirement becomes a straightforward step toward achieving your Canadian dreams.
Remember to consult the official IRCC medical examination page for the most current information and requirements. Success comes from combining official guidance with thorough preparation and professional execution.
Choose GTA Immigration Medical Clinic Markham for Your Assessment
Ready to complete your immigration medical exam with confidence? GTA Immigration Medical Clinic Markham is your trusted partner in the Greater Toronto Area, serving patients from Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Scarborough, and across Southern Ontario. As Markham's only IRCC-approved panel physicians, we exclusively focus on immigration medical exams, ensuring our experienced doctors understand every government requirement and make your assessment process as smooth as possible.
Our state-of-the-art clinic features everything you need in one convenient location: on-site X-ray facilities, blood and urine testing, fast paperless e-processing, and free parking. Plus, our knowledgeable staff provide services in Cantonese and Mandarin to support you in your native language.
Ready to book your medical appointment for immigration? Call us today or schedule online to secure your appointment with Markham's trusted immigration medical specialists. Your Canadian dream starts with the right medical assessment—let us guide you through every step.
