The immigration medical examination (IME) can feel overwhelming. But the process becomes much easier once you understand how the eMedical system in Canada works.
eMedical is a secure online platform used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Panel physicians also use it to record, submit, and track your medical exam results. No matter your application type: permanent residence, work permit, or visitor visa, knowing eMedical helps you navigate the IME.
Key Takeaways➤ The eMedical system is the secure online platform IRCC uses to record and process all immigration medical exams.➤ Only approved panel physicians can complete and submit your IME, and your regular family doctor cannot. ➤ eMedical allows doctors to upload your results electronically, reducing delays and eliminating lost paperwork. ➤ You’ll receive an eMedical Information Sheet after your exam, which includes your IME/UMI number for tracking. ➤ You can monitor your medical exam status through your IRCC online account, especially for Express Entry and other online applications. |
What Is the eMedical System?
eMedical is a secure, web-based system used to process and report immigration medical exams. It is a shared system used by the authorities of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. Panel physicians upload exam results electronically to the system. By moving
away from paper forms, eMedical helps reduce processing times and improve data accuracy. This makes the medical exam process smoother for both applicants and healthcare providers.
Only government-approved panel physicians are permitted to submit IME results. Your regular family doctor is not eligible unless they are on IRCC’s approved panel.
The eMedical system is operated through systems managed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Your exam information may be stored temporarily on those servers. The storage period in eMedical can be up to 15 months before the data is securely transferred to IRCC.
How the eMedical System Works: The Complete Process
Step 1: Receiving Your Medical Exam Request
The process begins when immigration officials determine you need a health assessment. Depending on your application and region, you'll receive:
- A request through your online IRCC account
- Instructions to book an upfront exam (common for temporary resident applications)
- A Medical Report form containing your IME number and Unique Client Identifier
According to Canada.ca guidelines, most applicants must finish their exam within 30 days of receiving the request. Completing it early helps you avoid delays. If you're applying from outside Canada, check your regional guidelines, as some countries follow additional procedures.
Step 2: Booking and Attending Your Appointment
Once you select and book an appointment with an approved clinic, the panel physician's eMedical submission includes several key components. Staff will guide you through each step, ensuring you provide proper consent and complete all required tests.
Identity Verification and Documentation
When you visit for your appointment, the staff will take a live digital photograph and upload it directly to the platform. This photo appears on all test requisitions and referrals, verifying your identity throughout the process. You'll need to provide approved identification, preferably your passport, along with proof of your date of birth. They will verify these documents against your photo and file information before you undergo any tests.
Health Assessment Components
Your immigration medical examination includes multiple elements, with all medical reports and test results recorded electronically:
- A physical exam assessing cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and musculoskeletal health (including a basic vision screening)
- A review of your medical history to document any conditions that could affect admissibility
- For applicants 11 years and older: a chest X-ray (for tuberculosis screening)
- For applicants 15 years and older: blood tests including HIV and syphilis screening, and tests such as serum creatinine to check kidney function
- Other lab or diagnostic tests as required
The panel physician enters all findings, lab results, and clinical data directly into your medical record within the eMedical system. This eliminates the risk of lost or damaged paper files while accelerating the review process. You'll need to fill out consent forms and provide your medical history, which the staff will assist you in completing.
Electronic Submission to IRCC
Once all components are complete, the physician submits the full report electronically. Panel physicians are required to submit IME results within 10 days of the appointment. However, many clinics upload much sooner, often within a few business days. Once submitted, IRCC’s regional medical offices receive the information securely.
In most cases, you don’t need to submit or copy any documents yourself. But if you completed an upfront medical exam, IRCC may require you to upload the information printout (IMM 1017B) or include your IME/UMI number with your application.
Step 3: Understanding Your Information Sheet
Following your appointment, you'll receive an eMedical information sheet, which is your proof of completion. This document contains critical details you'll need to access throughout your immigration journey. It also serves as your record that you underwent the required medical examination.
Your information sheet will provide:
- Unique medical identifier (UMI or IME number) to link your results
- Submission date showing when the physician sent your case to IRCC
- Current health case status information
- Instructions on how to submit this form with your visa application (if applicable)
Keep this sheet safe. You may need it during the rest of your immigration process.
Your IME results are generally valid for 12 months from the date of your exam. If you completed an IME in the past 5 years, you may be able to reuse the prior IME, depending on IRCC’s requirements. Simply include its IME/UMI number in your new application.
If IRCC requests further medical information, also known as a “furtherance request,” they may require additional tests or specialist reports. That request will come to you via your online account. If that happens, your physician will submit the new results under your existing IME number, ensuring everything remains linked correctly.
How to Track eMedical Results
You generally will not receive detailed clinical findings (those go to IRCC and their medical review team). However, you can monitor your exam status:
Monitor Through Your IRCC Account
Your most reliable tracking method is your IRCC secure account or application status tracker. According to the IRCC's help center, you can check your exam status if you applied through Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, or other programs that offer online tracking. Simply log in to your account to access your case information.
Status messages you might see on your account page:
- "Medical results received" - IRCC has the physician's submission
- "Medical results in progress" - Medical officers are reviewing your case
- "Additional medical information required" - Further testing or documentation needed
Status updates may not appear immediately. You may need to wait 2 to 4 weeks for typical review times, though complex cases requiring specialist reports or consultations may take longer.
Using Your IME Number for Tracking
Your IME number provides another tracking option. Some clinics offer online services that allow you to enter your IME number tracking identifier to verify when the results were submitted to IRCC. This link on the clinic's site allows you to select your case and view the submission date.
However, these tools provide limited data, primarily confirming that the doctor has submitted your file. For comprehensive updates, access your IRCC account.
Key Benefits of the eMedical System
This electronic approach offers several advantages over traditional paper-based methods for refugees, immigrants, and all other clients seeking entry to Canada:
- Faster Processing and Reduced Wait Times: Electronic submission eliminates mail transit time and the risk of lost documents. Your physician transmits results directly to IRCC within days rather than weeks, accelerating your overall application timeline. You won't need to wait for paper reports to arrive by mail, and the government can access your file immediately once submitted.
- Enhanced Security and Data Protection: Digital photos and identity checks are conducted at multiple stages to reduce fraud risks. The system also eliminates transcription errors common with handwritten forms, ensuring your information and medical data reach officials accurately. All information is stored securely, protected by strict government protocols that safeguard your privacy.
- Greater Transparency and Access: Online tracking tools let you monitor your exam status through your account, providing peace of mind during what can be an uncertain waiting period. You can check your case page at any time to see updates, rather than wondering about the status of mailed documents.
- Consistent Standards Across Countries: The platform standardizes the conduct and reporting of medical examinations across approved physicians in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other participating countries. This helps IRCC make fair and uniform decisions, regardless of where you take your exam or from which region you apply.
What You Need to Know Before Your Exam
Finding an Approved Panel Physician
To locate approved providers, visit the official IRCC panel physician locator, which lists contact information and locations for approved medical professionals. You can select a clinic based on your location and schedule directly.
Pro Tip: When scheduling, ask staff about their typical turnaround time for submitting results to the government. Some physicians submit within 2-3 days, while others may take the full 10 business days allowed. Understanding this timeline helps you plan better.
Understanding Costs and Payment
Immigration medical exams aren't covered by provincial health insurance, as they serve immigration purposes rather than medical treatment. The clinic will advise you of their fees when you call.
Your total cost typically includes:
- Physician examination fee for the doctor's services
- Laboratory testing for required blood and urine tests
- Radiology fees for chest X-rays
- Specialist consultations, if required for your case
Fees vary depending on the location, provider, and services required. Physicians must provide clear fee schedules before your visit. You can check the clinic's website or ask when calling. Some individuals, such as refugees and refugee claimants, may qualify for coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program.
However, most clients pay all costs directly at the time of their visit.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
When you visit the clinic, come prepared with:
- Valid passport or approved identification as proof of identity
- Medical Report form, if provided by IRCC (or your IME number)
- Vaccination records, if available, to provide to the doctor
- List of current medications and any medical history documents
- Glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them for vision testing
- Payment for exam fees (check if the clinic accepts credit cards)
- Copy of any previous medical reports if you've had immigration exams before
Note: You may be required to complete additional consent forms at the clinic. Staff will provide these documents and assist you in completing them correctly. Arriving prepared with all required documentation ensures your appointment runs smoothly.
Complete Your eMedical Exam With Confidence
GTA Immigration Medical Clinic Markham specializes in immigration medical exams, as it is the only clinic in Markham with panel physicians approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Our experienced doctors are familiar with government requirements and utilize the eMedical system to submit your results electronically to IRCC quickly and efficiently.
Located at 3603 Highway 7 East, Unit 102, we offer free parking and convenient access from Highway 401, 407, and 410. Our on-site services include blood tests, chest X-rays, and all necessary medical reports, eliminating the need to visit multiple locations.
Our multilingual staff speak Cantonese and Mandarin to support you through every step. We serve clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including Scarborough, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan.
Take the next step in your Canadian immigration journey. Call or book online today.
