After completing your Immigration Medical Exam (IME) you may be wondering, “Can I use the results of my medical exam for something else, like my school, work, or personal health records?” The answer is unfortunately no. 

An IME is a specialized medical exam required by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for immigration purposes only. Panel Physicians complete this exam only to check if you meet Canada’s health admissibility rules.

There are several reasons why the results of your IME cannot be reused for other purposes. Most importantly, your IME belongs to IRCC. Once you sign the Client Declaration and Notice Form, your medical information is securely submitted to IRCC. Sometimes, extra tests (like an additional chest X-ray or an IGRA blood test for tuberculosis) may be required to complete your IME. These tests are also a part of your immigration medical file and cannot be repurposed for other schools or employers. 

Another important point to consider is that an IME does not include a comprehensive medical report. The IME only checks for conditions that could pose a risk to public health or create excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system. These test include: 

• HIV blood test
• Syphilis (VDRL) blood test
• Creatinine blood test
• Chest X-ray for tuberculosis

It does NOT include general tests such as:

• Full blood count (CBC)
• Blood sugar
• Cholesterol
• Vaccination titres
• X-rays for other body parts
• Or other common tests schools or workplaces may ask for

For this reason, the IME report is not a substitute for a school or work medical report. 

What Can I Do Instead? 

If your college, university, or workplace needs a TB test, immunization record, or general health check-up, you can:

1. Visit your family doctor or walk-in clinic (a Panel physician cannot act as your family doctor) 
2. Request the specific medical tests you need for school/work. 
3. Have your doctor or public health nurse complete your school/work forms. 

We understand it can be convenient to hope one medical exam covers everything. However, IRCC’s Immigration Medical Exam is very specific and cannot be used as a substitute for other required medicals. If you need any help understanding what is or is not included in your IME, our team is always here to answer your questions! 

At Immigration Medical Centre in Oakville, our kind, caring and experienced Panel Physicians and medical practitioners are happy to support you throughout the entire Immigration Medical Exam process. For clients’ convenience, we provide all tests including blood test and x-ray in the same building. To book your Immigration Medical Exam, please either call us at 416-822-3326 or book it online on our website.   

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