Syphilis screening is mandatory for everyone aged 15 or older for completing an Immigration Medical Exam (IME). It is one of the standard blood tests, along with HIV and kidney function (creatinine). 

Syphilis testing looks for antibodies in your blood. If the test is positive, it does not always mean you currently have an active infection. Sometimes, it may reflect a past infection or treatment. 

Please remember if you had history of syphilis, please always let our medical practitioners at time of medical exam. It will expedite the process and all the additional tests will be done in the day of your additional exam.

If your syphilis test comes back positive, our panel physician will directly contact you to explain your results and guide you through the next steps. Here is what usually happens: 

1. Return to the clinic to discuss results

You will be asked to come back to the clinic so your results can be reviewed in person. 

2. Additional blood tests 

IRCC requires additional blood tests for all positive syphilis cases. These tests may have an additional fee. 

3. Referral to sexual health clinic for treatment

You will be referred to a local sexual health clinic for appropriate antibiotic treatment. Bring your health card to your visit. 

4. Proof of treatment required 

IRCC requires proof of treatment after you are treated for syphilis. 

Syphilis is fully curable with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can cause serious long-term complications and may also be passed to others. IRCC requires proof of treatment to make sure applicants do not pose a public health risk. You will not fail your immigration medical exam just because of a syphilis diagnosis. Remember, what matters is that you complete the required treatment and provide proof. 

Immigration Medical Exams and Syphilis: Key Takeaways

• Syphilis must be adequately treated before you can be approved for immigration.
• Proof of treatment (type of medication, dosage, and dates) is required and submitted with your IME.
• If you tested positive in the past and already completed treatment, IRCC still requires documentation.

Our clinic will guide you step-by-step and submit all required documents to IRCC. 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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