Over the next couple of years, Canadian government plans to welcome 300,000-400,000 newcomers into the country each year. There are many steps in the immigration and permanent residency process. One of these important steps is the Immigration Medical Exam (IME) requirement. Furthermore, students, visa holders, temporary visitors, refugees, work permit applicants also require medical examination.

Why a Medical Exam?

The health of Canadian residents is of an utmost importance, and the Government of Canada would like to provide its residents with high quality healthcare service. That’s why the Government of Canada wants to ensure newcomers maintain public health and safety mandates.

What’s Involved in the Medical Exam?

During the physical examination, your doctor will check the following tests and write down their findings.

• Your weight
• Your height
• Your vision
• Your blood pressure
• Your pulse
• Listen to both heart and lungs
• Feel your abdomen
• Ensure all your limbs move normally
• Look at your skin

During this exam, a doctor may ask to examine the chest and will advise the reason to examine chest for the particular exam. A doctor will not examine your genitals or rectum as this falls out of the requirements.

During the physical medical exam, you are allowed to have a chaperone in the room. This could be a clinic staff member or a family member if you wish. You can stop the exam and ask for a chaperone to be brought in despite not asking for one at the start. During the exam, you also have some other rights, including the right to ask questions about the examination.

The doctor conducting the exam will stop and your concerns will be listened to and addressed.

Other exams required:

Depending on your age, a doctor may perform chest X-rays, ask for blood samples and urine samples. In addition, as part of their medical exam, clients should bring along any prescribed medications and medical reports if they have.

After the Exam

Following the exam, the Panel Physician will call clients if any abnormal results are identified.  Based on your results, the Panel Physician may ask clients to see their family doctor or a walk-in-clinic doctor. The IRCC will review each case and if they need further information, they will contact clients directly. If a client receives an email from the IRCC, they need to contact the panel physician clinic that performed their medical exams.

A client’s Immigration Medical Exam report is valid for 12 months following their medical exam. To avoid delay any delays, please ensure all information are submitted completely and on time. To book your immigration medical exam, please go to Immigration Medical Centre’s website (www.immigrationmedicalcentre.ca).

Clients Request of a Medical Exam

Clients can request a copy of their medical report at any time after their medical exam session. Only after client’s medical exam is submitted to the IRCC by the Panel Physician, a copy of client’s medical exam will become available to be shared with the client by the Panel Physician clinic at a nominal fee.