The Immigration Medical Exam (IME) for Canadian Immigration: All You Need to Know

The Immigration Medical Exam (IME) for Canadian Immigration: All You Need to Know

The immigration medical exam is part of the Canadian immigration process, no matter which type of application it is, whether for temporary residence, permanent residence, or as a student. It’s a routine part of the process where anyone applying for immigration needs to undergo this medical examination. Many applicants find it a bit confusing, but this guide will take you through exactly what to expect from this examination.

What is the Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?

The IME is a health check required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to ensure that newcomers to Canada don’t pose a public health risk and won’t place excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system.

Who must undergo a medical exam?

The following applicants are required to take the IME exam:

• Those applying for permanent residency, including their accompanying family members, must take the test.
• Temporary residents staying for less than six months are not required to undergo this exam. Employees working in public health-related occupations may need to take this exam.
• Applicants with any medical condition will be examined.

Who Can Perform the IME? 

Applicants are not allowed to choose their own doctor to conduct the exam; only doctors approved by IRCC, known as panel physicians, are authorized to perform the IME. The IRCC makes the final decision, not the panel physicians. These physicians operate in Canada and around the world.

You can find an approved panel physician near you using IRCC’s official directory.

When Should You Do the IME? It Depends on the Type of Application

When considering the response of the applications, there are two timings for when to do the IME.

• Upfront Medical Exam

When applicants are required to perform the medical exam before submission of the application, then this is termed as an upfront medical exam. 

• Invitation to do the Medical from IRCC

IRCC sends instructions to applicants to complete the medical exam after reviewing their submissions.

The timings of immigration medical exams differ based on different types of applications. 

• If the applicant has applied for permanent residence through Express Entry, then they are not required to undergo an upfront medical exam before application submission.
• Once the permanent applicant has submitted the application, they must wait for IRCC instructions on how to get the medical examination done. The same timing is considered for the applicants who are being sponsored.
• If applicants made a refugee claim, they will be advised to get the medical exam done within 30 days.

What Happens During the Exam?

This medical exam consists of a mental and physical examination as well as a review of past medical history. Here’s the breakdown of the steps taken by IRCC during the exam:

1. Medical History Review
   The doctor asks the applicant about past or current medical conditions, medications, allergies, and surgeries.
   
2. Physical Exam
   The physician examines the applicant, which includes checking weight, height, eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, pulse, and general physical condition.
   
3. Chest X-ray
   This is done for applicants aged 11 and older to check for tuberculosis (TB).
   
4. Blood Tests
   This is done for applicants aged 15+; they are typically examined for syphilis and HIV.
5. Urine Sample

The sample test is done to check medical conditions like diabetes or any other indicators.

Based on the applicant’s travel history, age, and other factors, they might be asked to provide proof of vaccination or might undergo an assessment for mental health.

After the medical exam is done, the panel directly forwards the report to IRCC. 

How Long Are IME Results Valid?

The IME results are valid for 12 months from the date of the exam. If the immigration process takes longer than a year, then one may likely need to redo the exam.

How Much Does the Immigration Medical Exam Cost in Canada?

The cost of the exam varies depending on the province and the clinic. Generally, the medical cost for adults is around 450-700 CAD and 250-400 CAD for children. One must understand that the IRCC does not cover the cost of the exam. 

The medical fees include:

• Physical Examination
• Laboratory tests and chest X-rays, if required.
• Complete medical report and submission to IRCC.

Miscellaneous Expenses:

• It is better to take vaccination updates with you; otherwise, it may cost around 30-80 CAD per vaccination update.
• If the applicant requires special consultation, then the cost may vary between 200 and 500 CAD.
• For special cases, some may need to undergo additional tests, which cost around 100-300 CAD. 

Documents to Bring during Your Appointment

This is the list of documents you need to take with you when going for the medical exam appointment:

• Your passport or government-issued photo ID.
• “Health Examination List” or any referral letter received from the department.
• If applicable, then take your eyeglasses/contact lenses. 
• A list of any medications you’re currently taking.
• Past medical reports, if you have chronic conditions.

To make the application smoother, it is important to undergo the IME exam.

If you need help understanding the process or you are under a specific situation, then you can contact Doherty Fultz Immigration.  
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