When applying for permanent residency or certain visas in Canada, a key requirement is the Immigration Medical Exam (IME). This health assessment ensures that incoming applicants do not pose a public health risk and meet the health standards outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Whether you’re preparing for an immigration medical check for the first time or trying to understand what documentation like the IMM1017 or IMM1017b means, this guide offers everything you need to know about the Immigration Medical Exam process.
Who Needs To Undergo An Immigration Medical Exam?
Not all applicants require an Immigration Medical Exam, but it is mandatory if:
- You are applying for permanent residence in Canada.
- You plan to work in healthcare, child care, or other positions that involve close contact with vulnerable populations.
- If your intended stay in Canada exceeds six months and you’ve resided in or visited specific countries for a cumulative six months within the last year.
An upfront medical exam for PR is often recommended or required to speed up the processing of your application.
Who Is Authorized To Perform The Immigration Medical Check?
Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can perform your immigration medical check. You cannot use your personal doctor unless they are designated by IRCC as a panel physician. These professionals are trained to conduct the specific evaluations required during an Immigration Medical Exam and are familiar with handling various documents.
When Should You Complete Your Medical Exam?
Timing is critical. In many cases, IRCC will send a medical exam request after you submit your application. For temporary residence applications (visitor, student, or work permits), you have the choice of completing a medical exam before submitting your application. This upfront exam, with the resulting panel physician’s information sheet and IMM 1017B form, can expedite IRCC processing. This can save weeks of processing time.
Similarly, demonstrating proficiency in English or French using results aligned with the Canadian Language Benchmark Guide can also significantly streamline the application process by providing IRCC with necessary language evidence upfront.
When you complete an upfront medical exam for PR, you receive a document called a proof of upfront medical exam, which you must upload with your application.
What To Bring To Your Immigration Medical Exam?
Before attending your immigration medical check, make sure to bring the following:
- Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or similar)
- Any vaccination records
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses, if applicable
- Medications
- Any previous medical reports or details of chronic conditions
- Your IMM1017E, provided by IRCC
- Four recent passport-size photos (if required by the panel physician)
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (not mandatory)
This ensures that your immigration medical exam proceeds smoothly and without delays.
What Happens During an Immigration Medical Exam?
The immigration medical check consists of several stages:
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Identification:
The clinic will require you to present your ID. Be aware that your photos will be captured for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) files. The examining doctor will complete a health background form with you. Remember that providing truthful details is crucial.
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Physical Examination:
A medical assessment will be conducted, during which the physician or their team will:
- a) determine your weight,
- b) measure your height,
- c) assess your auditory and visual abilities,
- d) record your blood pressure,
- e) check your pulse,
- f) listen to your cardiac and respiratory sounds,
- g) check your abdominal region,
- h) evaluate your extremity mobility and observe your dermal condition.
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Additional Evaluations:
You might need chest X-rays and bloodwork based on your age and health profile. These are standard procedures; any unusual findings will be communicated to you. Further specialized assessments might be necessary.
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COVID-19 Immunization:
The examining doctor may provide a Canadian government-approved COVID-19 shot if accessible. However, receiving the vaccine is optional and not a mandatory part of the medical evaluation.
All of these are part of the standard medical test for Canada immigration. The physician then submits your results directly to IRCC. You will be given proof of an upfront medical exam or a receipt for your records.
What You Are Expected to Pay For?
IRCC does not cover the cost of the Immigration Medical Exam. You must pay the panel physician directly, and prices vary by clinic. You may be required to pay for:
- The doctor’s or radiologist’s charges,
- Costs for required additional tests, analyses, or treatments,
- Expenses for any specialist consultations.
The exact fees may depend on your age and health conditions. Always confirm the cost when booking your Canada upfront medical exam.
How To Include Medical Exam Results In Your Application?
If you completed an upfront medical exam for PR before submitting your application, you’re required to attach a copy of the IMM1017B Upfront Medical Report form. If your doctor uses the eMedical system during your immigration medical check, they will provide you with an information sheet to include with your application.
For Express Entry applicants for permanent residency who did their upfront medical exam for PR, you’ll receive both an information printout and the IMM1017B Upfront Medical Report, which must be uploaded with your online application as part of your immigration medical check.
If your immigration medical check took place after you submitted your application, you don’t need to send any medical documents to IRCC regarding your IMM1017. This is because the results of your upfront medical exam for PR or post-application medical exam are sent directly to IRCC.
Do You Get A Copy Of Your Medical Exam?
While the panel physician sends your results to IRCC, you can request a copy of the receipt or summary. However, you will not receive detailed diagnostic reports unless further action is needed. If IRCC needs more information, they will notify you directly.
Keep your IMM 1017b upfront medical report and proof of upfront medical exam as your personal records.
Validity Period Of Medical Exam Results
Your Immigration Medical Exam results are valid for 12 months. If your application is not finalized within this period, you may be asked to undergo another immigration medical check. Planning ahead is key, especially if you complete a Canada upfront medical exam early in the process.
Temporary Public Policy Exemption For In-Canada Applicants
Until October 6, 2024, the IRCC is using a temporary policy regarding immigration medical exams (IMEs) for individuals applying from within Canada.
If you had an IME within the past five years before submitting your new application, you should provide the IME or Unique Medical Identifier number from that prior exam on your current application.
You might not need to undergo a new IME if you satisfy all of the following requirements:
- You are applying for either permanent or temporary residence.
- You currently reside in Canada.
- Your previous IME was done within the last five years.
- Your previous IME results showed minimal or no risk to public health or safety.
To know more about such policies, it’s best to consult an immigration lawyer in Canada to confirm your eligibility.
Medical Surveillance Requirements
If a condition is found that is not serious enough to deny you entry but requires follow-up, you may be placed under medical surveillance. This means that once you enter Canada, you must report to local health authorities for regular medical reviews.
Conditions like inactive tuberculosis often trigger medical surveillance. This does not affect your immigration status, but failing to comply could cause issues in the future. You must provide IRCC with your Canadian contact details. If medical monitoring is necessary, the public health department will contact you and schedule your appointment. You are obligated to see a physician if you develop any indications or symptoms of active tuberculosis.
Presently, only inactive tuberculosis necessitates medical monitoring.
Conclusion:
Completing your immigration medical exam properly is essential for a smooth and successful immigration journey. From understanding documents like IMM1017 and IMM1017b to planning your upfront medical exam for PR, every detail matters.
Need help preparing for your Immigration Medical Exam? Call 416-447-6118 to consult an experienced Immigration Lawyer in Canada today.
FAQs
What additional tests should I be prepared to pay for with my IME, and how much do they cost?
Costs vary depending on the clinic and any additional evaluations you may need. Additional specialist tests may incur extra fees.
Who requires an IME?
Applicants for permanent residence, certain temporary resident visas, and individuals working in healthcare or childcare roles typically require an Immigration Medical Exam.
How to get an IME number for a medical exam?
Your IME number is found on your IMM1017 or IMM1017b form issued by IRCC. If you are doing an upfront medical exam for PR, the panel physician will generate an IME number for you.
How much does IME cost Canada?
The total cost of the immigration medical check in Canada typically ranges between CAD 200 to CAD 500, depending on age and required tests.
How long after a medical exam is passed?
After passing your Immigration Medical Exam, the results are valid for 12 months. IRCC may take several weeks to update your application status after receiving the report.
What documents are required for IME?
You will need your passport or government ID, vaccination records, any previous medical documentation, glasses or contact lenses, and the IMM1017 or IMM1017b form (if provided).
