Medical exam for permanent residents

If you apply for permanent residence, you must have an immigration medical exam. Your dependants must also have a medical exam, even if they are not coming with you.

Medical exam instructions

Your own doctor cannot do the medical exam. You must see a doctor on the list of panel physicians.

The panel physician will do a complete medical exam and may refer you for chest x-rays and laboratory tests. Once your exam has been completed, the physician will send the results to CIC.

The panel physician does not make the final decision about your medical exam. CIC makes that decision. If there is a problem with your medical exam, the visa office will contact you in writing.

When you go to your appointment, you must bring:

  • proper identification (you will need at least one document with your photograph and signature, such as a passport, driver’s licence or national identity card)
  • eye glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them
  • any medical reports or test results that you have regarding previous or existing medical conditions, and
  • the Medical Report form (IMM 1017E), if you do not undergo an up-front medical exam. The visa office will send you this form.

You may have to bring:

Note: It is important that you tell the doctor about any previous or existing medical conditions. Processing your medical exam could take longer if you do not.

There are two ways you can have an immigration medical exam, depending on your immigration category

Wait for instructions once you have submitted your application

Instructions issued by CIC:

You will be instructed to go for a medical exam within 30 days of receiving the notice.

Instructions issued by Border Services Officer:

If you make a refugee claim at a port of entry, a Border Services Officer will instruct you to get a medical exam within 30 days.

Note: Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application being refused.

Undergo your exam before you submit your application (Required for certain categories: see your application guide)

This is called an up front medical exam.

You can contact a panel physician directly to get your medical exam.

Once your medical exam has been completed, the doctor will give you a document confirming that you underwent a medical exam. You must include a copy of that document with your application.

If the doctor works with the eMedical electronic system:

  • they will give you an up-front medical notification printout.

If the doctor works with a paper system:

  • they will give you a copy of the IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form.

You must attach that form to your application before you submit it to the visa office. If you apply online, you must upload that form before you can submit your application.

Fees

You must pay any fees related to the medical exam when you are there. If your application is refused after your medical exam, those fees will not be refunded.

Validity

Your medical exam results are valid for 12 months only. If you do not come to Canada as a permanent resident within that time, you may need to have another exam.

Getting a copy of your medical exam

If you want a copy of your medical exam, please ask the doctor when you are there.

Note: Medical reports and x-rays for the medical exam become the property of CIC and cannot be returned to you.

Find a doctor

Find a doctor on the list of panel physicians

 
 
 
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