Prepare for Your Medical Exam for Immigration in the Greater Toronto Area
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will provide you with instructions on when you should get an Immigration Medical Exam. Once you have received the instructions, follow the steps below to ensure your medical exam process is a success.
What to expect for your Medical exam:
Immigration medical exam consist of physical exam with doctor, chest x-ray, and blood test. The requirement for chest x-ray and blood test is age-dependent.
After your visit with the doctor, you will go for chest x-ray and blood test in the same building. Payment will be made separately to the respective department
The whole process will take approximately 1.5 hours
You do not need to bring a passport photo, a picture will be taken in the office.
You do not need to be fasting for bloodwork
Pregnant patients may still proceed with immigration medical exam. Our panel physicians will guide you
Wear a loose-fitted top or T-shirt to allow for easy access to your arm for blood test
Applicants of Age 15 and under must be accompanied by their parents/legal guardian
Due to COVID19 and for the safety of both you and other applications, wearing a face mask is encourage during your exam.
Step 1: Book an Appointment at Our Clinic
You can book your Immigration Medical Exam with one of our IRCC Panel Physicians in Toronto directly online. Be sure to choose your preferred clinic location when scheduling your appointment.
After you have completed your booking, an intake form will be emailed to you and completed if you are completing an Upfront Medical Exam.
Step 2: Gather The Required Documents
You must bring the following documents to your medical exam at our clinic:
- One form of government-issued ID, such as:
- Valid Original Passport or Certified Copy by Canadian Visa Office. Physical passport is preferred.
- National ID card
- Canadian driver’s licence
- Refugee protection claimant document
- Refugee travel document
- Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview
- The Interim Federal Health Certificate
- Any IRCC paperwork
- Medical Report – Client Biodata and Summary IMM1017
- Express Entry Invitation Letter.
- Applicants may complete an Upfront Medical if you do not have the above in preparation of your application
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them
- Any medical reports or test results for previous or existing medical conditions
- A list of all your current medications or medication bottles/packages
Step 3: Visit Our Clinic for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Our clinics are equipped to provide all examinations at one location. We provide all doctor services, blood and x-ray examination in one location. All testing can be completed in one visit which allows for an efficient and time saving process. The whole process should take approximately 1.5 hours and you will be required to pay for your exam on day of your appointment, unless otherwise covered. Canadian debit, cash, and credit card is accepted. A transaction fee will apply for credit card usage.
Chest X-Rays
A chest x-ray is required for all applicants Age 11 and older. Pregnant applicants may choose to defer the chest x-ray and complete all other parts of the exam. Our Panel Physicians will counselled you regarding the risk of x-ray during pregnancy or how to defer until after pregnancy.
Blood Tests
Blood testing is required for all applicants Age 15 and older. You do not need to fast before your appointment for blood work tests.
At Immigration Medical Toronto, we recognize that this process can be stressful, and being well-prepared is essential for a smooth experience. Our team of certified IRCC panel physicians is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care, ensuring that you are fully informed about what to expect at each stage of your IRCC medical exam in Toronto.
Understanding the necessary documents to bring, the required tests, and how to physically prepare for the exam can help prevent delays and ensure that your application progresses smoothly.
This page will walk you through everything you need to know, from booking your appointment to what to bring with you, as well as what to expect during and after the exam. With Immigration Medical Toronto, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re fully prepared for this vital step.
What is an Immigration Medical Exam?
An immigration medical exam in Toronto is a crucial step toward immigration to Canada. This exam ensures that prospective immigrants meet the necessary health standards to safeguard the well-being of Canadians and the healthcare system. The IME is conducted by panel physicians who are designated by the IRCC.
Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?
All prospective immigrants to Canada must undergo an IME, including those applying for:
- Visitor visas
- Canadian permanent residency
- Refugee status
- Work visa
It includes people applying through the Provincial Nominee Program, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. An immigration medical exam is also required for individuals who plan to remain in Canada longer than six months.
Why is the Medical Exam Important?
The immigration medical exam is essential in protecting the safety and health of Canadians. It also ensures that those entering the country do not place an undue burden on our health and social services due to medical issues requiring extensive care or treatment.
By identifying potential conditions in their early stages, the Canadian government prevents infectious diseases from spreading
Steps to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Make sure to book your IRCC medical exam in Toronto, gather all the necessary documents and items, and be prepared to pay the fees to avoid any delays. Being well-prepared will help you complete the exam confidently. We will provide an outline of what to expect and how to prepare for each step.
Gathering Required Documents
You are required to present several documents when going to your immigration medical exam. These include:
- Any official papers received from the IRCC for your exam
- Original government-issued photo identification and/or your original passport
- A list of all current prescriptions or medications
- Include test and conclusion reports you have had with medical specialists
- Provide recent relevant medical reports for existing or previous conditions
- If you need them, contact lenses or eyeglasses
- You must have a legal guardian accompany any applicants age 15 and under
- An interpreter if you don’t speak or understand English fluently
- Interim Federal Health (IFH) Refugee Documents (only for refugees)
Applicants will not need to provide photos, as we take digital images in our office.
Preparing Physically for the Exam
Please be prepared to provide a blood sample and complete a chest x-ray. You are not required to fast for blood work. Individuals are requested to wear loose-fitting shirts or tops, allowing our technicians easy access to to the arm for blood test and for chest x-ray
What to Expect During the Immigration Medical Exam
The testing portion of the IME looks for past or current medical issues that affect a person’s admission to Canada. Panel physicians ask the person about medical illnesses, previous surgeries, hospitalizations, and current medications taken. They also ask about mental health history, which includes addictions or substance abuse.
Components of the Physical Examination
The IME has several components which vary according to age and medical history of the person receiving the examination. The elements of the exam include
Medical History
A panel physician asks the person about their medical history, including previous surgeries, sicknesses, or hospitalizations.
Physical Exam
Panel physicians perform physical exams. The exam may include measuring the person’s height and weight and examining and listening to the heart and lungs. It may also include examining limb movements, abdomen, and skin condition.
Lab Tests and X-Rays
Lab tests in the immigration medical examines people for infectious disease that may pose public health risks. Panel physicians order blood tests to screen for issues like HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, and kidney function. A chest x-ray is required to screen for tuberculosis, a contagious disease posing a public health risk. Anyone 11 years or older will require a chest x-ray. Anyone 15 years or older will require blood test.
How Long Does an Immigration Medical Test Take?
At Immigration Medical Toronto, the entire process of physical exam, blood test, and chest x-ray 30 minutes to two hours to complete. Depending on the other tests that may be required, the duration of the test may be longer. Despite this, our clinic has all services in one place, allowing for efficient and timely completion of your medical exam.
The IRCC will inform you of the following steps if additional documentation is required.
Ready to Book Your IRCC Medical Exam? Contact Us Today!
Immigration Medical provides the immigration exam from qualified panel physicians. To book your appointment, please book directly online or contact us at 416-463-2439 by phone or email us at admin@immigrationmedtoronto.com.
Visit us at one of our two locations:
- 855 Broadview Avenue, Suite 403
- 790 Bay Street, Suite 716
We are open Monday through Friday between 9:00 and 5:00 and Saturday between 9:00 and 3:00 to address all your needs.
