How Long Does the Canadian Immigration Medical Exam Take?
The Canadian immigration medical exam (IME) is essential for all individuals planning to remain in Canada for over six months or those employed in the health, education, or social sector. In this article, we will provide information on the general medical exam timeline, including what to expect at each stage and the duration. However, Canada immigration processing times can vary depending on what tests must be completed for citizenship.
Why do I need to have a medical exam?
It is natural to wonder why you need a medical exam, especially when you are confident that you and/or your family are healthy. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires this assessment for those intending to enter Canada for six months or more.
Its purpose is as follows:
- It is essential to determine whether the individual has existing medical conditions that may pose a public health risk or impose a safety risk for fellow Canadians that applicants may not be aware of.
- Determine whether medical conditions may place excessive demand on Canada’s social services or healthcare system.
Permanent Residency, Working, Visiting, and Studying in Canada
Most people desiring permanent residency must book an IME. This also includes those who want to study, work, or visit Canada for six months or more. Individuals may not need an IME if they remain in Canada for less than six months, or go through Canada on their way to another country.
If you are not sure if you require an immigration medical exam, please check with IRCC regarding your personal situation.
Working in the Health, Education or Social Sector
If you remain in Canada for less than six months, you may not require an IME. However, if you’re uncertain, it’s always best to ask a trusted source. Reach out to IRCC if you have questions about your personal circumstances.
Furthermore, if you are employed in an occupation where public health must be protected, you must book a medical exam with a panel physician according to Canada medical requirements, regardless of how long your stay is.
These positions put you in contact with other individuals, and before you can begin work, you may need to ensure that you do not pose a public health risk. Individuals requiring an IME include the following:
- Healthcare workers
- Patient attendants in geriatric or nursing homes
- Clinical lab workers
- Medical students attending university in Canada
- Physicians and medical electives on short-term locums
- Workers in elementary or secondary school environments or child-care settings
- People who provide in-home care to the elderly, disabled, and children
- Day nursery workers
- Other similar occupations
- Agricultural workers who have lived in or visited these countries concurrently for over six months before coming to Canada must also take their IME.
Stages of the IME and Medical Exam Timeline
There are two types of medical exams: standard and streamlined. Streamlined medical exams are simplified exams that may be requested under specific operational circumstances (humanitarian crisis or other extenuating circumstances determined by the IRCC).
Individuals cannot request one exam over the other. The IRCC will inform you which exam is needed.
Your IME can be conducted before or after you apply (upfront medical exam). People who can receive one include those studying, working, and visiting (parents/grandparents’ super visa) for six months or more in Canada. You will be required to contact a panel physician directly.
Your medical exam for immigration to Canada will require the following steps:
Gathering Medical History
Our panel physicians will inquire about your medical history, including chronic illnesses, previous surgeries, or hospitalizations.
Physical Examination
This step involves a panel physician conducting measurements and noninvasive tests to check:
- Vision and hearing
- Height and weight
- Lungs and heart
- Movement of limbs
- Abdominal conditions (physicians gently press on your abdomen to examine specific organs)
- Skin conditions
Mental Health Assessment
This step examines your mental health. It is not an IQ test, but it examines signs for psychiatric conditions that may place you or other Canadians at risk after entering the country.
Other Tests
Lab tests examine applicants for infectious diseases that may create a public health risk. A panel physician will conduct a blood test to screen for diseases listed below:
- Syphilis (older than 15)
- HIV (for people over 15 years old)
- Creatinine (for those over 15)
- Hepatitis
- Kidney function
Many immigration medical exams require chest X-rays to screen for contagious diseases, which may cause a public health risk, and tuberculosis. Individuals who are 11 years old and older require chest X-rays. Furthermore, those 15 years old and older must do a blood test.
The Timeline
While it seems that many things are involved with taking the immigration medical exam, the tests (physical exam, chest X-ray, and blood test) last between 30 minutes and 2 hours. All examinations are completed in one visit at our clinics. The duration required will depend on whether you need additional testing.
At Immigration Medical Toronto, we perform all these procedures at one of our locations. By offering in-house testing, we can better streamline the process for you, making your immigration processing time easier and quicker.
What happens after the exam?
Once completed, we send your results using eMedical directly to the IRCC. The results are filed within 5-10 business days. Your panel physician will provide a document confirming that you received a medical exam. Ensure you keep it as proof that you had your IME.
Promptly respond to any IRCC requests for additional information while they are processing your application. Our office may also reach out to you after your examination if there are any outstanding or pending tests.
Book With Immigration Medical Toronto for Your IME
Immigration Medical Toronto specializes in the IME for refugees, immigrants, and permanent/temporary Canadian residents residing in the GTA. Our clinic is IRCC-approved and contains everything necessary to complete the IME.
Furthermore, our staff speaks fluent English, French, Farsi, Cantonese and Mandarin to assist you. While the medical exam timeline can vary, our offices are equipped to handle the process quickly.
To book your appointment, contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at 416-463-2438. You can also email us at admin@immigrationmedtoronto.com or contact us online.
