How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Immigration Medical Exams (also known as IMEs) are a required part of the Canadian immigration process. If you are applying for permanent residency or certain visas, you will need to complete this health assessment. The exam includes a physical check-up, a review of your medical history, and may also involve additional tests, such as a chest x-ray and blood tests.
This guide will walk you through what to expect and help you feel confident at every step.
How to Prepare for Your IME
1. Book Your IME Exam
Not everyone needs to book their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) at the same point in the immigration process. When you need to schedule your exam depends on how you’re applying to enter Canada. The sections below outline when to book based on your specific application path.
Permanent Residency Sponsorship for Partners, Spouses and Children
When Should I Book: After you receive instructions from the Government of Canada.
Applicants using this method cannot book the exam in advance. Once the application is submitted, the Government of Canada will send specific instructions on how to make the appointment if needed.
Express Entry for Permanent Residents
When Should I Book: After receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA) but before submitting your application. As of August 21, 2025, Express Entry applicants must complete an upfront medical exam before submitting their permanent residence application.
Applicants in Canada who completed an immigration medical exam within the past five years may be able to reuse their existing results by providing their IME number or unique medical identifier. If the previous results cannot be used, IRCC will provide further instructions.
Only an approved panel physician can complete your immigration medical exam for permanent residency. Your family doctor or any other medical professional cannot perform the exam.
Refugees
When Should I Book: Within 30 days after claiming refugee status at a Canadian point of entry.
After entering Canada and claiming refugee status, Border Services Officers will guide you on how to get your IME.
Other Permanent Residency Applicants
When Should I Book: Within 30 days of receiving instructions from the Government of Canada.
Once the application is submitted, you will receive instructions on how to book your IME and must complete it within 30 days.
Visitors, Students and Temporary Workers
When to Book: If you are staying in Canada for over six months or working in areas where public health requires protection.
If you are applying for a visitor, student or temporary worker visa and staying for less than six months, you may not need to complete an IME.
However, if your stay extends past six months or if you are working in close contact with others, you may need to submit your IME results with your visa application.
An IRCC medical exam is required if you plan to work in any of the following environments:
- Clinical labs handling biological samples
- Healthcare settings (clinics or hospitals)
- Geriatric or nursing homes
- Primary and secondary schools, and child-care settings/daycares
- University medical programs (including short-term locums and medical electives)
- Agricultural areas (including farms)
Those working in agriculture who have recently visited certain countries may also need an IME.
2. What to Bring to Your Exam
Regardless of when you book your IME, bring the following to your appointment:
- Government-issued photo ID – bring your original ID, not a photo
- Form IMM1017B (if applicable)
- Any IRCC paperwork
- Refugee identification (if applicable)
- List of current medications
- Medical reports for past or current conditions
- Documents for special health conditions (e.g., mental health, infectious diseases, drug use)
- Corrective lenses (contacts or glasses)
Passport photos are not required. At Immigration Medical Toronto, we are eMedical enabled and as such, this step is not necessary.
Appointments typically take about 1.5 hours. To make the physical exam more comfortable, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
3. Pay for the IME
The IME includes several fees:
- Panel physician fee
- Chest X-ray fee
- Laboratory test fee
Fasting is usually not necessary for blood work. At Immigration Medical Toronto, all medical tests are completed on-site, making the process more convenient. Our fully equipped facility allows you to complete everything in one location, helping you avoid the hassle of travelling between appointments.
What Type of Additional Tests May Be Required?
Depending on age, you may need:
- Ages 5–10: Urine testing
- Ages 11–14: Chest X-ray only
- Over 15: Blood tests and chest X-ray
4. Submit the Results to the Government of Canada
If you completed your IME after applying, there is nothing further you need to do. A panel physician will contact you if abnormal results are found. Results are typically submitted to IRCC via eMedical within 3–10 business days.
If your immigration medical exam is required before submitting your application, you must include a copy of the eMedical information sheet. This can be used in place of IMM1017B.
In cases of inactive tuberculosis, you may be required to undergo medical surveillance once in Canada. This includes regular monitoring by public health authorities.
Contact Immigration Medical Toronto to Book a Medical Exam
Preparing for your immigration medical exam is a key step toward successfully immigrating to Canada. Knowing what to bring, understanding the requirements, and following the steps outlined in this guide can make the experience more straightforward.
While the process may feel long and complex, being open about your medical history, staying on top of your health, and gathering your documents in advance can make things much easier.
Contact Immigration Medical Toronto at 416-463-2438 to book your appointment, or book online. Our Broadview location is open 9:00–5:00 Monday to Friday and 9:00–12:00 on Saturdays. Our Bay Street location is open 9:00–5:00 Monday to Friday and 9:00–3:00 on Saturdays. We also have multiple locations for your convenience.
