Most Canadian visa categories require an immigration Upfront Medical Exam or a regular immigration medical exam. These medical checks help ensure that applicants are healthy and do not pose a risk to public health.
If you plan to stay in Canada for more than six months, you must undergo an immigration medical exam. For most applicants, this exam is a simple health check that includes basic tests.
Some applicants specifically need the upfront medical exam, especially those whose application was not created in the eMedical system.
Who Can Get an Upfront Medical Exam in Canada?
Most visa applicants are eligible to complete an upfront medical exam before submitting their application. This includes applicants for programs such as the Parent and Grandparent Program and the Super Visa.
However, visitors staying less than six months normally do not require a medical exam.
People who want to work in Canada, study in Canada, or apply for Express Entry may need an upfront medical exam, depending on their country of origin and the type of work they plan to do.
Applicants who commonly need medical exams include:
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Workers in healthcare or childcare
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Applicants from certain countries
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Students staying longer than six months
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Applicants planning to work in agriculture
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Express Entry candidates
Foreign students may also undergo the upfront medical exam, especially if their study or work involves higher health risks.
About Canada’s Upfront Medical Exam
Through the upfront exam, you can directly visit a panel physician for your checkup. The steps for regular and upfront exams are the same. Both include:
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Physical examination
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Chest X-rays
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Blood tests
The only difference is that with an upfront medical exam, you do not receive an IMM 1017 Medical Report from IRCC beforehand.
Validity of Upfront Medical Exam Results
Upfront medical exam results are valid for 12 months, just like regular immigration medical exams. If your travel or application is delayed, you may need to redo your medical exam.
Make sure to submit your IME results with your immigration application.
Why Are Medical Exams Required?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses medical exams to confirm that applicants are healthy and do not pose risks to Canadians.
During the exam, the doctor will check your medical history and conduct essential tests.
A typical medical exam includes:
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Blood tests
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Physical examination
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Review of medical history
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Chest X-ray
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Additional tests if needed
These tests help IRCC decide if the applicant is medically admissible to Canada.
Medical Exam: Physical Examination
The physical exam covers several basic checks to ensure your overall health.
Physical exam includes:
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Vision and hearing tests
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Blood pressure check
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Heart and lung examination
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Height, weight, and pulse measurement
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Skin check for infectious conditions
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Mandatory chest X-ray
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Standard laboratory tests
The cost varies depending on the clinic and the province.
Medical Inadmissibility in Canada
Some people may not be allowed to enter Canada for medical reasons.
A person may be denied entry if:
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They pose a risk to public health (e.g., contagious diseases)
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They require excessive healthcare or social services, putting pressure on Canada’s healthcare system
In Short (Summary)
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Most long-term visa applicants need medical exams.
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Upfront exams follow the same steps as regular exams but you don’t receive IMM 1017 first.
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Medical exam results are valid for 12 months only.
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