Some new immigrants to Canada might be required to complete a medical examination called an immigration medical exam (IME) as a part of their eligibility criteria. Notably, they cannot go to any doctor to complete their IME. So, determining authorized doctors for Canada’s immigration medical exam is crucial. 

Find the details on who can undertake your medical exam for Canadian immigration. 

Authorized Doctors for Canada’s immigration Medical Exam 

As the medical exam is an important eligibility criterion for many newcomers, IRCC has clarified this condition. 

As per Canada’s immigration department, not all doctors are authorized to conduct IME for applicants of Canada’s temporary residence (TR) and permanent residence (PR).

It further noted that only panel physicians are licensed by IRCC to perform Canada’s immigration Medical Exam.

This means that if the applicant’s family doctor is not on the IRCC’s list of panel physicians, they will not be authorized to administer an IME. 

As per IRCC, panel physicians are medical doctors whom the department selects to undertake medical exams for Canadian immigration.

According to IRCC, the panel of physicians could be located worldwide. 

IRCC noted that the applicant appearing for a medical exam must inform their doctor about the location where their application will be processed. This will allow them to send the medical results to the right office. 

Notably, the applicant has to pay the applicable medical exam fees. This may vary from doctor to doctor. 

You can check the list of panel physicians in your country/ territory/region on the IRCC’s site. 

This will help you determine which physician you can reach out to make an appointment for your Canada immigration medical exam (IME).

Latest policy changes for the Canada immigration medical exam (IME) for new immigrants

Many individuals from overseas who want to immigrate to Canada must undergo a medical exam to meet an eligibility requirement for TR or PR. This is despite the changes that have reduced the medical exam requirements for some newcomers to Canada. 

For instance, in October last year, the immigration department ended the upfront medical examination requirement for applicants for Express Entry. 

Note that it does not imply that medical exams are not required for attaining Canadian Permanent Residents. 

This means that Express Entry candidates are not required to complete this medical exam before submitting their application. They can do that even after applying. 

A candidate and applicant have a fine difference. Candidates are in the pre-submission stage of the application process. They become applicant once they submit their application to IRCC. 

Note that applicants for certain work permits still need to take a medical exam to enter Canada. This is also true for Canada’s study permits, whose applicants must also meet the medical exam eligibility requirements. 

 So, if you want to immigrate to Canada, check whether you need to appear for a medical exam. If yes, be sure to visit authorized doctors for Canada’s immigration medical exam to meet this requirement.