Canadian newcomers requiring a medical exam may be surprised to learn that they cannot visit any doctor to complete their immigration medical exam (IME). According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only a panel physician authorized by IRCC can perform the immigration medical exam. This means that unless the applicant’s family doctor is named on IRCC’s list of panel physicians, they cannot be chosen to administer an IME.
Panel Physicians are defined as medical doctors appointed by IRCC to perform immigration medical examinations. According to IRCC, the medical exam recipient is required to inform the physician of where their application will be processed so that the medical results can be sent to the right office. Additionally, the applicant is required to pay for the medical exam themselves, and the cost can vary from one doctor to another.
Recent policy amendments related to medical exams for Canadian newcomers have changed the medical exam requirements for some Canadian newcomers. For instance, last October, IRCC removed the upfront medical examination requirement for Express Entry applicants. This policy change simply means that Express Entry candidates do not need to have them completed before they submit their application.
On the other hand, certain work permit applicants are still required to obtain a medical exam to work in Canada, and the same is true for some study permit applicants.
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