Express Entry Medical Examinations: Panel Physicians

Medical Examination Overview

Your Express Entry medical exam is a critical checkpoint in your immigration journey to Canada. While not every applicant needs to complete this step immediately, understanding when and how medical examinations factor into your application can save you months of delays and uncertainty.

When Medical Exams Are Required

Medical examinations become mandatory after you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry. You have 60 days from your ITA date to submit your complete application, including medical results. However, here’s what most applicants don’t realize: medical results can take weeks to process, and scheduling appointments with panel physicians often requires advance booking.

What this means for you: Start researching panel physicians and understanding the process as soon as you submit your Express Entry profile, not after you receive your ITA.

Who Needs to Complete Exams

Every family member included in your application must complete a medical examination, regardless of whether they’re accompanying you to Canada immediately. This includes:

• Principal applicant and spouse/partner
• Dependent children (including adult children)
• Non-accompanying family members in certain circumstances

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants assuming non-accompanying family members are exempt. Even if your spouse or children aren’t moving to Canada with you initially, they may still need medical exams depending on your country of residence and medical history.

Validity Periods and Timing

Medical exam results are valid for 12 months from the examination date. Your visa must be issued before this expiry date, and you must land in Canada before the medical expires or before your passport expires—whichever comes first.

Strategic timing insight from AVID experts: Complete your medical exam immediately after receiving your ITA, not at the last minute. This gives you buffer time for any follow-up requirements and ensures your landing timeline isn’t compressed.

Need peace of mind? Our experts can review your specific situation and create a personalized medical exam timeline. Schedule a consultation

Panel Physician Requirements

Understanding panel physician requirements is where many applications hit their first roadblock. The Government of Canada maintains strict control over who can perform Express Entry medical examinations, and navigating this system requires insider knowledge.

IRCC-Designated Physicians Only

Only physicians specifically designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can perform your medical examination. These panel physicians have received specialized training in immigration medical assessments and use IRCC’s specific examination protocols.

What this means for you: Your family doctor, walk-in clinic, or private medical practice cannot perform this examination, even if they offer “immigration medicals.” Using a non-panel physician will result in automatic rejection of your medical results.

Geographic Availability and Accessibility

Panel physicians are distributed globally, but availability varies significantly by region. Major cities typically have multiple options, while rural or remote areas may require travel to the nearest designated location.

If you’re applying from countries with limited panel physician access: Start your search early and be prepared to travel. Some applicants need to cross borders or travel significant distances to reach their nearest panel physician.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants booking with the first available physician without considering location convenience for follow-up appointments. Some medical conditions require multiple visits or additional testing.

Appointment Booking Procedures

Panel physicians operate independent scheduling systems—there’s no centralized booking platform. Each physician’s office handles appointments directly, and booking procedures vary by location and practice.

AVID expert insight: Panel physicians in high-demand areas (particularly in India, Philippines, and major Canadian cities) can have waiting lists extending 4-6 weeks. In contrast, physicians in less populated areas often have same-week availability.

Required Identification and Documentation

Bring these essential documents to your appointment:

• Valid passport (the same one referenced in your Express Entry application)
• ITA letter or medical request letter from IRCC
• Recent passport-style photographs
• Any relevant medical records or prescription information
• Payment for examination fees

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Bring a complete medical history summary, including previous surgeries, chronic conditions, and current medications. This preparation can prevent delays if additional documentation becomes necessary.

Find your nearest panel physician and check availability in your area. Search Panel Physicians

Examination Components

The Express Entry medical exam follows a standardized protocol designed to assess your health status against Canadian immigration medical requirements. Understanding what happens during your examination helps you prepare effectively and avoid common complications.

Physical Examination Procedures

Your panel physician will conduct a comprehensive physical examination covering all major body systems. This includes cardiovascular assessment, respiratory evaluation, neurological testing, and examination of major organs.

What this means for you: The examination is thorough but non-invasive. Most applicants complete the physical component within 30-45 minutes.

Medical History Review

The physician will review your complete medical history, including:

• Previous illnesses, surgeries, or hospitalizations
• Current medications and treatments
• Family medical history for hereditary conditions
• Mental health history, including counseling or psychiatric treatment
• Substance use history

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants omitting or downplaying medical history details. Panel physicians are trained to identify inconsistencies, and incomplete disclosure can lead to additional testing requirements or medical inadmissibility concerns.

Required Laboratory Tests

Standard laboratory testing includes:

• Blood tests: Complete blood count, blood chemistry panel, syphilis serology
• Urine analysis: Screening for kidney function and other indicators
• Additional tests based on age, medical history, or country of origin

If you’re applying from countries with higher tuberculosis rates: Additional TB screening may be required beyond the standard chest X-ray, including sputum tests or interferon-gamma release assays.

Chest X-ray Requirements

All applicants aged 11 and older must complete chest X-ray screening. The X-ray must be performed by an IRCC-designated radiologist, which may be at the same facility as your panel physician or require a separate appointment.

AVID expert insight: Chest X-ray abnormalities are the most common reason for medical exam delays. Even minor findings like old infection scars or benign calcifications can trigger additional testing requirements.

Additional Tests by Age and Condition

Applicants may require additional testing based on:

• Age factors: Additional cardiovascular screening for applicants over 50
• Medical history: Specialized testing for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or previous cancer treatment
• Country-specific requirements: Enhanced tuberculosis screening for applicants from high-incidence countries
• Occupational factors: Additional testing for applicants in healthcare or education fields

What this means for you: Budget additional time and cost for potential supplementary testing. While most applicants complete standard testing only, approximately 15-20% require additional examinations.

Special Considerations

Certain circumstances require specialized handling during your Express Entry medical examination. Understanding these considerations helps you navigate potential complications and avoid unnecessary delays.

Pregnant Applicants

Pregnancy presents unique considerations for immigration medical examinations. While pregnancy itself doesn’t disqualify you from immigration, certain examination components may be modified or deferred.

What this means for you: Chest X-rays can typically be performed with appropriate shielding, but some laboratory tests may be adjusted based on pregnancy stage. Inform your panel physician about your pregnancy immediately.

AVID expert insight: Some pregnant applicants choose to complete medical examinations during the second trimester when most tests can be safely performed without complications.

Chronic Medical Conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions don’t automatically disqualify you from Canadian immigration, but they require careful documentation and assessment. Common conditions requiring additional attention include:

• Diabetes and metabolic disorders
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Mental health conditions
• Autoimmune disorders
• Previous cancer treatment

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants discontinuing medications before their medical exam thinking it will improve their results. Continue all prescribed treatments and bring complete medication lists to your appointment.

Mental Health Considerations

Mental health history requires honest disclosure during your medical examination. Canada’s approach to mental health in immigration assessments focuses on current functional capacity rather than historical diagnoses.

If you have a history of mental health treatment: Prepare documentation from your treating physician outlining current status, treatment effectiveness, and functional capacity. This proactive approach often prevents additional assessment requirements.

Disability Accommodations

Applicants with disabilities can request appropriate accommodations during their medical examination. Panel physicians are equipped to provide accessible examination procedures while maintaining assessment standards.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Contact your panel physician’s office in advance to discuss accommodation needs. This preparation ensures your examination proceeds smoothly without delays.

Results and Processing

Understanding how medical examination results are processed and transmitted helps you track your application progress and prepare for potential next steps.

Result Transmission to IRCC

Panel physicians transmit medical results directly to IRCC through secure electronic systems. You won’t receive a copy of detailed results, but you’ll receive confirmation that your examination was completed and submitted.

What this means for you: Results typically appear in your online application portal within 2-3 weeks of examination completion, though processing times can vary based on examination complexity and follow-up requirements.

Processing Timelines

Standard medical examination results are processed within:

• Routine cases: 1-2 weeks for result transmission
• Cases requiring additional review: 4-6 weeks for specialist assessment
• Complex cases: 8-12 weeks for comprehensive medical review

AVID expert insight: Medical processing timelines are separate from overall application processing times. Even if your medical results are processed quickly, your complete application may still require additional time for review.

Potential Follow-Up Requirements

Approximately 10-15% of applicants receive requests for additional medical information or testing. Common follow-up requirements include:

• Additional specialist consultations
• Supplementary laboratory tests
• Updated imaging studies
• Treatment compliance documentation

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants panicking when receiving follow-up requests, assuming medical inadmissibility. Most follow-up requests are routine clarification needs, not indicators of serious medical concerns.

Inadmissibility Considerations

Medical inadmissibility in Express Entry applications is relatively rare and typically involves conditions that might:

• Pose public health risks
• Require extensive healthcare system resources (excessive demand consideration)
• Compromise public safety

What this means for you: Most chronic medical conditions, properly managed, don’t result in medical inadmissibility. Focus on complete, honest disclosure and proper documentation rather than attempting to hide medical history.

Preparation and Tips

Strategic preparation for your Express Entry medical examination can prevent delays, reduce stress, and ensure optimal results for your immigration application.

Pre-Exam Preparations

Schedule your appointment immediately after receiving your ITA. Gather all required documentation, including medical records, prescription lists, and previous test results that might be relevant to your examination.

AVID expert insight: Create a comprehensive medical summary document including dates, treatments, and outcomes for any significant medical events. This preparation often impresses panel physicians and demonstrates your organizational capabilities.

Required Documentation Checklist

Essential documents for your appointment:

• Valid passport (original)
• ITA letter or medical instruction letter
• Passport-style photographs (quantity varies by location)
• Complete medication list with dosages
• Relevant medical records or specialist reports
• Payment for examination fees

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Bring contact information for your current healthcare providers in case the panel physician needs to verify treatment details or obtain additional records.

Cost Considerations

Medical examination fees vary significantly by country and can range from $200-800 CAD depending on location and required testing. Additional costs may include:

• Supplementary testing fees
• Additional appointment fees for follow-up visits
• Travel costs to reach panel physician locations

What this means for you: Budget for potential additional costs beyond basic examination fees. Some insurance plans may cover portions of immigration medical examinations, though coverage varies widely.

Scheduling Strategies

Book your appointment as early as possible after receiving your ITA. Consider these strategic factors:

• Panel physician availability and waiting times
• Your overall application timeline
• Potential travel requirements
• Work or personal schedule considerations

If you’re applying from high-demand locations: Consider panel physicians in nearby cities or regions where appointment availability might be better, especially if you have flexibility in travel arrangements.

Resources from AVID

📎 Panel Physician Locator Tool

Find IRCC-designated panel physicians in your area with real-time availability updates and contact information. Search Panel Physicians

📋 Medical Exam Requirements Checklist

Downloadable checklist covering age-specific and condition-specific examination requirements. Download Checklist

💰 Cost Calculator

Estimate medical examination fees based on your location and potential additional testing requirements. Calculate Costs

📅 Timeline Tracker

Plan your medical examination schedule within your 60-day ITA timeframe with built-in buffer periods. Access Timeline Tool

📖 Comprehensive Preparation Guide

Detailed pre-examination checklist with documentation requirements and preparation strategies. Download Guide

❓ Common Medical Exam FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Express Entry medical examinations, including special circumstances and follow-up procedures. View FAQs