Anxiety about the unknown is one of the most common things applicants feel before their Canadian immigration medical exam. What will the doctor check? Will the blood test hurt? What happens if they find something? How long will it take?
This post answers all of those questions. Here is a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of exactly what happens from the moment you arrive at the clinic to the moment you leave — so you can walk in knowing what to expect.
For everything you need to bring to your appointment, see our immigration medical exam checklist. For a broader overview of the exam including costs and who needs it, see our complete guide to the Canadian immigration medical exam.
Before you arrive
Plan to spend two to four hours at the clinic. The exam itself does not take that long, but wait times between components — especially if the X-ray or lab is busy — can add up. Bring something to read or listen to.
You do not need to fast. Eat and drink normally before your appointment. Drink plenty of water — you will need to provide a urine sample, and being well-hydrated makes that easier.
Arrive on time. If you are late, the clinic may not be able to fit all components into the remaining time, and you may need to rebook. Contact the clinic as early as possible if an emergency makes you late.
Use the IRCC Doctors directory to confirm the address and any parking or transit information for your clinic beforehand. Not all panel physician offices are in standalone buildings — some are in medical office towers where the correct suite is not obvious from the outside.
Step 1 – Registration and identity verification
When you arrive, you check in at reception and present your original passport. The clinic records your identity information and links it to your IRCC file in the eMedical system — Canada’s electronic platform for submitting immigration medical results directly to IRCC.
A digital photograph is taken at the clinic. This photo becomes part of your permanent eMedical record with IRCC. You do not need to bring passport photos — the clinic takes their own.
If you are completing a non-upfront medical and IRCC sent you a medical instruction letter with an IMM 1017E or IMM 1020E form, present that now. If you are completing an Express Entry upfront medical exam, no form is required — you contacted the panel physician directly.
Step 2 – Medical history questionnaire
You will be given a written questionnaire to complete before seeing the physician. This is one of the most important parts of the exam, and one of the most misunderstood.
The questionnaire asks about your past and present health in detail. You will be asked whether you have ever been diagnosed with, treated for, or hospitalized for conditions including tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, neurological conditions, and mental health conditions. You will be asked about current medications, past surgeries, and any history of substance use.
Answer every question honestly and completely. This is not the place to downplay or omit. If a condition shows up in your blood test, urine test, or X-ray that you did not disclose on the questionnaire, IRCC treats this as withheld information — which carries consequences far more serious than the underlying condition itself. Many medical conditions that sound alarming do not automatically affect immigration admissibility. Concealing them does.
If you are uncertain how to describe a past condition accurately, bring any medical records you have. The physician can help you interpret and record the information correctly.
Step 3 – The physical examination
The physician conducts a full physical examination. You remain clothed throughout except where a specific area needs to be directly examined. The examination covers:
- Height, weight, and blood pressure. Baseline measurements recorded at the start of the exam.
- Vision. Your visual acuity is assessed — both with and without correction. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them. If you do not normally wear correction and struggle to read the vision chart, mention it to the physician so the results are recorded accurately.
- Hearing. A basic hearing assessment is conducted.
- Heart and lungs. The physician uses a stethoscope to listen to your heart rhythm and lung sounds. They are checking for irregularities that might indicate underlying cardiac or respiratory conditions.
- Abdomen. The physician gently presses on the abdomen to check for organ enlargement, tenderness, or unusual masses affecting the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin are checked for enlargement, which can indicate infection or other conditions.
- Skin. The physician examines the skin for visible conditions including rashes, lesions, or signs of infectious disease.
- Limbs and musculoskeletal system. A general assessment of your limbs and mobility.
- Mental health screening. The physician will ask questions about your mental health as part of the history review and observation during the physical exam. Canada’s mental health screening is focused on conditions that might pose a risk to public safety — it is not a psychological deep dive. Being open about any mental health history is important. Disclosing a history of depression, anxiety, or past treatment does not automatically disqualify you.
A genital or rectal examination is not part of the standard immigration medical exam. If you have a specific clinical concern that might require additional examination, the physician will explain why and obtain your consent beforehand.
Step 4 – Chest X-ray
The chest X-ray is required for all applicants aged 11 and older. It is the primary screening tool for active pulmonary tuberculosis, which is the main public health concern IRCC screens for.
The X-ray is taken by a radiographer — either at the same clinic or at an affiliated facility if the panel physician does not have imaging on-site. If you need to go to a separate location for the X-ray, the clinic will tell you when you book. This is one reason to confirm all components are done in a single location before choosing your clinic — it saves time and simplifies the process.
The X-ray itself takes only a few minutes. You remove any clothing or jewelry from your upper body, put on a gown, and stand against the imaging plate while the image is taken. The radiographer may take one or two images depending on what is visible.
If you are pregnant, tell the clinic when you book and again when you arrive. A chest X-ray is still required — there is no exemption — but the radiographer will place a lead shield over your abdomen to protect the fetus. The radiation exposure from a single chest X-ray is very low, but the shield is used as a precaution.
If the X-ray shows an area that requires further review — for example, a shadow that might suggest old or inactive tuberculosis — the physician will note this and the findings will be assessed by IRCC. If inactive tuberculosis is detected, you are not automatically barred from entering Canada, but you will be required to complete medical surveillance after arriving.
Step 5 – Blood tests
Blood tests are required for all applicants aged 15 and older. A small blood sample is drawn — typically from a vein in the inner arm — and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The blood test screens for two conditions: HIV and syphilis. Some clinics also test serum creatinine levels as a marker of kidney function. The blood test does not screen for drugs, COVID-19, pregnancy, genetic conditions, or hepatitis — these are common misconceptions.
If you are anxious about needles, inform the clinic staff. The draw is quick and the needle used is small — comparable to any routine blood test at a GP’s office.
Results from the blood test take longer to process than the physical exam and X-ray. Most clinics receive laboratory results within two to five business days. This is factored into the physician’s total submission time to IRCC.
Step 6 – Urine test
A urine sample is required for all applicants aged 5 and older. You will be given a sample container and directed to a bathroom to provide the sample. The urine test screens for protein, glucose, and blood in the urine — markers that can indicate kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract infections.
Drinking water before your appointment makes this step much easier. If you have difficulty providing a sample, clinic staff will give you water to drink and ask you to wait.
Step 7 – Physician review and sign-off
After the physical exam and once the clinic has all components ready, the panel physician reviews the complete picture — your medical history questionnaire, physical findings, X-ray result, and lab results. This review allows the physician to assess whether any findings need to be documented in a specific way or whether additional information is required.
The physician does not make a determination about your immigration admissibility — that decision belongs to IRCC. The physician’s role is to conduct the exam, document findings accurately, and submit results to IRCC through the eMedical system.
Step 8 – Receiving your proof document
Before you leave the clinic, you will be given one of two documents:
Information Printout Sheet. A one-page summary with your photo, your name, your date of birth, your case number, and the date of your exam. This is the standard document given at the end of most appointments.
IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form. Issued specifically for Express Entry upfront medicals. This is what you upload when submitting your permanent residence application.
Keep whichever document you receive in a safe place. You may need it to track your file, respond to IRCC, or demonstrate proof of completion when submitting your application. You will not receive a copy of your actual test results — those go directly to IRCC.
How long does it take to get results?
The panel physician submits results to IRCC electronically through the eMedical system. Submission typically happens within five to ten business days of your appointment, once all lab results have been received. You do not need to do anything during this time.
You will not be notified when results are submitted. If your application is in progress, IRCC will update your file internally. If IRCC needs more information — additional tests, a specialist assessment, or a response to a finding — you will receive written communication directly from IRCC with instructions and a deadline.
What the results mean – three possible outcomes
The vast majority of applicants receive no further communication about their medical results and simply continue with their application. For those who do hear from IRCC, there are two possible scenarios.
A furtherance request means IRCC wants additional medical information — another test, a specialist report, or more documentation about a specific finding. This is not a refusal. You will receive instructions from IRCC and typically have 30 days to respond. Cooperate promptly and provide what is asked.
A finding of medical inadmissibility means IRCC has determined that a condition poses a public health or safety risk, or would cost more than the annual excessive demand threshold in health or social services. If this happens, you will be notified in writing and given an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. See our guide to medical inadmissibility for a full explanation of what this means and what your options are.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the appointment take? Plan for two to four hours at the clinic. The examination itself is not that long, but wait times between components — particularly for the X-ray if imaging is busy — can extend the visit.
Is the blood test painful? The blood draw is a standard venipuncture — a small needle inserted into a vein in the inner arm. Most people find it no more uncomfortable than a routine blood test at their GP. If you are anxious about needles, tell the clinic staff before the draw.
Can I eat before the exam? Yes. You do not need to fast. Eat normally and drink plenty of water before your appointment.
Will the physician tell me if something is wrong? The panel physician does not make admissibility decisions. They will tell you if they need to order additional tests or refer you to a specialist, but they will not comment on the immigration implications of any findings. IRCC makes the final determination and will contact you in writing if there is an issue.
Do I get a copy of my results? No. Results are submitted directly to IRCC through eMedical. You will not receive a copy of your blood test, X-ray report, or physical exam findings.
What if I cannot provide a urine sample on the day? Drink water and wait. Clinic staff are experienced with this and will give you time. If you genuinely cannot provide a sample on the day, the clinic will advise you on next steps — this is rare and manageable.
Can I bring someone with me? Yes. You are entitled to bring a chaperone or support person to your appointment. Let the clinic know when booking.
What happens if the physician finds inactive tuberculosis on my X-ray? Inactive tuberculosis is not a barrier to entering Canada. It will be noted in your file and you will be required to complete medical surveillance after arriving — reporting to your provincial or territorial public health authority. You will receive instructions about this after arriving in Canada.
Ready to book your exam?
Use the IRCC Doctors directory to find an IRCC-approved panel physician in your city or country. Each profile includes contact details, languages spoken, and pricing information so you can book with confidence.
Last updated: May 2026. Always confirm appointment details and any clinic-specific requirements directly with your panel physician when booking.