Maple News reports that newcomers applying for Canadian immigration cannot visit just any doctor for their required immigration medical exam (IME). Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates that only authorized panel physicians can administer these medical evaluations.
Panel physicians are medical professionals specifically appointed by IRCC to conduct immigration medical examinations for both temporary residence (TR) and permanent residence (PR) applicants. Unless a doctor is listed on IRCC’s official panel physician registry, they are not permitted to carry out the exam—meaning your family doctor likely won’t qualify unless they are IRCC-approved.
“Only a panel physician authorized by IRCC can do the immigration medical exam,” states the government agency. This rule aims to ensure consistency and reliability in how medical exams are conducted and reported.
Panel physicians are available globally, not just in Canada. When attending your exam, you must inform the physician of the location where your immigration application will be processed. This ensures your medical results are sent to the appropriate IRCC office without delays.
The cost of the medical exam is the applicant’s responsibility and may vary based on the geographic region or physician’s fees. Therefore, it’s advisable to research costs and schedule an appointment promptly, especially as demand for these services may fluctuate.
A full list of approved panel physicians can be found through IRCC’s official online tool. This directory is searchable by country, region, or city, and some clinics may offer alternate approved physicians if your first choice is unavailable.
IRCC has made some policy adjustments over the years, waiving medical exam requirements under certain conditions. However, for many applicants—particularly those staying long-term or coming from certain regions—a medical exam remains a core part of the immigration process.
This requirement reflects Canada’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that newcomers meet health admissibility standards. It is crucial for applicants to follow these protocols carefully to avoid delays or complications with their immigration file.