An instruction to complete a medical exam raises practical questions: which clinic should you call, what documents should you prepare and what evidence should you retain? Organize this step separately from the rest of your application. This guide covers administrative preparation. Questions about health, treatment or medical fitness belong with the appropriate healthcare professional.
Check the instruction before booking
Identify your application category and applicable instructions first. IRCC distinguishes permanent-residence medical exams from temporary-residence exams. Its official page links to the relevant rules and panel-physician directory. Your usual doctor can perform this exam only if they are among the approved professionals. IRCC
Do not assume an online account of someone else’s experience means you must follow the same process. Instructions may differ by file and timing. If you previously had an exam, locate its reference before checking the applicable rule. A previous appointment alone does not confirm that no further action is necessary.
Ask the clinic practical questions
Use the official directory’s contact details to confirm the appointment. Ask which identification, documents or forms to bring, the exact location and practical arrangements. Check what the quoted fee includes and how any additional examinations are organized. Request written confirmation where possible to avoid confusing separate appointments.
Tell the clinic about accessibility or communication needs before attending. Ask it directly about medication, pregnancy or health concerns. Do not stop treatment to prepare an administrative file. An immigration publication must not replace recommendations from your healthcare team.
Prepare a dedicated folder
Keep instructions, identification, previous exam references and requested clinic documents together. IRCC’s page for permanent-residence applicants describes useful documents and information, including medication details and forms where applicable. Consult it with the clinic rather than gathering a random collection of medical records. IRCC
Keep copies before travelling. If several family members have appointments, match instructions and references to the correct person. Prepare questions about results, follow-up requests and proof of attendance. A short written list helps prevent omissions in a stressful setting.
After the visit: keep records without interpreting them
Retain receipts and references, then follow your application instructions. Do not send detailed health information to an unverified address. If a document is requested later, identify the correct channel and keep a copy of the submission. An exam reference is not an approval of your immigration application.
- Check the process for your application.
- Choose a physician in the official directory.
- Confirm documents and arrangements with the clinic.
- Prepare each family member separately.
- Keep references and follow-up instructions.
Does the clinic decide my immigration application?
Do not confuse a medical service with a decision on the application. For an unresolved administrative question, bring IRCC’s instructions and your appointment confirmation to an IR Immigration consultation. For questions about health or results, contact the healthcare professional and follow the channels identified in your file.
Official sources checked November 5, 2026
Official sources and verification
- www.canada.ca — 2026-11-05
- www.canada.ca — 2026-11-05
Resized photograph: Jon Kolbert / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0. Photographie non modifiée ; tout recadrage doit être indiqué et la licence respectée. — CC BY-SA 4.0 Image source.
