Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans tackle a massive backlog of applications that built up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Certain group of candidates are to have medical exam exemptions following the implementation of a Temporary Public Policy aiming to speed up application processing.

The new policy covers candidates considered low-risk, who are already in Canada and previously completed a medical exam that has now expired.

This plan supports faster processing of applications to help eligible foreign nationals quickly obtain temporary or permanent resident status.

Candidates included in the exemption list are those who have:

• A new or pending application for permanent or temporary residence or a permanent resident visa, made from within Canada.
• Completed an immigration medical exam within the last five years and posed no risk to public health or safety, or reported to public health authorities for monitoring, as required.

Candidates must show the unique number of this previous exam.

Applicants who are not eligible under this temporary public policy are required to undergo the usual health screening procedures.

IRCC will contact individuals who are not eligible for the exemption to discuss next steps.

Who can do your exam

You must see a doctor on the list of panel physicians. Your own doctor can’t do the medical exam.

The panel physician doesn’t make the final decision about your medical exam. We make that decision. If there’s a problem with your medical exam, we’ll contact you in writing.

Find a panel physician to do your exam.

After you submit your application

IRCC will send instructions on how to get your medical exam done. You must go for your medical exam within 30 days of receiving these instructions.

If you make a refugee claim at a port of entry, a Border Services Officer IRCC will tell you to get a medical exam within 30 days.

If you don’t follow these instructions, we may refuse your application.

What to expect during your exam

Only an approved panel physician can do a complete medical exam for immigration reasons.

The Panel Physician or clinic staff will ask you for identification to confirm your identity. If you are referred for an x-ray or other tests, you may be asked to present your identification again when you go for those tests. Your picture will also be taken for our records.

Medical history questionnaire

The doctor will fill out a medical history questionnaire with you. This questionnaire is about any previous or existing medical conditions. They’ll also ask you about any medications you’re taking.