Find approved doctors for your Canada immigration medical exam
On This Page You Will Find:
- The exact government website to locate approved immigration doctors in your area
- Why your family doctor cannot perform your Canada immigration medical exam
- Step-by-step process to book your examination with authorized panel physicians
- Critical timing requirements that could delay your immigration application
- Real costs you'll face and how to budget for your medical examination
Summary:
Finding the right doctor for your Canada immigration medical exam isn't optional—it's mandatory, and you can't use just any physician. Only government-approved panel physicians can conduct these examinations, and using the wrong doctor will invalidate your entire application. This guide reveals the official three-step process to locate authorized doctors in your area, explains the 12-month validity period that catches many applicants off-guard, and breaks down the real costs you'll encounter. Whether you're applying from within Canada or internationally, these requirements could make or break your immigration timeline.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can conduct immigration medical exams—your family doctor likely cannot
- Medical exam results expire after 12 months, potentially delaying your application if poorly timed
- You'll pay out-of-pocket for the examination as it's not covered by health insurance
- The official IRCC panel physician finder is your only reliable source for authorized doctors
- Recent updates in November 2025 changed requirements for certain countries and territories
Maria Santos thought she was being smart when she scheduled her Canada immigration medical exam with her trusted family physician of 15 years. Three weeks later, she received devastating news: her examination was completely invalid. Her doctor, despite decades of medical experience, wasn't on the government's approved list of panel physicians.
This costly mistake delayed Maria's immigration application by two months and forced her to pay for a second examination. Her story isn't unique—thousands of hopeful immigrants make this same error every year, not realizing that Canada's immigration medical requirements are far more restrictive than they appear.
Why Your Regular Doctor Can't Help You
The rule is absolute: only Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approved panel physicians can conduct immigration medical examinations. Your family doctor, no matter how qualified or experienced, cannot perform this exam unless their name appears on the official government list.
This restriction exists because panel physicians follow specific medical and reporting procedures required by the Canadian government. They use the eMedical system to securely submit your results directly to IRCC, ensuring standardized reporting and reducing processing delays.
Even if your doctor offers to "just do the exam anyway," don't risk it. IRCC will reject any medical examination not performed by an approved panel physician, forcing you to start the process over—and pay twice.
The Official Three-Step Process to Find Your Doctor
Step 1: Access the Government Database
Navigate to the official IRCC panel physician finder at www.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx. This comprehensive directory is updated regularly and remains your only reliable source for authorized doctors. Avoid third-party websites or outdated lists—they often contain incorrect information that could derail your application.
Step 2: Search by Location
Select your country, territory, or region from the dropdown menu. If you're already in Canada, you can search by province and city to find the closest available panel physician. The system will display all authorized doctors in your area, complete with contact information and addresses.
Step 3: Contact and Schedule
Call your chosen panel physician directly to schedule your examination. Don't assume they have immediate availability—popular doctors in major cities often book weeks in advance. When calling, mention that you need an immigration medical examination for Canada to ensure they understand the specific requirements.
Critical Timing That Could Destroy Your Application
Your medical exam results are valid for exactly 12 months—not a day longer. This strict deadline creates a dangerous timing trap that catches many applicants unprepared.
If your medical results expire before IRCC processes your application, you'll need to undergo the entire examination again with an approved panel physician. This means additional costs, delays, and potential complications if your health status has changed.
Plan your medical exam timing carefully. Schedule it after you've gathered most of your other documentation but early enough that the 12-month validity period covers your expected processing time. For most applications, scheduling your medical exam 2-3 months after submitting your initial application provides optimal timing.
The Real Costs You'll Face
You'll pay 100% of the medical examination costs out of pocket. These fees aren't covered by provincial health insurance plans, private insurance, or IRCC. Costs vary significantly based on your location and chosen physician, typically ranging from $200 to $500 CAD per person.
The examination fee usually includes:
- Physical examination and medical history review
- Required laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis)
- Chest X-rays
- Additional tests if medical concerns arise
- Administrative processing through the eMedical system
Get a cost estimate when booking your appointment to avoid surprises. Some panel physicians require payment upfront, while others bill after the examination.
Recent Changes That Affect Your Requirements
As of November 3, 2025, IRCC updated the list of countries and territories where immigration medical exams are mandatory. These changes could affect whether you need an examination at all, depending on your country of residence and citizenship.
Check the updated requirements before scheduling your examination. Some applicants who previously needed medical exams may now be exempt, while others might face new requirements. This verification step could save you hundreds of dollars and weeks of unnecessary processing time.
What Happens During Your Examination
Panel physicians don't make final decisions about your medical exam results—they simply conduct standardized examinations and report findings to IRCC. The examination typically includes:
Physical Assessment: Height, weight, blood pressure, vision, and general physical condition review.
Medical History: Detailed discussion of past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and family medical history.
Laboratory Tests: Blood work to screen for infectious diseases and general health markers.
Imaging: Chest X-rays to check for tuberculosis and other respiratory conditions.
Additional Testing: Depending on your age, medical history, or examination findings, additional tests may be required.
The entire process usually takes 1-2 hours, though complex cases may require follow-up appointments.
Avoiding Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
Don't wait until the last minute to book your appointment. Panel physicians in major cities often have waiting lists, especially during peak immigration seasons. Book your examination as soon as you're ready, not when you think you need it.
Bring complete documentation to your appointment. This includes your passport, any previous medical records, vaccination records, and the specific forms provided by IRCC. Missing documentation will delay your results submission.
Follow all pre-examination instructions. Some tests require fasting or specific preparations. Failure to follow these instructions may invalidate certain test results, requiring you to return for additional testing.
Your Next Steps for Success
Start by accessing the official IRCC panel physician finder today. Don't delay this search—even if you're not ready to book immediately, identifying available doctors in your area helps you plan your timeline effectively.
Contact multiple panel physicians to compare availability and costs. This comparison shopping ensures you find the best combination of convenience, timing, and price for your situation.
Finally, coordinate your medical examination timing with your overall immigration application timeline. Remember that 12-month validity period—it's not negotiable, and poor timing could cost you months of delays and hundreds of dollars in repeated fees.
Your Canada immigration medical exam is a mandatory hurdle, but it doesn't have to become a roadblock. With the right panel physician and proper timing, you'll clear this requirement smoothly and keep your immigration dreams on track.
FAQ
Q: Can I use my family doctor for the Canada immigration medical exam if they're highly qualified?
No, absolutely not. Only Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approved panel physicians can conduct immigration medical examinations, regardless of your family doctor's qualifications or experience. This is a strict government requirement with no exceptions. Panel physicians are specifically trained to use the eMedical system and follow standardized reporting procedures that regular doctors don't have access to. Even if your family doctor offers to perform the exam, IRCC will reject any medical examination not done by an approved panel physician. This mistake forces applicants to pay for a second exam and can delay applications by 2-3 months. The official IRCC panel physician finder at www.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx is your only reliable source for finding authorized doctors in your area.
Q: How long are my medical exam results valid, and what happens if they expire?
Your immigration medical exam results are valid for exactly 12 months from the date of examination—not a single day longer. This strict deadline creates a critical timing challenge that many applicants underestimate. If your medical results expire before IRCC completes processing your application, you must undergo the entire examination again with an approved panel physician, including paying all fees again (typically $200-$500 CAD per person). The optimal timing is to schedule your medical exam 2-3 months after submitting your initial immigration application, ensuring the 12-month validity period covers your expected processing time. Unlike other immigration documents that might have grace periods, medical exam validity is absolute. Plan carefully—poor timing could cost you hundreds of dollars in repeated fees and months of delays in your immigration process.
Q: What are the actual costs for a Canada immigration medical exam, and what's included?
Immigration medical exams cost between $200-$500 CAD per person, and you'll pay 100% out of pocket since these fees aren't covered by provincial health insurance, private insurance, or IRCC. The examination fee typically includes your physical examination, medical history review, required laboratory tests (blood work and urinalysis), chest X-rays, and administrative processing through the eMedical system. Additional costs may apply if medical concerns require extra testing or follow-up appointments. Costs vary significantly based on your location and chosen panel physician—doctors in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver often charge more than those in smaller communities. Some panel physicians require payment upfront, while others bill after the examination. Always request a cost estimate when booking your appointment to avoid surprises, and budget for potential additional testing if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
Q: Where do I find the official list of approved doctors, and how do I book an appointment?
Use the official IRCC panel physician finder at www.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx—this is your only reliable source for authorized doctors. Avoid third-party websites or outdated lists that often contain incorrect information. Select your country, territory, or region from the dropdown menu (if you're in Canada, search by province and city). The system displays all authorized doctors with complete contact information and addresses. Call your chosen panel physician directly, mentioning you need an immigration medical examination for Canada to ensure they understand the specific requirements. Don't assume immediate availability—popular doctors in major cities often book weeks in advance, especially during peak immigration seasons. Contact multiple physicians to compare availability, costs, and location convenience. The directory is updated regularly, so check it when you're ready to book rather than relying on saved information from months earlier.
Q: What should I expect during the actual medical examination, and how long does it take?
The immigration medical exam typically takes 1-2 hours and includes several standardized components. You'll undergo a physical assessment covering height, weight, blood pressure, vision, and general physical condition. The doctor will review your detailed medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, current medications, and family medical history. Required laboratory tests include blood work to screen for infectious diseases and general health markers, plus urinalysis. Chest X-rays are mandatory to check for tuberculosis and other respiratory conditions. Depending on your age, medical history, or examination findings, additional tests may be required, potentially necessitating follow-up appointments. The panel physician doesn't make final decisions about your results—they conduct standardized examinations and report findings directly to IRCC through the secure eMedical system. Bring your passport, previous medical records, vaccination records, and any IRCC-provided forms to avoid delays in results submission.
Q: What recent changes affect immigration medical exam requirements as of 2024-2025?
As of November 3, 2025, IRCC updated the list of countries and territories where immigration medical exams are mandatory. These changes could significantly affect whether you need an examination based on your country of residence and citizenship status. Some applicants who previously required medical exams may now be exempt, while others might face new requirements they weren't expecting. Before scheduling your examination, verify the current requirements for your specific situation on the official IRCC website, as this verification step could save you hundreds of dollars and weeks of unnecessary processing time. The panel physician network has also expanded in certain regions, potentially giving you more doctor options than were available in previous years. Additionally, some administrative procedures within the eMedical system have been streamlined to reduce processing delays. Always check for the most current requirements rather than relying on information from previous applications or advice from others who applied in different time periods.
Q: What are the most common mistakes that delay immigration applications related to medical exams?
The biggest mistake is waiting until the last minute to book appointments—panel physicians in major cities often have waiting lists of several weeks, especially during peak immigration seasons. Many applicants also fail to bring complete documentation, including passports, previous medical records, vaccination records, and IRCC-specific forms, which delays results submission. Another critical error is poor timing coordination with the 12-month validity period; scheduling too early wastes the validity window, while scheduling too late risks expiration before application processing completes. Some applicants ignore pre-examination instructions like fasting requirements, invalidating certain test results and requiring return visits. Using unauthorized doctors remains surprisingly common—always verify your chosen physician appears on the current IRCC panel physician list. Finally, many people underestimate costs and don't budget properly, leading to appointment delays when they can't pay upfront fees that typically range from $200-$500 CAD per person.
