Country Guide
Canada
Permanent residency applicants need an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) from an IRCC-designated Panel Physician. Upfront medicals cut overall processing time by 2-4 months.
Who needs an IME?
Applicants for Canadian permanent residency need a medical exam. Some temporary residents also need one if they're staying longer than 6 months and are coming from a country on IRCC's designated countries list.
- Always required: PR applicants (Express Entry, family sponsorship, refugees, business class)
- Often required: Study permit holders from listed countries (most of South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia)
- Sometimes required: Work permit holders in healthcare, child-care, or agricultural roles
- Generally not required: Visitor visa applicants under 6 months
Upfront vs. post-submission IME
You have two timing options:
- Upfront IME (recommended): Complete the medical before submitting your PR application. Include the receipt with your submission. IRCC processing drops by 2-4 months.
- Post-submission IME: Wait for IRCC to send a medical request letter (typically 6-12 months after submission), then complete within 30 days. Less wasted money if your PR application has issues, but longer overall timeline.
Cost + validity
Adult IME: $385 USD. Children under 11: $215. Validity: 12 months from exam date.
Ready to book?
Same-week appointments. Sealed envelope in 5 business days. Transparent pricing — $295 base I-693 exam.
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