What is a Panel Physician?
A panel physician is a doctor who has been authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to conduct immigration medical examinations. These physicians have undergone specific training to understand Canadian immigration health requirements and follow standardized procedures when conducting examinations.
Panel physicians don't make the final decision about your medical admissibility. They simply conduct the examination and forward the results to IRCC, where medical officers review your case and make the final determination.
Why Canada Requires Medical Examinations
The Canadian government requires medical examinations for several important reasons, including:
- Protecting public health by screening for infectious diseases that could pose a risk to public health.
- Ensuring immigrants won't place excessive demand on Canada's healthcare system.
- Verifying that applicants can successfully settle in Canada without significant health barriers.
Canada's immigration medical requirements align with the country's commitment to maintaining a robust public health system while welcoming newcomers from around the world.
Who Needs a Medical Examination?
Most people applying for permanent residence in Canada must undergo a medical examination, including:
- Principal applicants and their family members
- Refugee claimants
- Some temporary residents (depending on factors like country of origin and intended length of stay)
- Temporary residents planning to work in certain occupations (healthcare, childcare, etc.)
Even if you're applying for temporary residence, you may need a medical exam if:
- You plan to stay in Canada for more than six months and have resided in a designated country for six months in the past year.
- You intend to work in an occupation where public health protection is essential.
- You're applying for a super visa (for parents and grandparents).
What to Expect During Your Medical Examination
A standard immigration medical examination typically includes:
- Medical history review: The physician will ask questions about your past and current health conditions, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, and family medical history.
- Physical examination: This includes checking your weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and examining your eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, limbs, and skin.
- Chest X-ray: Required for applicants 11 years of age and older to screen for tuberculosis and other conditions.
- Blood tests: To screen for conditions like HIV (for applicants 15 years and older).
- Urinalysis: To check for issues like kidney disease and diabetes.
Additional tests may be required depending on your medical history or initial examination results.
How to Find a Panel Physician in Canada
If you're already in Canada, you can find an authorized panel physician through the IRCC website, which maintains an updated list of approved doctors organized by province and city. Canada has numerous panel physicians across all major cities and provinces.
If you're outside Canada, the IRCC also provides a list of authorized panel physicians worldwide. It's important to only visit physicians officially designated by the IRCC, as examinations by non-authorized doctors won't be accepted.
Cost of Medical Examinations
The cost of an immigration medical examination is not covered by provincial health insurance plans or by the IRCC. Fees can vary by physician and location. Additional costs may apply for any required tests or follow-up examinations.
Some factors that might affect the cost include your:
- Age and gender
- Medical history
- Location
You are responsible for paying the fees of your immigration medical exam, including the initial exam as well as any additional diagnostics or specialist referrals that may be required.
The final cost will vary based on what diagnostics are required and on the panel physician administering your exam. The cost of an immigration medical exam at Immigration Physician Ottawa can range from $150 CAD to $280 CAD, depending on the age and health of the exam's recipient. Always ask about the cost of your immigration medical exam ahead of time.
Preparing for Your Medical Examination
To ensure your medical examination goes smoothly:
- Bring valid identification: Passport or other government-issued photo ID.
- Bring glasses or contact lenses: If you wear them.
- Bring medical records: Especially if you have ongoing health conditions.
- Bring a list of medications: Include any prescription drugs you're currently taking.
- Know your medical history: Be prepared to discuss previous illnesses, surgeries, and treatments.
After the Examination: What Happens Next?
After completing your medical examination, the panel physician will submit your results directly to the IRCC. You'll receive an information medical sheet with your unique medical identifier number, which you should keep for your records.
Processing times vary, but medical results are typically valid for 12 months. If your application process extends beyond this period, you may need to undergo another examination.
Medical Inadmissibility: Understanding the Concerns
While most applicants pass their medical examinations, some conditions might lead to medical inadmissibility:
- Danger to public health: Primarily active infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
- Danger to public safety: Conditions that might make a person unpredictable when around others.
- Excessive demand on health or social services: Conditions requiring treatment exceeding the threshold cost (see current threshold costs here).
What If You Have a Pre-existing Medical Condition?
Having a medical condition doesn't automatically disqualify you from immigrating to Canada. The assessment considers the:
- Nature, severity, and prognosis of your condition
- Type of treatment required
- Expected cost of your treatment in Canada
If you have a pre-existing condition, consider gathering detailed medical reports and treatment plans from your current healthcare providers to help the panel physician better understand your situation.
Immigration Medical Exams at Immigration Physician Ottawa
The immigration medical examination is an essential step in your journey to Canada. By understanding what to expect and properly preparing for your appointment with a panel physician, you can navigate this requirement with confidence. Remember that the purpose of these examinations is not to exclude applicants but to ensure the sustainability of Canada's healthcare system and protect public health as Canada continues to welcome newcomers from around the world.
If you need to book an Immigration Medical Exam at either of our clinics in Ottawa or Orleans, we are here to help. Our experienced and knowledgeable physicians see patients from all over Ontario and across Canada, and are here to make the process as easy as possible for you.
