If your child is applying for permanent residence, a work permit, a study permit, or another immigration program that requires a medical exam, you’ll have questions about what to expect.
Immigration medical exams for children are typically straightforward, age-appropriate, and designed to be as comfortable as possible for your child. In many cases, younger children only require a physical examination, whereas older children and teenagers are required to complete additional tests based on their age and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements.
Why Do Children Need an Immigration Medical Exam?
The immigration medical exam (IME) helps IRCC determine whether the applicant meets Canada’s medical requirements. The examination can only be performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician, who submits the results directly to IRCC for review.
The purpose of the examination is to screen for specific medical conditions that may be relevant under Canada’s immigration legislation; not to judge your child's overall health or development.
In most cases, children complete the process quickly, without the need for any additional testing.
What Happens During the Exam?
Each individual child will receive a physical examination tailored to their age.
The approved panel physical will typically cover the following:
- Measure height and weight
- Check vision and hearing (when appropriate)
- Listen to the heart and lungs
- Examine the ears, nose, throat, abdomen, and skin
- Review developmental milestones for younger children
- Discuss medical history, medications, allergies, and previous illnesses
Additional tests will depend on your child’s age and on the physician's goals for the original examination, including whether to rule anything out.
Immigration Medical Requirements by Age
Children Under 5 Years Old
For children under the age of five, the immigration medical exam includes only a physical examination, which will commonly cover the following:
Typically required:
- Physical examination
- Review of medical history and vaccinations (if available)
Throughout the examination, blood tests, urine tests and chest X-rays are not typically required.
The physical examination is usually quick, whilst parents remain with their child for the duration of the visit.
Children Aged 5 to 10
For children between the ages of five and ten, the immigration examinations will include:
- Physical examination
- Urinalysis (urine test)
Unless a medical reason is presented, a chest X-ray is not usually required. If tuberculosis (TB) exposure is suspected or another concern is identified by the panel physician or IRCC, it may be required.
Blood work is not normally required as part of the examination for this particular age group; however, it may be requested depending on the findings.
Children Aged 11 to 14
As children get older, the requirement for testing expands. Which the physician will typically complete:
- Physical examination
- Urinalysis
- Chest X-ray
Applicants may require blood testing depending on IRCC’s current requirements and individual circumstances. The chest screening is to rule out exposure to tuberculosis (TB).
Applicants Aged 15 and Older
When applicants reach the age of fifteen, they will complete the same immigration medical examination as adults. The tests performed will follow current IRCC medical guidelines. This will include:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Chest X-ray
Does a Parent Need to Attend?
Parents or legal guardians must accompany applicants under 18 years of age. Having a parent/guardian present will help your child relax and feel more comfortable, allowing the physician to review important medical history, medications, allergies, and any other concerns.
If someone other than a parent or legal guardian will be attending the examination with the child, it is important to contact the clinic prior to confirm what documentation may be required.
What Identification Should You Bring?
To avoid delays, it is important to bring the appropriate identification for your child.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Government-issued photo ID (if available)
- IRCC medical forms or instructions (if applicable)
If your child wears glasses or contact lenses, bring them to the appointment as well.
How Can You Prepare Your Child?
Taking time to prepare can help make the appointment easier, especially for younger children. It may be worth bringing:
- A favourite toy or comfort item
- A book or tablet for the waiting room
- Snacks for after the appointment (particularly if blood work is required for older children)
- Water and any necessary medications
Simply explaining to the younger children that the doctor is going to check how healthy you are can help reduce any present anxiety.
What If My Child Needs Additional Testing?
On some occasions, the panel physician may advise that further testing is required if something unexpected is identified during the examination.
This does not conclude there is a problem with your immigration application.
Additional tests are often requested simply to provide IRCC with more information before a medical office reviews the file.
The panel physician performs the examination and submits the results, but IRCC medical officers, not the examining physician, will make immigration medical decisions.
A Family-Friendly Experience
At Immigration Physician Ottawa, we understand that medical appointments can feel intimidating for children and stressful for parents. Our experienced team works to create a calm, welcoming environment where families feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
We take the time to explain each step of the examination in an age-appropriate way, answer parents' questions, and help children feel at ease throughout their visit.
