Canada Immigration Medical Exam Costs 2025

How Much Does a Canada Immigration Medical Exam Cost in 2025?

The cost of a Canada Immigration Medical Exam (IME) typically ranges from $200 to $450 CAD for an adult applicant. This fee is paid directly to the IRCC-approved panel physician you visit and covers the standard examination, a chest X-ray, and basic blood and urine tests. The final cost is not set by the government and can vary significantly based on your age, the physician's location, and whether any follow-up tests are needed.

Understanding this cost is a crucial step in your immigration budget. Unlike many government fees, this payment goes to the healthcare provider conducting your exam. Prices are generally higher in major metropolitan areas like Toronto and Vancouver compared to smaller cities. Let's break down the factors that determine your final bill.

What is the Canada Immigration Medical Exam?

An Immigration Medical Exam (IME) is a mandatory health check required for most applicants for Canadian permanent residence, some temporary visas, and even some work or study permits. Its purpose is to protect public health and safety in Canada and to prevent excessive demand on Canadian health and social services.

According to IRCC’s official guidelines, the exam is not a full, in-depth medical. It focuses on screening for conditions of public health significance, such as tuberculosis, and assessing whether an applicant’s health condition might cause excessive demand on health or social services. You cannot use your family doctor for this exam unless they are officially designated by IRCC as a panel physician.

Key facts about the IME:

• It is required for most permanent residence applications and some temporary residents.
• You must find an IRCC-approved panel physician in your country or region.
• The exam includes a physical check-up, medical history review, and standard tests.
• The results are sent directly to IRCC by the panel physician.

What is the Average Cost of an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada?

The average cost for an adult immigration medical exam in Canada is approximately $250 to $350 CAD. This is a baseline, and your actual cost could be lower or higher. The fee is not standardized, so each panel physician sets their own prices based on their location and overhead costs.

For example, a panel physician in a downtown Toronto clinic will likely charge more than one in a smaller city like Halifax or Winnipeg. It's essential to call several approved physicians in your area to compare prices. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best; consider the clinic's reputation and availability as well.

Here’s a general breakdown of average costs by applicant type:

• Adult (15 years and older): $250 - $450 CAD
• Child (Under 11 years): $100 - $200 CAD
• Child (11-14 years): $150 - $250 CAD

What Does the Immigration Medical Exam Fee Include?

The standard IME fee typically covers the physician's time for the physical examination and the following mandatory tests:

1. Chest X-ray: To screen for tuberculosis.
2. Blood Test (Serum Creatinine & Syphilis): A blood test to check for syphilis and, for applicants 15 and older, to assess kidney function.
3. Urine Test: A routine urinalysis for applicants 5 years and older.

The fee also includes the physician's administrative work in completing and submitting the immigration medical forms (e.g., the IMM 1017E) directly to IRCC. It's important to ask the clinic for a detailed list of what is included to avoid surprise charges. If you have a complex medical history, you may need to provide additional records, which could incur extra costs.

Who Needs to Pay for the Immigration Medical Exam?

The applicant is responsible for paying for their own immigration medical exam, as well as the exams for any family members included in the application, even if they are not accompanying you to Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children.

There are no waivers for the exam itself, though the cost may be covered in some special circumstances, such as for government-assisted refugees. For the vast majority of economic immigrants, the cost is an out-of-pocket expense that must be budgeted for. This is a key part of your overall financial planning for the immigration process. To understand all the costs involved, from medical exams to application fees, using a tool like Evola AI’s Immigration Success Predictor can help you build a comprehensive budget and assess your chances before you invest.

How Can I Pay for My Canada Medical Exam?

Payment methods are determined by the individual panel physician's clinic. Most clinics accept the following forms of payment:

• Cash: (Local currency or sometimes CAD)
• Credit/Debit Card: (Visa, MasterCard)
• Bank Drafts or Certified Cheques

It is crucial to contact the clinic beforehand to confirm their accepted payment methods. You should not pay any medical exam fees through the IRCC website or your online application portal. All financial transactions for the IME occur directly between you and the panel physician's office. Keep the receipt you receive, as it is proof of payment for your records.

What Factors Influence the Final Cost of the Medical Exam?

Several key factors can cause the price of your IME to fluctuate. Being aware of these can help you anticipate potential extra costs.

• Location of the Panel Physician: As mentioned, clinics in large, expensive cities typically charge more.
• Age of the Applicant: Infants and young children require less testing, so their exams are cheaper.
• Additional Tests: If your initial chest X-ray or blood work is unclear, the physician may require a follow-up test, such as a more detailed X-ray or a specialist consultation. These are almost always an additional cost.
• Vaccination Status: While not always mandatory, some panel physicians may recommend updating your vaccinations, which would be a separate fee.
• Clinic's Pricing Policy: Some clinics offer all-inclusive pricing, while others may charge separately for the consultation, X-ray, and lab work.

What Happens if My Medical Exam Reveals a Health Issue?

If the panel physician identifies a potential health issue, they will report it to IRCC. This does not automatically mean your application will be refused. IRCC will make the final decision based on the severity of the condition and whether it represents a danger to public health or would cause excessive demand on health/social services.

In some cases, IRCC may request further medical information or testing, known as a "furtherance letter." The costs for these additional medical procedures are your responsibility. This is a complex area where professional guidance is invaluable. Evola AI’s 24/7 AI mentor can help you understand the implications of a medical finding and guide you on the next steps, saving you from costly delays and uncertainty.

How Does the Medical Exam Fit Into the Overall Immigration Process?

The immigration medical exam is a key stage in the application process. For Express Entry candidates, you typically complete the medical exam after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You then have 60 days to submit your complete application, including the proof of your upfront medical exam.

Your medical results are typically valid for 12 months. You must land in Canada as a permanent resident before your medical expiry date. If your application processing takes longer than 12 months, IRCC may request that you undergo another medical exam. To see how your potential CRS score, which determines if you get an ITA, stacks up, you can use the free Evola AI CRS Calculator to get an accurate estimate and plan your next moves.

Conclusion

Budgeting for your Canada immigration medical exam is a non-negotiable part of your journey. While the cost can feel like just another fee, it's a vital investment in your future in Canada. By understanding the average price range of $200-$450, knowing what the fee includes, and shopping around among approved panel physicians, you can manage this expense effectively. Remember to keep all your receipts and documents, and don't hesitate to seek clarity on any additional costs upfront.

Ready to get a clear picture of your entire immigration pathway and costs? Let Evola AI guide you. From calculating your CRS score to providing expert, real-time advice on every step, including your medical exam, we're here to simplify your journey to Canada.

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