How Much Does a Medical Examination for Immigration Cost?

fees for medical examination for immigration
fees for medical examination for immigration

When people search for fees for medical examination for immigration, they’re usually anxious, time-pressed, and worried about hidden costs. This page is written for exactly that situation. It’s not a short FAQ. It’s a deep, experience-based guide written as page content, but structured like a long blog so you understand the process end to end before spending a single dollar.

Throughout this guide, the phrase fees for medical examination for immigration is used naturally, along with real-world explanations, country variations, and decision-making advice. The content is prepared for visitors of Task Immigration, so everything is framed from an immigration consultancy perspective, not a hospital brochure.

Why Medical Examination Fees Matter in Immigration Applications

A medical exam is not optional for most immigration pathways. It’s a mandatory screening designed to protect public health and reduce healthcare burden in the destination country.

But here’s the thing most applicants learn too late:
The medical exam fee is not standardized globally.
It varies by country, visa type, age, clinic, and even city.

That’s why understanding fees for medical examination for immigration upfront helps you:

  • Budget accurately

  • Avoid last-minute delays

  • Choose authorized clinics correctly

  • Prevent visa refusals due to improper exams

What Is a Medical Examination for Immigration?

An immigration medical examination is a government-mandated health screening conducted by approved doctors or clinics. The results are sent directly to immigration authorities or uploaded to official systems.

Typical checks include:

  • Physical examination

  • Chest X-ray

  • Blood tests

  • Urine tests

  • Vaccination review

  • Medical history assessment

The fees for medical examination for immigration cover some or all of these, depending on the destination country.

Who Needs to Pay Immigration Medical Examination Fees?

Most applicants must undergo the exam, including:

  • Skilled worker visa applicants

  • Student visa applicants (many countries)

  • Family sponsorship applicants

  • Permanent residence applicants

  • Refugee and humanitarian applicants (often subsidized)

Children, elderly applicants, and pregnant applicants may have different fee structures, which we’ll explain later.

General Cost Structure of Immigration Medical Examinations

Before diving into country-specific costs, it helps to understand how clinics calculate fees.

Core Cost Components

  1. Doctor consultation fee

  2. Diagnostic tests

  3. Radiology (X-ray)

  4. Laboratory charges

  5. Administrative submission fees

Some clinics bundle everything into one price. Others itemize each service.

That’s why fees for medical examination for immigration can look cheap at first but increase after add-ons.

Fees for Medical Examination for Immigration: Country-Wise Breakdown

Below is a practical, experience-based overview. Prices are approximate and vary by country and clinic.

United States Immigration Medical Examination Fees

For US immigration (adjustment of status, green card, certain visas):

  • Average fee range: USD 150–400

  • X-ray and lab tests may be extra

  • Vaccinations often charged separately

Key points:

  • Only USCIS-designated civil surgeons are allowed

  • Some clinics charge consultation only, labs billed separately

From Task Immigration case experience, many applicants underestimate vaccine costs, which can exceed the base exam fee.

Canada Immigration Medical Examination Fees

Canada uses panel physicians approved by IRCC.

Typical fees for medical examination for immigration to Canada:

  • Adults: USD 100–250

  • Children: USD 80–150

Usually included:

  • Physical exam

  • Chest X-ray

  • Blood and urine tests

Vaccinations are not mandatory for Canadian immigration medicals, which keeps fees more predictable.

United Kingdom Immigration Medical Examination Fees

UK immigration medicals are required mainly for:

  • TB screening (certain countries)

  • Long-term visas

Average costs:

  • TB test only: USD 50–100

  • Full exam (if required): USD 150–300

The UK often separates TB testing from full medical exams, which affects total fees for medical examination for immigration.

Australia Immigration Medical Examination Fees

Australia uses an electronic system (eMedical) with panel physicians.

Typical costs:

  • Adults: USD 200–350

  • Children: USD 120–250

Includes:

  • Physical exam

  • Chest X-ray

  • Blood tests

Pregnant applicants may defer X-ray, which slightly reduces fees.

New Zealand Immigration Medical Examination Fees

New Zealand’s process is similar to Australia.

Average fees:

  • Adults: USD 180–300

  • Children: USD 100–200

Medical history complexity can influence total cost.

Schengen / European Union Immigration Medical Fees

For long-term EU visas:

  • Average: USD 100–250

  • Often required for work or residence permits

Short-term Schengen visas usually do not require full medical exams, but insurance proof instead.

Middle East Immigration Medical Examination Fees

Countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait require medical exams for work visas.

Typical costs:

  • USD 50–150

  • Often includes blood tests and X-ray

These exams are usually done after arrival, which changes how applicants budget fees.

Student Visa Medical Examination Fees

Student visas have unique considerations.

Average costs:

  • USD 80–250

Factors affecting fees:

  • Destination country

  • Course duration

  • Age of applicant

Many student applicants working with Task Immigration are surprised to learn that dependents must pay separate medical fees.

Family Sponsorship and Dependent Medical Fees

Dependents are not discounted automatically.

Typical structure:

  • Adults pay full fee

  • Children may pay reduced rates

  • Infants may still require basic screening

Total fees for medical examination for immigration increase significantly for families, which is why planning matters.

Medical Examination Fees for Pregnant Applicants

Pregnancy changes the process, not eligibility.

Important points:

  • Chest X-ray may be deferred or done with shielding

  • Some countries allow temporary deferral

  • Fees may reduce slightly

However, deferred tests can delay visa decisions.

Hidden Costs Applicants Often Miss

This is where experience matters.

From Task Immigration case reviews, these are common hidden expenses:

  • Vaccination updates

  • Repeat tests due to expired results

  • Additional specialist reports

  • Courier or digital submission fees

These extras can double the original fees for medical examination for immigration if not planned properly.

Validity Period and Repeat Medical Fees

Most immigration medical exams are valid for:

  • 6 months to 12 months

If your visa processing exceeds validity:

  • A new exam is required

  • Full fees apply again

This is a major reason Task Immigration advises timing the medical strategically, not too early.

Choosing the Right Clinic: Why It Affects Fees

Authorized clinics set their own prices within guidelines.

Factors influencing price:

  • Clinic location

  • Diagnostic equipment quality

  • Speed of reporting

  • Inclusion of lab tests

Cheaper clinics may require external labs, increasing final cost.

Pros & Cons of Immigration Medical Examination Fees

Pros Cons
Mandatory health clearance Can be expensive
Protects public health Not globally standardized
Early issue detection Hidden extra costs
Clear eligibility confirmation Repeat exams if delayed
Government-approved process Limited clinic choices

How Task Immigration Helps Clients Manage Medical Fees

Task Immigration doesn’t just tell clients to “do the medical.” The approach is practical and cost-aware.

Support includes:

  • Country-specific medical timing advice

  • Clinic selection guidance

  • Family cost planning

  • Avoiding unnecessary repeat exams

  • Visa-aligned scheduling

This reduces wasted money and processing delays.

Common Myths About Fees for Medical Examination for Immigration

Myth 1: All Clinics Charge the Same

False. Fees vary widely even within the same city.

Myth 2: Medical Fees Guarantee Visa Approval

Medical clearance is necessary, not sufficient.

Myth 3: One Medical Works for All Countries

Each country requires its own approved exam.

Medical Inadmissibility and Financial Impact

If a medical issue is found:

  • Further tests may be required

  • Specialist reports may add cost

  • Some conditions lead to refusal

Understanding fees for medical examination for immigration includes understanding the financial risk of follow-up testing.

Refund Policy Reality

Most clinics:

  • Do not offer refunds once tests are done

  • Charge separately for missed appointments

This makes correct preparation critical.

Timeline: How Long After Paying Fees?

Typical processing:

  • Exam day: 1–2 hours

  • Lab results: 2–5 days

  • Electronic submission: 24–72 hours

Delays increase if:

  • Additional tests required

  • Incomplete vaccination records

Strategic Advice from Task Immigration

Based on real application cases:

  • Don’t do medicals too early

  • Confirm visa stage before booking

  • Ask clinics for full fee breakdown

  • Keep copies of receipts and reports

This strategy minimizes wasted fees for medical examination for immigration.

Special Cases: Elderly Applicants

Applicants over certain ages may:

  • Skip some tests

  • Require additional health assessments

Fees can go up or down depending on medical history.

Medical Examination Fees vs Health Insurance

Important distinction:

  • Medical exam fees are not insurance

  • Insurance is separate and usually mandatory

Applicants often confuse the two and miscalculate total costs.

Digital Systems and Fee Transparency

Countries using digital platforms:

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

These systems reduce administrative fees and improve transparency, but clinic prices still vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the fees for medical examination for immigration?

The fees for medical examination for immigration usually range from USD 80 to USD 400, depending on the destination country, applicant’s age, clinic location, and required tests such as X-rays or blood work.

2. Are immigration medical examination fees the same for all countries?

No. Fees for medical examination for immigration vary by country. For example, Canada and Australia usually cost more than UK TB-only tests, while Middle Eastern work visa medicals are generally cheaper.

3. Do children pay the same medical examination fees as adults?

In most cases, children pay reduced fees, but they still require medical examinations. Infants may have lower costs, but fees are not completely waived.

4. Are vaccination costs included in immigration medical examination fees?

Usually not. Vaccinations are often charged separately, especially for US immigration. This is one of the most common hidden costs applicants face.

5. Can immigration medical examination fees be refunded if the visa is refused?

No. Once the medical examination is completed, fees are non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected or withdrawn.

6. How long is an immigration medical examination valid?

Most immigration medical exams are valid for 6 to 12 months, depending on the country. If your visa processing exceeds this period, you may need to pay the fees again.

7. Do pregnant applicants pay different medical examination fees?

Pregnant applicants may pay slightly lower fees if chest X-rays are deferred. However, deferred tests may be required later, which can increase total costs.

8. Can I choose any clinic for my immigration medical exam?

No. You must use a government-approved or panel physician clinic. Using an unauthorized clinic means the medical exam will be rejected, and you’ll have to pay the fees again.

9. Are medical examination fees included in visa application fees?

No. Fees for medical examination for immigration are separate from visa application fees, biometrics fees, and health insurance costs.

10. How can Task Immigration help reduce unnecessary medical examination costs?

Task Immigration helps applicants choose the right timing, approved clinics, and correct exam type, reducing the risk of repeat medicals and unnecessary extra fees.