If you’re searching for immigration medical exam cost Canada, you’re not just looking for a number. You’re trying to avoid surprises, delays, and last-minute expenses that can derail an otherwise solid application. The Canadian immigration medical exam is mandatory for most permanent and temporary pathways, but the costs vary widely depending on where you take the exam, what tests you need, and how your case is assessed by immigration officers.
This guide breaks down the actual costs, the process behind those costs, and the decisions that affect your total spend. It’s written from real case handling experience—applications reviewed, medicals scheduled across countries, follow-ups managed, and timelines protected—reflecting how Task Immigration approaches medicals as a risk-managed step, not a checkbox.
What Is the Immigration Medical Exam in Canada?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
The immigration medical exam is a health assessment required by IRCC to determine whether an applicant:
-
Poses a public health risk
-
Poses a public safety risk
-
May cause excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services (for certain categories)
The exam must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician. Any exam done outside this network is invalid.
Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?
Most applicants in these categories must complete the exam:
-
Permanent Residence (Express Entry, PNP, Family Sponsorship)
-
Temporary Residence (some work permits, study permits)
-
Refugees and protected persons
-
Certain visitor visas (length of stay, country risk factors)
Task Immigration always confirms who actually needs the exam before advising clients to pay—because not every applicant does.
Immigration Medical Exam Cost Canada: The Real Price Ranges
There is no fixed government fee for the medical exam. You pay the clinic directly, and prices are market-based.
Typical Cost Ranges (Per Adult)
-
Inside Canada: CAD 150 – CAD 350
-
Outside Canada: USD 100 – USD 300 (or local equivalent)
These are base ranges. Your final cost depends on included tests.
What’s Included in the Base Medical Exam Fee?
Most panel clinics bundle these items:
-
Physical examination
-
Medical history review
-
Height, weight, blood pressure
-
Basic assessment by the physician
-
Electronic submission to IRCC (eMedical)
Important: Blood tests, urine tests, and X-rays are often charged separately.
Itemized Breakdown: Where the Money Actually Goes
Understanding the breakdown helps you compare clinics fairly.
Physician Consultation Fee
-
CAD 80 – CAD 150
-
Covers examination and report
Chest X-Ray
-
CAD 40 – CAD 90
-
Usually done at a partner radiology center
Blood Tests
-
CAD 30 – CAD 80
-
HIV and syphilis screening for adults
Urine Test
-
CAD 10 – CAD 30
-
Routine screening
Administrative / eMedical Fee
-
CAD 20 – CAD 40
-
Upload and IRCC system handling
Task Immigration advises clients to request all-inclusive quotes to avoid surprise add-ons.
Why Immigration Medical Exam Cost Canada Varies So Much
Applicants are often confused by price differences. Here’s why they exist:
Location
Urban clinics in Canada charge more due to rent, staffing, and compliance costs.
Clinic Structure
Some clinics own their labs and imaging. Others outsource and pass costs on.
Applicant Age
Children usually pay less; seniors may require additional checks.
Medical History
Pre-existing conditions can trigger additional tests, increasing costs.
Immigration Medical Exam Cost for Different Applicant Types
Adults (15+)
Highest cost due to mandatory blood tests and X-ray.
Children (5–14)
Lower cost; no blood tests or X-ray unless required.
Infants (Under 5)
Lowest cost; basic physical exam only.
Task Immigration provides family-specific estimates to prevent budget overruns.
Upfront Medical vs Medical After Request
IRCC allows two approaches:
Upfront Medical
-
Done before application submission
-
Speeds up processing
-
Cost paid earlier
Medical After Request
-
IRCC sends instructions
-
Same cost, later timing
-
Risk of delays if appointments are scarce
From a strategy standpoint, upfront medicals often reduce overall processing time.
Pros & Cons of Immigration Medical Exams
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Required for most pathways | Out-of-pocket cost |
| Confirms admissibility early | Prices vary by clinic |
| Can speed up processing | Extra tests may be requested |
| Electronic submission to IRCC | No government price control |
| Valid for 12 months | Expiry can cause re-medical |
Understanding these trade-offs is central to Task Immigration’s planning approach.
What Happens After You Pay and Complete the Exam?
After completion:
-
The panel physician submits results electronically
-
You receive an Information Sheet or eMedical receipt
-
IRCC reviews results internally
-
Status updates appear in your online account
You do not receive a pass/fail letter. IRCC contacts you only if further action is required.
Additional Costs You Might Face (And Why)
Some applicants are surprised by follow-ups. These can include:
-
Repeat X-ray after TB treatment history
-
Specialist reports
-
Additional blood work
-
Monitoring periods
These are not common, but they do happen. Task Immigration prepares clients mentally and financially for this possibility.
Can You Fail the Medical Exam?
“Fail” isn’t the right word. IRCC assesses medical inadmissibility.
Common concerns:
-
Active tuberculosis
-
Untreated syphilis
-
Certain advanced conditions causing excessive demand
Most routine conditions (diabetes, controlled hypertension) do not lead to refusal.
Validity Period and Re-Medical Costs
Medical exams are valid for 12 months from the exam date.
If your application isn’t finalized within that period:
-
IRCC may request a re-medical
-
You pay the full cost again
Task Immigration times medicals carefully to minimize re-medical risk.
Immigration Medical Exam Cost Canada by Country (General Comparison)
-
Canada: Higher cost, faster coordination
-
India: Lower cost, high clinic volume
-
Philippines: Moderate cost, strong IRCC familiarity
-
UK/EU: Higher cost, strict scheduling
Applicants often choose location strategically when allowed.
Choosing the Right Panel Physician
Not all clinics are equal.
What to look for:
-
Transparent pricing
-
Clear instructions
-
Experience with IRCC eMedical
-
Reasonable appointment availability
Task Immigration maintains internal feedback on clinics to guide clients.
Common Mistakes That Increase Medical Exam Costs
-
Booking without confirming all-inclusive pricing
-
Choosing non-panel clinics (invalid exam)
-
Delaying until medical expires
-
Ignoring follow-up requests
-
Not bringing correct identification
Avoiding these saves time and money.
Immigration Medical Exam Cost Canada for Students and Workers
Some temporary residents are exempt unless:
-
Working in healthcare, childcare, or agriculture
-
Staying more than 6 months
-
Coming from certain countries
Task Immigration checks exemption eligibility before advising payment.
How to Prepare to Avoid Extra Tests
Simple preparation helps:
-
Bring vaccination records if available
-
Disclose medical history honestly
-
Follow fasting instructions if required
-
Avoid rescheduling delays
Honesty reduces follow-ups and costs.
Payment Methods and Refund Reality
-
Clinics accept cash, card, or local methods
-
No refunds once tests are completed
-
IRCC does not reimburse medical costs
This is why upfront clarity matters.
Why Task Immigration Emphasizes Medical Planning
Medical exams intersect with:
-
Application timing
-
Visa validity
-
Travel plans
-
Budget planning
At Task Immigration, medicals are scheduled strategically, not reactively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the immigration medical exam cost Canada on average?
Most applicants pay between CAD 150 and CAD 350 per adult.
2. Is the medical exam fee paid to IRCC?
No. You pay the panel clinic directly.
3. Are blood tests included in the base fee?
Often no. They are usually charged separately.
4. Can I choose any doctor for the exam?
No. Only IRCC-approved panel physicians are allowed.
5. How long is the medical exam valid?
12 months from the exam date.
6. Do children pay the same fee?
No. Children usually pay less due to fewer tests.
7. Can medical issues cause refusal?
Only specific conditions under IRCC rules may cause inadmissibility.
8. Should I do an upfront medical?
Often yes, especially for Express Entry.
9. What happens if my medical expires?
IRCC may request a re-medical at full cost.
10. How does Task Immigration help with medical exams?
Task Immigration guides timing, clinic selection, and follow-ups to reduce delays and extra costs.