Immigration Medical Exam: A Guide for Parent Sponsorship Canada

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Navigating the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship process in Canada can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to completing the required immigration medical exam. This step-by-step guide is designed specifically for adult children or sponsors who are assisting their parents or grandparents through this important part of the journey. Whether you’re preparing for the appointment with an IRCC-approved panel physician or simply trying to understand what to expect, this guide will help ensure the process is smooth, informed, and stress-free.

What You Need to Know Up Front

Helping your parents or grandparents through immigration is a big milestone. It is exciting, and it can feel complicated. One key step is the immigration medical exam with an IRCC panel physician. This exam is not about providing ongoing care. It is a screening that helps IRCC assess medical admissibility. Knowing what to expect makes the process calmer for everyone.

Sponsors often ask the same questions. When do we book the exam. What do we bring. Who sees the results. The good news is that the process is predictable once you understand the flow. A little preparation goes a long way, especially for seniors who may need mobility support, an interpreter, or extra time at the clinic.

In this guide, we show you how to get ready, what happens on exam day, and what to expect after. We also included a printable checklist, a shot-by-shot video walkthrough you can film on your phone, and a clear FAQ section. Keep this open while you book the appointment and bring the checklist to the clinic.

If you take away only three things, make them these: 

1. Book with an IRCC panel physician like the ones at our clinic. 
2. Bring proper identification plus your IME or UMI number if IRCC has issued one. 
3. Plan a simple, low-stress exam day with time for X-rays and other required tests. All conveniently completed in one stop at our clinic.

Quick Overview: What to Expect from the Medical Exam

The immigration medical exam takes place either after IRCC requests it or upfront if your invitation letter instructs you to do so. It must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician, not a regular family doctor. During the exam, expect an ID check, a brief health history review, a physical examination, and required tests such as a chest X-ray and lab work, depending on age and medical risk factors. The clinic submits all results directly to IRCC through the eMedical system.

Before You Book: Prep Checklist

1. Find an IRCC panel physician
Use IRCC’s official list. Compare location, accessibility, language options, price, and whether X-ray or labs are on site. Ask about interpreter availability if needed.

2. Gather documents and information
Passport or government photo ID, IME or UMI if you have it, any IRCC medical form or eMedical sheet, medication list, medical history notes, and vaccination record if available. If your parent has a previous chest X-ray or TB treatment record, bring it.

3. Plan for comfort and support
Choose loose clothing, bring water and a light snack, and take eyeglasses or contact lenses. If language is a barrier, arrange an interpreter or attend with your parents. Plan transport and parking to reduce day-of stress.

Booking with IMMEDEX: Simple Steps

To schedule your parents’ immigration medical exam, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit our Book an Appointment page.
2. Select the appropriate exam type (you can add additional services if needed).
3. Choose an available date and time for the appointment.
4. Fill out the final form with your name, contact information, and email address. Include any notes the Immdex team should be aware of, then click Book an Appointment. (No payment is required online. You will pay at the clinic on the day of the appointment)
5. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the appointment details.

Exam Day: What Happens Step by Step

1. Arrival and check-in
Arrive 15 minutes early. Present ID and any IRCC forms. Staff confirm your details and reference numbers.

2. Health history and physical exam
You will complete a short questionnaire. Bring a list of medications with doses and note any allergies, surgeries, or chronic conditions.

3. IRCC required tests
Based on age and medical risk, the clinic will send you for a chest X-ray and labs if required. Some clinics handle this on site, others next door or nearby.

4. After the exam
At our clinic submits your exam results to IRCC via eMedical within 7–10 business days. You’ll get a receipt and an email with a link to download your report (a small fee applies).

After the Exam: What Comes Next 

Once the medical exam is completed, IRCC reviews the results and may request additional tests or information if needed. If follow-up is required, it’s important to follow the clinic’s instructions promptly to avoid delays in processing. Medical exam results are typically valid for about one year, so if the sponsorship process takes longer, IRCC may ask for a re-medical. 

Be sure to keep all receipts and reference numbers in a safe place for future reference.

Printable checklist 

• Download, print, and bring this one pager: Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Exam Checklist PDF

FAQs

1) Can a family doctor do the immigration medical exam
No. Only an IRCC panel physician can perform and submit these exams.

2) When should we do the exam
Follow IRCC instructions. If your letter asks for up front medicals, book as soon as you can.

3) Do we need to fast
Most clinics do not require fasting. If a specific test needs it, the clinic will tell you when you book.

4) What if my parent has a chronic condition
Bring the medication list and relevant reports. Chronic conditions are assessed case by case. They do not automatically disqualify an applicant.

5) How long is the exam valid
Results are often valid for about one year. IRCC may request a re medical if processing goes longer.

6) Will the clinic tell us the outcome
Clinics upload results to IRCC and cannot make decisions. IRCC contacts you if more information is needed.

7) Can I attend with my parent
Yes in most clinics. Ask about visitor and interpreter policies when booking.

8) What does the fee include
Fees vary by clinic and city. Confirm whether X ray and labs are included or billed by partner sites.

For more details, visit our website: immedex.com/parent-sponsorship-canada

Book Your Parents’ Exam with IMMEDEX

Give your family a calm, organized experience with an IRCC panel physician team that handles this every day.

Why families choose IMMEDEX

• Welcoming clinic environment designed for comfort
• Multilingual staff who explain each step clearly
• On site labs and X ray for one stop convenience
• Fast eMedical submission of results directly to IRCC

Keep your sponsorship moving!
Make the exam simple and stress free for your parents. Schedule today and stay on track with your immigration timeline.