Do I need a medical exam for my Canada student visa and how do I complete it?
A Canada study permit medical exam is needed if you stay longer than six months and have lived or travelled six months or more in a listed country in the past year, or will work in a public-health-protected job such as healthcare or childcare. A panel physician reports to IRCC.
You need a medical examination for your Canada student visa if you will stay longer than 6 months and you have lived or travelled for 6 months or more in a listed country in the past year, or you will work in a job that protects public health, such as healthcare, education or childcare. Only an IRCC-approved panel physician can complete it.
Who needs the exam
| Situation | Medical exam needed? |
|---|---|
| Programme longer than 6 months, with no listed-country stay and no public-health job | No |
| Longer than 6 months and lived or travelled 6+ months in a listed country in the past year | Yes |
| Longer than 6 months and working in a public-health-protected job (healthcare, education, childcare) | Yes |
How the exam works
- Choose a doctor approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as other reports are not accepted
- Complete a physical exam, blood and urine tests and a chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis, plus extra tests if the doctor requires them
- The physician sends results to IRCC directly or gives you an e-Medical Information Sheet to submit
- Make sure the report is still valid when you submit your visa application
My Advice
Book the panel physician early, because delays here can hold up your whole application. Check which category you fall in on the IRCC site, and confirm your report will still be valid on your submission date.
This information is available on: canada.ca
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