Anyone applying for permanent residence, work, study, or certain visitor visas to Canada may be required to complete a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician as part of the immigration process.
This guide explains the Canada medical test list, how to find an authorized panel physician, what to expect during the exam, and how family doctors like Dr. Helen Dion in Calgary can support ongoing healthcare after immigration.
1 What Is an Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?
The Immigration Medical Exam (IME) is a standardized health evaluation required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for certain immigration and temporary-residence applications, which may include:
Permanent-residence applications
Certain work or study permit applications
Some refugee and sponsorship applications
Certain visitor applications or extensions
Whether an IME is required depends on the applicant’s circumstances and current IRCC requirements.
Only doctors approved by IRCC — known as panel physicians — can perform an official Immigration Medical Exam.
2 Canada Medical Test List
The examinations and investigations required as part of an IME depend on factors such as the applicant’s age, medical history, examination findings, and current IRCC requirements.
| Category | Possible Assessment / Tests | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Examination | General physical examination and basic health measurements | General health assessment |
| Blood Tests | Blood testing when required by IRCC | Requirements depend on age and circumstances |
| Urinalysis | Urine testing when required | May form part of the medical assessment |
| Chest X-ray | Chest radiograph when required under IRCC protocols | Requirements may depend on age and individual circumstances |
| Medical History Review | Previous illnesses, surgeries, medications, and relevant medical history | Helps the panel physician complete the medical assessment |
| Additional Tests | Additional laboratory investigations, imaging, or specialist assessment | May be requested depending on individual circumstances or IRCC requirements |
Panel physicians perform and submit immigration medical examinations according to IRCC requirements. They do not make the final decision on an immigration or visa application.
3 Key Immigration Medical Terms
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4 How to Find a Panel Physician in Canada
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Visit the official IRCC list of approved panel physicians:
👉 IRCC Panel Physician Directory Choose your country, province, or city to locate an approved panel physician.
Book directly with a physician or clinic appearing on the current official IRCC list.
Ask the panel physician’s office what identification, documents, photographs, medical records, medications, or other information you should bring.
Important: Panel physician listings can change. Always use the official IRCC directory to confirm that a physician is currently authorized before booking an immigration medical examination.
5 Immigration Medical Exam Costs in Canada
The cost of an Immigration Medical Exam varies according to the physician or clinic, the applicant’s age, and any laboratory testing, imaging, or additional examinations that may be required.
Applicants should contact the authorized panel physician directly for current fees before booking.
Immigration medical examination fees and related tests are generally the responsibility of the applicant unless another arrangement applies to their particular circumstances.
6 Panel Physician Responsibilities
Depending on IRCC requirements and the individual applicant, a panel physician may:
Conduct the immigration medical examination according to IRCC instructions
Review relevant medical history
Arrange or review required laboratory and imaging investigations
Record and submit required medical information through the appropriate IRCC system
Advise applicants when additional medical information or follow-up is required
Panel physicians perform the medical examination but are separate from the immigration officers responsible for deciding immigration applications.
7 Family Doctor Role After the Immigration Exam
An Immigration Medical Exam is different from ongoing family medicine. After settling in Alberta, establishing an ongoing relationship with a family physician can help provide continuity of healthcare.
Depending on the individual patient’s needs, family medicine may include:
Review of vaccination history
Preventive healthcare and appropriate screening
Assessment and follow-up of chronic medical conditions
Medication review
Mental health concerns
Women’s, men’s, pediatric, and adolescent health concerns
Specialist referrals when clinically appropriate
Long-term continuity and follow-up
In Calgary, Dr. Helen Dion is a family physician currently practising at Imagine Health Medical Clinics – Calgary Capitol Hill.
Imagine Health Medical Clinics – Calgary Capitol Hill
📍 2004 14 St NW Unit 207, Calgary, AB T2M 1A6
📞 (403) 775-9669
📠 1 (866) 483-1816
🌐 Book an Appointment Online
🌐 Dr. Helen Dion – Official Website
Dr. Helen Dion is an individual family physician and should not be confused with an IRCC panel physician unless she is separately listed by IRCC as one. Patients requiring an official Immigration Medical Exam should use the official IRCC Panel Physician Directory.
8 Immigration Medical for Permanent Residency (PR)
Applicants for permanent residence who require an Immigration Medical Exam must follow the instructions provided by IRCC. The timing of the examination and how medical information is submitted can depend on the type and stage of the application.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Review the medical examination instructions provided by IRCC |
| 2 | Book with an authorized IRCC panel physician |
| 3 | Complete the required medical examination and investigations |
| 4 | Keep any documentation or information sheet provided after the examination |
| 5 | Complete additional testing or follow-up if requested |
Applicants should follow their specific IRCC instructions because procedures and requirements can vary according to the immigration application.
9 eMedical Canada System
eMedical is an electronic system used by participating panel physicians and immigration authorities to process immigration medical examination information.
Applicants should retain any documentation or information sheet provided by the panel physician and follow the instructions supplied by IRCC regarding their immigration application.
10 Panel Physicians in Calgary and Major Cities
IRCC-approved panel physicians are available in Calgary and many other Canadian cities.
Because approved physicians and clinic locations may change, applicants should not rely on an older online list when selecting a physician.
Use the official directory:
👉 Find an IRCC-Approved Panel Physician
Search the directory for Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or another location where you plan to complete your examination.
11 Medical for Canada Visa – What You May Need to Bring
The panel physician’s office should provide specific instructions before your appointment. Depending on IRCC requirements and your circumstances, you may be asked to bring:
Passport or other accepted identification
Eyeglasses or contact lenses if you use them
Relevant medical reports or records
A list of medications you currently take
IRCC medical instructions or documentation, if provided
Any photographs or identification requested by the panel physician’s office
Payment method for applicable fees
Confirm the required documents directly with the panel physician before attending your appointment.
12 Common Keywords & Variants Used on This Page
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13 After the IME – Continuing Your Healthcare in Canada
The Immigration Medical Exam serves a specific immigration purpose and does not replace ongoing primary care. After settling in Alberta and becoming eligible for provincial health coverage, newcomers may wish to establish care with a family physician.
Depending on individual healthcare needs, ongoing family medicine can help patients:
Establish an ongoing medical history with their family physician
Review vaccination history and previous medical information
Discuss preventive healthcare and appropriate screening
Address women’s, men’s, pediatric, and adolescent health concerns
Discuss mental health and emotional wellbeing
Manage chronic medical conditions
Coordinate appropriate specialist referrals and follow-up
Dr. Helen Dion is a Calgary family physician who currently practises at Imagine Health Medical Clinics – Calgary Capitol Hill.
With training in Family Medicine and Pediatric Emergency Medicine, including a Diploma in Pediatric Emergency Medicine from the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Dion brings a broad clinical perspective to family medicine.
Depending on the individual patient’s needs and the scope of a family medicine visit, she can assess and discuss appropriate general family medicine concerns and coordinate further investigation or referral when clinically indicated.
This should not be interpreted as meaning that Dr. Dion performs Immigration Medical Exams. Official immigration medical examinations must be completed by a physician currently authorized by IRCC.
14 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canada immigration medical exam mandatory?
An Immigration Medical Exam is required for certain immigration and temporary-residence applications. Whether you require one depends on your application and individual circumstances. Follow the instructions provided by IRCC.
How long is an immigration medical examination valid?
Validity and immigration processing requirements are determined by IRCC and may depend on the application and circumstances. Applicants should rely on the instructions and status information provided by IRCC.
Can I choose any doctor for the exam?
No. An official Canadian Immigration Medical Exam must be performed by a physician who is authorized by IRCC as a panel physician.
Are there panel physicians in Calgary?
IRCC maintains an official directory that can be searched for currently approved panel physicians in Calgary and other locations.
Does Dr. Helen Dion perform immigration medical examinations?
This page does not represent Dr. Helen Dion as an IRCC panel physician. Immigration Medical Exams must be performed by a physician currently listed by IRCC as an authorized panel physician. Dr. Dion is a Calgary family physician who provides ongoing family medicine within her professional scope of practice.
Where does Dr. Helen Dion currently practise?
Dr. Helen Dion currently practises at Imagine Health Medical Clinics – Calgary Capitol Hill, 2004 14 St NW Unit 207, Calgary, AB T2M 1A6.
Is Dr. Helen Dion a medical clinic?
No. Dr. Helen Dion is an individual family physician. She currently practises at Imagine Health Medical Clinics – Calgary Capitol Hill. DrHelenDion.ca is her professional informational website and is not a separate medical clinic.
15 Summary – Canada Medical Test List and Follow-Up Care
Completing a Canada Immigration Medical Exam may be an important part of an immigration application. Applicants who require an IME should follow current IRCC instructions and select a physician from the official IRCC Panel Physician Directory.
After settling in Canada, ongoing family medicine serves a different purpose from the immigration examination. A family physician can support continuity of care, preventive health, chronic disease management, medication review, mental health, and referrals when appropriate.
For patients in Calgary, Dr. Helen Dion currently practises family medicine at Imagine Health Medical Clinics – Calgary Capitol Hill.
Current Practice Location:
Imagine Health Medical Clinics – Calgary Capitol Hill
📍 2004 14 St NW Unit 207, Calgary, AB T2M 1A6
📞 (403) 775-9669
📠 1 (866) 483-1816
🌐 Book an Appointment Online
🌐 Visit Dr. Helen Dion’s Official Website
This article is for general educational information only and does not replace official IRCC instructions or individualized medical advice. Dr. Helen Dion is an individual family physician practising at Imagine Health Medical Clinics – Calgary Capitol Hill. This page does not represent Dr. Dion as an IRCC panel physician. Immigration Medical Exams must be completed by physicians currently authorized by IRCC. References to Imagine Health Medical Clinics identify Dr. Dion’s current practice location and should not be interpreted to mean that she owns, operates, or represents the clinic as an organization or personally provides every service available at that location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is family medicine?
A primary-care specialty that provides lifelong comprehensive care for individuals and families.
How is family practice different from general practice?
Family medicine is a certified specialty emphasizing continuity and prevention; general practice is a broader term for similar care.
Do family doctors in Calgary accept new patients?
Yes — availability varies. Check Alberta Health Services’ “Find a Doctor” database for updates.
Can family physicians handle mental-health concerns?
Yes. Family doctors can assess, treat, and refer for mental-health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
