Issuing instructions for medical examinations
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Immigration officers and border services officers have the authority to issue medical instructions
Before issuing medical instructions, complete an integrated search for a valid immigration medical examination (IME) or an IME that may be eligible for reassessment or exemption.
Instructions for immigration officers
Provide the applicant with the GCMS-generated IMM 1017E and instructions. The client must undergo the medical examination within 30 days of receiving the instructions.
Instructions for border services officers
Provide the asylum seekers seeking refugee protection with instructions and remind the claimant that they must go for the medical examination within 30 days.
Clients also have the option to proceed with an upfront medical examination before submitting their application.
- This is required for certain categories: see the application guide.
- The panel physician will select the appropriate immigration category during the immigration medical examination.
- Depending on whether the panel physician submits the medical files to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on paper or electronically (eMedical), the applicant will receive a proof of completion of the upfront medical examination from the panel physician:
- a printout from eMedical entitled “Information Sheet” or “Health case details” or
- the first page of the IMM 1017B-Upfront (“copy to client”)
Applicants must attach this proof of upfront medical examination to their application prior to submitting it to the selected visa office.