Canada Work Permit Medical Exam: Requirements for Temporary Workers

1. Do You Need a Medical Exam for a Canada Work Permit?

Not every foreign national applying for a Canadian work permit must complete an immigration medical examination (IME).

Whether an IME is required depends mainly on:

• the work the foreign national will perform;
• how long the person intends to stay in Canada;
• where the person has lived or travelled during the relevant period before coming to Canada; and
• whether a current medical-examination exemption applies.

The occupation is particularly important. A foreign national who intends to work in a job in which protection of public health is essential can require an IME regardless of the planned length of stay in Canada.

For the broader requirements for working in Canada, see the Work Permit Canada: Requirements & Complete Guide .

2. Canada Work Permit Medical Exam: Quick Check

This table is a general screening tool. The applicant should still apply the current IRCC requirements to their specific occupation, residence and travel history.

3. Legal Framework for Work Permit Medical Exams

The medical-examination requirement is part of Canada's immigration admissibility framework.

Section 30 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations identifies foreign nationals who are exempt from the general requirement to undergo an immigration medical examination and, importantly, the circumstances in which that exemption does not apply.

Relevant categories include foreign nationals:

• seeking to work in an occupation in which protection of public health is essential; and
• seeking a period of temporary residence exceeding six consecutive months after specified residence or stay in an area with a higher incidence of serious communicable disease than Canada.

IRCC operational instructions translate this regulatory framework into the medical screening rules used for temporary workers.

4. If You Plan to Stay in Canada for 6 Months or Less

A temporary worker planning to remain in Canada for six months or less generally does not need an immigration medical examination.

There is an important exception.

An IME is still required if the person intends to work in an occupation in which protection of public health is essential.

This means that a short work permit does not automatically eliminate the medical requirement.

5. If You Plan to Stay in Canada for More Than 6 Months

Additional medical rules apply when the intended period in Canada exceeds six months.

Under current IRCC instructions, an applicant needs an IME if they have lived in or travelled to one or more countries or territories identified by IRCC for:

• 6 months or more in a row; and
• during the 1 year before coming to Canada.

The relevant country list is maintained by IRCC and can change.

The rule applies based on residence or travel history and is not limited to citizens of the listed country.

Example

A citizen of a country that is not on IRCC's medical-examination list can still require an IME if they spent the relevant consecutive period in a country that is on the list before coming to Canada.

6. Jobs That Require a Medical Exam

A foreign national who intends to work in an occupation in which public health must be protected requires an immigration medical examination regardless of how long they plan to stay in Canada.

Current IRCC examples include work involving close contact with people, such as:

• workers in health-care settings;
• clinical laboratory workers;
• patient attendants in long-term care homes;
• medical students admitted to Canada to attend university;
• medical electives and physicians on short-term locums;
• workers in primary or secondary school settings;
• workers in child-care settings;
• domestic workers;
• in-home caregivers to children;
• in-home caregivers to elderly persons;
• in-home caregivers to persons with disabilities; and
• other similar occupations.

The list is not simply a list of job titles. Applicants should consider the actual proposed work and whether the position falls within an occupation where protection of public health is essential.

7. Medical Exams for Health-Care Workers

Health-care employment is one of the clearest examples of work for which an immigration medical examination can be required.

IRCC identifies examples such as:

• hospital and health-care workers;
• clinical laboratory workers;
• patient attendants in long-term care facilities;
• medical students;
• medical electives; and
• physicians undertaking short-term locums.

Where the proposed work requires an IME, the medical requirement should be addressed before the applicant begins restricted employment.

Professional licensing and immigration medical admissibility are separate issues. Passing an IME does not itself authorize a person to practise a regulated health profession in Canada.

8. Medical Exams for Child-Care and School Workers

Current IRCC guidance includes workers in primary or secondary school settings and workers in child-care settings among examples of occupations in which public health must be protected.

This can be relevant to positions such as:

• child-care workers;
• workers whose duties place them in qualifying school settings; and
• other occupations involving close contact with children that fall within IRCC's medical requirements.

The medical requirement is based on the nature of the proposed work, not simply whether the work permit is LMIA-based, LMIA-exempt or open.

9. Medical Exams for Caregivers and Domestic Workers

IRCC's current temporary-resident medical guidance includes domestic workers and certain in-home caregivers among the examples of occupations in which public health must be protected.

Examples include in-home caregivers working with:

• children;
• elderly persons; or
• persons with disabilities.

A person seeking this type of employment should determine the medical requirement before relying on a work permit for unrestricted employment.

10. Medical Exams for Agricultural Workers

Agricultural work is subject to a more specific medical rule.

Current IRCC instructions indicate that an agricultural worker needs an IME where they have visited or lived in a country or territory on IRCC's applicable list for 6 months or more in a row during the year before coming to Canada.

Agricultural workers should therefore review both:

• their proposed Canadian occupation; and
• their residence and travel history during the relevant one-year period.

The applicable country list should be checked at the time of application because IRCC can update country classifications.

11. Open vs. Employer-Specific Work Permit Medical Requirements

The distinction between an open work permit and an employer-specific work permit does not by itself determine whether a medical examination is required.

For an employer-specific permit, the proposed occupation is normally known when the application is filed, making it easier to identify whether the work requires an IME.

For an open work permit, the issue can become particularly important if the holder later wants to work in:

• health care;
• child care;
• a school setting;
• in-home caregiving; or
• another occupation requiring medical clearance.

A work permit issued without the required medical clearance can contain conditions restricting this type of employment.

For open permit eligibility, see the Open Work Permit Canada guide .

For employer-specific permits, see the Employer-Specific Work Permit Canada guide .

12. What Is an Upfront Medical Exam?

An upfront medical examination is an immigration medical exam completed before IRCC sends the applicant an individual medical request.

Where the applicable work permit process permits an upfront IME, the applicant can arrange the exam directly with an IRCC-approved panel physician.

The applicant then submits proof of having completed the medical examination with the work permit application or through the applicable IRCC process.

Why complete an upfront IME?

Where an IME is clearly required, completing it upfront can avoid the additional processing step of waiting for IRCC to request the medical examination after reviewing the application.

IRCC notes that upfront medical results can help routine cases avoid delays caused by a later medical request.

13. Can You Wait for IRCC Medical Instructions?

Depending on the work permit process, an applicant may be able to wait until IRCC reviews the application and provides medical instructions.

This approach may be appropriate where:

• it is unclear whether an IME will be required;
• the applicant is following a process in which IRCC will issue medical instructions; or
• an upfront examination is not otherwise appropriate.

However, if the applicant clearly requires an IME, waiting for a later request can add another step to processing.

Applicants should follow the current instructions for their specific work permit application channel.

14. Who Can Perform an Immigration Medical Exam?

A Canadian immigration medical examination must be performed by a physician authorized by IRCC as a panel physician.

An applicant cannot simply obtain the immigration medical exam from their regular family doctor unless that doctor is also an IRCC-approved panel physician.

IRCC maintains an official list of panel physicians by country and territory.

Applicants should use the current IRCC panel physician directory when arranging an IME.

15. What to Bring to a Canada Immigration Medical Exam

IRCC's current instructions identify documents and information that may be required at an immigration medical examination.

Depending on the circumstances and the panel physician's instructions, these can include:

• a passport or other accepted identification;
• eyeglasses or contact lenses if the applicant wears them;
• medical reports or test results concerning previous or existing medical conditions;
• a list of current medications;
• the Medical Report form or medical instructions where IRCC has issued them; and
• any photographs required by the panel physician where the clinic does not use eMedical.

The applicant should confirm the clinic's requirements before attending because the process can differ depending on whether the physician uses eMedical.

16. What Happens During the Immigration Medical Exam?

The panel physician follows IRCC's medical examination procedures rather than conducting an ordinary employment physical.

The process can include:

• review of medical history;
• a physical examination;
• laboratory or diagnostic testing required by IRCC;
• additional tests where medically indicated; and
• referral to another specialist where necessary.

The panel physician submits the required medical information to IRCC.

The physician does not make the final immigration decision on the work permit application.

17. How Much Does a Work Permit Medical Exam Cost?

IRCC does not set one universal price that every applicant pays for an immigration medical examination.

The applicant is generally responsible for costs associated with the IME, which can include:

• the panel physician's examination fee;
• laboratory tests;
• X-rays;
• specialist assessments, where required; and
• other investigation or administrative costs charged by the clinic.

Fees can therefore vary by clinic, country and the tests required.

The cost of the medical examination is separate from IRCC's work permit processing and biometrics fees.

For federal application fees, see Canada Work Permit Fees and Biometrics .

18. How Long Is a Work Permit Medical Exam Valid?

Immigration medical examination results used for temporary residence are generally valid for a limited period rather than indefinitely.

Current IRCC instructions for work permit programs such as International Experience Canada state that medical exam results are valid for 12 months.

Timing therefore matters.

Completing an IME too early can create a risk that the results will expire before the applicant enters Canada or before they can be used for the intended work authorization.

19. Temporary Medical Exam Exemption for Certain In-Canada Applicants

IRCC currently has a temporary public policy that can exempt certain foreign nationals already in Canada from completing another immigration medical examination.

The policy has been extended until October 5, 2029.

Under current IRCC instructions, a person may qualify if all of the applicable conditions are met, including that:

• they are applying for permanent residence or temporary residence;
• they already live in Canada;
• they completed a previous IME within the last 5 years; and
• the previous IME indicated low or no risk to public health or public safety.

An applicant relying on this process should include the previous IME number or unique medical identifier number in the new application as instructed by IRCC.

20. Medical Conditions on a Canadian Work Permit

Medical requirements can directly affect the employment conditions printed on a work permit.

If the foreign national has not completed the medical examination required for public-health- sensitive work, the work permit can contain conditions preventing employment in occupations where medical clearance is required.

This issue is particularly important for holders of open work permits.

An open permit may generally allow work for many employers, but a medical restriction printed on the permit can still prevent the holder from working in restricted occupations.

Check the physical work permit

A worker should review the conditions printed on the actual work permit before beginning employment, particularly if the proposed job involves health care, children, schools, caregiving or another public-health-sensitive setting.

21. Can You Remove Medical Restrictions From a Work Permit?

A person who already holds a work permit with medical employment restrictions may be able to apply to have the conditions changed after satisfying the applicable medical requirements.

The process generally involves:

1. completing the required immigration medical examination;
2. ensuring the medical results are submitted to IRCC; and
3. applying through the appropriate process to change the conditions of the work permit.

Completing the IME alone should not be treated as automatically removing a restriction that is still printed on the existing work permit.

22. Medical Exams for Port-of-Entry Work Permit Applications

A person who is legally eligible to apply for a work permit at a Canadian port of entry should determine whether an immigration medical examination is required before travelling to Canada.

Current IRCC port-of-entry instructions state that an applicant who requires an IME must provide proof that they passed the medical examination and that the results are still valid.

If the applicant has not yet left their country of residence, IRCC specifically identifies the option of obtaining an upfront medical examination before travelling.

Bringing the required proof can allow the work permit to be issued without medical employment restrictions, assuming the applicant otherwise qualifies.

For the broader filing process, see How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada .

23. How to Provide Proof of the Medical Exam

The way medical evidence is provided depends on whether the applicant completed an upfront exam or received medical instructions from IRCC.

Where an upfront medical examination is used, the panel physician provides documentation confirming completion of the IME.

The applicant should retain this evidence and submit it in the appropriate location in the work permit application.

Where IRCC issues medical instructions after the application is filed, the applicant should follow those instructions and complete the exam within the specified period.

For the broader supporting-document package, see the Canada Work Permit Documents Checklist .

24. Do Family Members Need a Medical Exam?

Accompanying family members can also be subject to Canadian immigration medical requirements.

Whether a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child needs an IME depends on the immigration application and the medical rules applicable to that family member.

The worker's need for a medical exam should not be assumed to answer the question for every accompanying family member.

Each person's intended stay, immigration status and other applicable medical requirements should be reviewed separately.

25. Medical Exam vs. Medical Admissibility

Being required to complete an immigration medical examination and being medically inadmissible are different concepts.

The IME is the examination process used to provide medical information for IRCC's assessment.

The medical admissibility decision is made under Canada's immigration legislation.

Depending on the circumstances, medical inadmissibility considerations can involve:

• danger to public health;
• danger to public safety; or
• excessive demand on health or social services where that ground legally applies.

The fact that an applicant has a medical condition does not by itself establish that the person is inadmissible to Canada.

26. Can a Medical Exam Delay a Work Permit?

Yes. A required medical examination can add time to work permit processing, particularly where IRCC must request the exam after the application has already entered processing.

Additional time may also arise where:

• the applicant delays completing the IME;
• additional medical tests are required;
• a specialist assessment is requested;
• the medical results require further review; or
• previously completed medical results are no longer usable.

Where an upfront medical examination is permitted and clearly required, completing it at an appropriate time can eliminate the need for IRCC to request the examination later.

27. Common Work Permit Medical Exam Mistakes

Assuming a stay under 6 months never requires an IME

Public-health-sensitive employment can require an IME regardless of the intended length of stay.

Looking only at citizenship

Country-based medical requirements can depend on where the applicant lived or travelled, not simply the passport they hold.

Using a regular doctor

The immigration medical examination must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

Completing the medical exam too early

Medical results have limited validity. An unnecessarily early examination can expire before it is needed.

Ignoring the occupation

The intended job is central to determining whether public-health protection requires an IME.

Assuming an open work permit has no medical restrictions

Open work permits can still contain conditions restricting employment in occupations requiring medical clearance.

Starting restricted employment after the IME but before authorization changes

Passing a medical examination does not by itself remove conditions printed on an existing work permit.

Treating the 5-year in-Canada policy as general IME validity

The temporary in-Canada public policy is a specific exemption and is not a universal five-year medical-validity rule.

28. Work Permit Medical Exam Checklist

29. Canada Work Permit Medical Exam FAQs

Does everyone applying for a Canada work permit need a medical exam?

No. Whether an IME is required depends on factors including the proposed occupation, intended length of stay and recent residence or travel history.

Do I need a medical exam if I will stay in Canada for less than 6 months?

Generally not, unless you intend to work in an occupation in which protection of public health is essential or another applicable requirement applies.

Do health-care workers need a medical exam?

Yes, where the proposed employment falls within the occupations for which protection of public health is essential. IRCC specifically identifies several health-care settings and occupations.

Do child-care workers need an immigration medical exam?

Workers in child-care settings are among IRCC's examples of occupations for which an IME is required because public health must be protected.

Do school workers need a medical exam?

IRCC currently includes workers in primary and secondary school settings among its examples of public-health-sensitive occupations.

Do agricultural workers need a medical exam?

Agricultural workers can require an IME where their recent residence or travel history meets IRCC's applicable country-based rule.

Can my family doctor perform the immigration medical exam?

Only if the doctor is an IRCC-approved panel physician. Otherwise, an ordinary examination by the applicant's own doctor does not replace the required IME.

Can I complete my medical exam before applying for a work permit?

In applicable work permit processes, an applicant can complete an upfront medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician and submit proof with the application.

How long are work permit medical results valid?

Medical results are generally time-limited. Current IRCC work permit instructions, including IEC instructions, identify a 12-month validity period for medical examination results.

Is an immigration medical exam free?

Generally no. Applicants are normally responsible for the panel physician's fee and related tests. Costs vary by clinic and location.

Can an open work permit have medical restrictions?

Yes. An open work permit can contain conditions preventing employment in occupations requiring medical clearance if the necessary IME was not completed.

Can I remove medical restrictions from my work permit?

It may be possible after completing the required IME and following IRCC's process to change the conditions of the work permit.

Is a previous medical exam valid for 5 years?

Not as a general rule. IRCC currently has a temporary public policy, extended to October 5, 2029, under which certain applicants already in Canada who completed a qualifying IME within the previous five years may be exempt from another examination.

Does passing the medical exam guarantee work permit approval?

No. The medical examination addresses one part of the immigration assessment. The applicant must still satisfy all other applicable work permit and admissibility requirements.