For many Canadian immigration programs, such as Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, or other permanent residence pathways, applicants are required to complete an immigration medical examination (IME). This examination must be conducted by a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once the medical test is completed, many applicants wonder what the next step is in the process.
The immediate step after completing the medical examination is for the panel physician to send the results directly to IRCC through their secure online system. Applicants do not typically send the results themselves; instead, they receive an information sheet or a confirmation of completion that can be uploaded to their online account as proof. This ensures IRCC can match the medical results to the immigration application.
Once IRCC has received the medical results, they will assess them to determine whether the applicant is medically admissible to Canada. The purpose of this assessment is twofold: first, to ensure that the applicant does not pose a danger to public health or safety, and second, to verify that the applicant will not cause an excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services.
If the medical results are satisfactory, applicants will often see an update in their IRCC online account, typically stating “You passed the medical exam.” This is a positive indication that the application is moving forward. In most cases, the next step after passing the medical examination is the continuation of background checks, security screenings, and the final review of eligibility.
For Express Entry and other economic immigration streams, after the medical exam is cleared, the application is generally close to the final decision stage. Applicants may soon receive a request for their passport or a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR). For family sponsorships, the next stages usually involve finalizing admissibility and issuing the COPR once all checks are complete.
However, if there are concerns with the medical results, IRCC may request additional tests, specialist reports, or clarification from the panel physician. In rare cases, if the applicant is deemed medically inadmissible, they will receive a procedural fairness letter giving them an opportunity to respond before a final refusal is issued.
Overall, after completing the medical test, the key step for applicants is to monitor their IRCC online account for updates. A “medical passed” update is a major milestone, usually followed by background and security checks before the application reaches a final decision. Patience is important, but applicants can take comfort in knowing that the medical exam is one of the last significant hurdles before permanent residence is granted.