When should I get my immigration medical examination done for an OINP application?

Immigration medical examinations (IMEs) are a federal requirement assessed by IRCC, not by OINP itself. You should not get your medical examination done until after IRCC instructs you to — either after submitting your permanent residence application (for Express Entry applicants) or as directed in the application guide for paper-based applicants.

Getting your medical done too early is a common mistake. IME results have a twelve-month validity window from the date of the exam. If you submit your federal application and IRCC does not process it within that window, your medical may expire and you will need to redo it.

Medicals must be done by a designated panel physician — not by your family doctor or any walk-in clinic. IRCC maintains an online list of approved physicians, including those in Ontario, and your examination must be done at their clinic. The panel physician uploads the results electronically to IRCC; you generally do not receive a copy to submit yourself.

If IRCC sends you an Upfront Medical Request after you submit your application, it means IRCC is processing and wants medicals immediately. Following those instructions precisely is important to avoid delays.