If you are planning to apply through Express Entry Canada, one cost you must plan for is the immigration medical exam. Understanding express entry medical exam costs in 2027 helps you budget accurately before you submit your permanent residency application. Costs vary by country, clinic type, and your age. This guide breaks down what you will pay and how to find an approved clinic near you.
What Is the Express Entry Medical Exam?
Canada requires all Express Entry applicants to complete a medical exam before receiving permanent residency. You must visit a Panel Physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These are private doctors, so the Canadian government does not set a fixed fee. Prices differ by location and clinic.
The exam covers a physical check, blood tests, chest X-ray, and urine analysis. Children under 11 years old do not need a chest X-ray, which lowers their exam cost.
Express Entry Medical Exam Costs by Region in 2027
Below are estimated costs in Canadian dollars (CAD) based on data from approved panel physicians. Exchange rates change, so convert these figures to your local currency before budgeting.
Africa
- Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja): CAD 180 to CAD 260 per adult
- Ghana (Accra): CAD 160 to CAD 230 per adult
- Kenya (Nairobi): CAD 150 to CAD 220 per adult
- South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town): CAD 200 to CAD 280 per adult
Asia
- India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai): CAD 120 to CAD 180 per adult
- Philippines (Manila): CAD 130 to CAD 190 per adult
- Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore): CAD 110 to CAD 160 per adult
- Bangladesh (Dhaka): CAD 100 to CAD 150 per adult
North America and Europe
- United States: CAD 350 to CAD 500 per adult
- United Kingdom: CAD 300 to CAD 450 per adult
- Germany: CAD 280 to CAD 400 per adult
Children under 11 years old typically pay 40 to 60 percent less than the adult rate. Children between 11 and 17 years old pay close to the adult rate because they require a chest X-ray.
Government Clinic vs. Private Clinic: What You Pay
All panel physicians are private. However, some operate out of government-affiliated hospitals, which may offer lower fees. Here is a quick comparison:
- Government-affiliated clinic: CAD 100 to CAD 200 in lower-income countries. Longer wait times, often 2 to 4 weeks.
- Private standalone clinic: CAD 150 to CAD 500 depending on location. Faster appointments, often within 3 to 7 days.
Other Costs to Include in Your Budget
The exam fee is just one part of your total spending. Add these items to your budget:
- Travel to the nearest approved clinic: CAD 20 to CAD 200 depending on distance
- Repeat tests if results are inconclusive: CAD 50 to CAD 150
- Vaccination updates required during the exam: CAD 30 to CAD 120 per vaccine
- Immigration lawyer or immigration attorney fees for application review: CAD 1,500 to CAD 3,500
If you are also applying through the Provincial Nominee Program, check whether your province requires additional health documentation. Some provinces request extra forms that your panel physician must complete.
How to Find a Panel Physician Near You
Follow these steps to book your exam:
- Visit the IRCC medical exam requirements page.
- Use the IRCC panel physician search tool to filter by your country and city.
- Call or email the clinic to confirm their current fee before you book.
- Bring your passport, passport photos, and any previous medical records.
- Ask the clinic how they submit results, either directly to IRCC or through eMedical.
Most medical results are valid for 12 months from the exam date. Book your exam only after you receive an invitation to apply (ITA) from IRCC, or when specifically instructed to do so.
If you are also exploring a work permit application, a skilled worker visa, or even a visa sponsorship job or jobs with relocation package, some employers will reimburse your medical exam fee. Ask about this during salary negotiation or when reviewing your employer sponsored visa offer letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same medical exam for both Express Entry and a green card application?
No. Canada and the United States use different panel physicians and different exam formats. Your Express Entry medical exam is only valid for Canadian immigration. If you are also pursuing a green card application, you need a separate exam completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon.
Does citizenship by investment or an investor visa require the same medical exam?
It depends on the country. For Canada, applicants applying through citizenship by investment routes or an investor visa stream still need to complete the standard IRCC medical exam if they are applying for permanent residency. Requirements for other countries vary, so check each program directly.
How long does it take to get medical exam results?
Most panel physicians send results to IRCC within 4 to 7 business days through the eMedical system. You can track your application status through your IRCC online account. In some countries, results may take up to 3 weeks if additional tests are needed.
Apply directly through the official portal and consult a qualified immigration adviser if you need help.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is subject to change. Always confirm requirements on the official source before applying.
