Immigration medical exam in another province: any panel physician, anywhere

IRCC’s answer: any panel physician, anywhere

IRCC’s Help Centre answer says you can choose a panel physician anywhere in the world, even in a different country from where you live. It says to use IRCC’s list of approved panel physicians to find one closest to you. It also says: “You cannot use your family doctor if their name is not on this list.”

This means that if there are no openings near you, for example in your province, you can look at approved panel physicians in another province. IRCC does not mention specific provinces, and it gives no guidance on travel costs.

Finding an approved doctor

Use IRCC’s Find a Panel Physician tool. IRCC says only panel physicians approved by IRCC can do this exam. The tool’s introduction describes finding a doctor in “your country, territory or region.” IRCC’s Help Centre answer, which says “anywhere in the world,” is the direct answer on location.

IRCC also says a specific panel physician may not be available when you make an appointment. The clinic might suggest an alternate panel physician or authorized replacement.

When to take the exam for Express Entry

IRCC’s permanent resident medical exam page says that for Express Entry you must get a medical exam “after you receive your invitation to apply, but before you apply.” IRCC calls this an upfront medical exam. To get one, contact a panel physician directly.

The panel physician gives you a document confirming your exam was completed. You must upload this document when you submit your application.

Cost and how long results last

If you cannot access a panel physician

IRCC says that if you cannot access a panel physician in your region, you can submit a letter of explanation showing why you cannot meet this requirement. IRCC will review your request. You can send it through the web form “Add a document to your application” or through the Client Support Centre.

What to do next

1. Wait for your invitation to apply if you are in Express Entry. IRCC’s timing is after the invitation and before you apply.
2. Open IRCC’s panel physician list and find approved doctors, including ones in other provinces.
3. Contact the clinic directly and ask about the cost.
4. Keep the document that confirms your exam was completed, and upload it with your application.

If your family members are not coming with you, read declaring a family member and their medical exam. Also read our Express Entry guide and use the document checklist generator.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my immigration medical exam in a different province?

IRCC says you can choose a panel physician anywhere in the world. The doctor must be on IRCC’s approved list.

Can my family doctor do the exam?

No, unless their name is on IRCC’s list of panel physicians.

When do I take the exam for Express Entry?

After you receive your invitation to apply and before you apply.

How much does it cost?

IRCC says the cost can differ from one doctor to another. It does not publish prices.

Sources

• IRCC Help Centre: choosing a panel physician (checked October 19, 2026)
• IRCC: Find a Panel Physician (checked October 19, 2026)
• IRCC: Medical exams for permanent residents (checked October 19, 2026)