Chapter 4: Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
This chapter provides panel members with a step-by-step method for completing an IME and associated forms.
The IME consists of a medical history, physical examination, age-specific laboratory tests and age-specific chest x-ray.
Mandatory age-specific laboratory and radiologic tests include:
Urinalysis – clients ≥ 5 years
Chest x-ray (postero-anterior view) – clients ≥ 11 years
Syphilis – clients ≥ 15 years
HIV – clients ≥ 15 years
Note: Screening of clients below the ages indicated may also be required. Consult the IMEI’s for more information.
With the launch of eMedical, the IME will be conducted, where technologically feasible, in a Web-based computer program designed for the electronic recording, transmission, processing and temporary storage of the IME and its associated results.
Panel members performing IMEs in a region where eMedical has been implemented must use the system to complete and submit all IMEs. Designation as a panel member is dependent on the ability to use the eMedical system. Only in the event of a system outage should paper IMEs be used by eMedical-enabled panel members.
Differences between the paper process and the eMedical process have been pointed out throughout this document.
IME paper forms have been redesigned to ensure consistency between eMedical IMEs and paper-based IMEs.
4.1 Verification of identity
4.1.1 Client identity confirmation
Client photographs are essential for ensuring that there is no substitution at any time during the lifecycle of the IME and that the person who undergoes the IME is the same person who is applying for entry to Canada. Photographs must be attached and submitted with the IME whether the IME is completed in eMedical or on paper.
eMedical-enabled Panel Clinics
A live digital photograph of the client is taken in the clinic and uploaded in eMedical.
Photographs must meet CIC’s standards at /english/pdf/photospecs-e.pdf (PDF, 505.82 KB).
The eMedical system will include the photograph on all requisitions and referrals (laboratory, radiology, specialists and others).
Paper-based Panel Clinics
The client must provide four photographs to the panel clinic.
Photographs must meet CIC’s standards at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/photospecs-e.pdf (PDF, 505.82 KB).
If the photographs do not meet the specifications, ask the client to provide new photographs before their IME can be completed.
A photograph must be attached to the Medical Report (IMM 1017) and to the laboratory and radiology requisitions/report forms (IMM 5419).
The photograph on the Medical Report (IMM 1017) must be stamped in the top right corner with the panel physician’s ID stamp.
4.1.2 Identity documents
The client must submit a passport or other identification document acceptable for the Canadian Immigration medical examination. All documents must be valid (not expired).
Approved identification documents include the following:
Original passport or a copy of passport certified by a Canadian Visa Office
National ID Card (an original Birth Certificate is an acceptable national ID document for minors under the age of consent only.)
Driver’s licence (in Canada only)
Refugee travel document
Red Cross travel document
UN laissez-passer
Seaman’s Book
Organization of American States travel document
Refugee Protection Claimant Document
Important: To ensure the integrity of the IME process, the same identity document must be used for all components of the IME, including laboratory, radiology and specialist referrals. The panel physician must inform the client accordingly.
4.1.3 Identity concerns
If the client provides personal details that seem inconsistent with the information on the submitted identity documents, panel members must identify the concern in the eMedical system or on the IMM 1017 – Medical Report (Client Biodata and Summary) for paper-based IMEs. A copy of the identity document of concern should be attached to the IME.
Panel members should complete the IME according to customary procedures. CIC will investigate the concern about the client’s identity.
eMedical-enabled Panel Clinics
The identification document must be scanned and attached to the health case. The document will be submitted to CIC once the IME is completed.
Paper-based Panel Clinics
Photocopies of the identification document concerned must be attached to the IME and submitted to CIC.
4.2 Client Consent and Declaration (IMM 5743)
See sample Client Consent and Declaration form in Appendix II.
Completion of the Client Consent and Declaration form is mandatory for all clients. If the client is under 16 years of age or is unable to provide consent (because of reduced mental capacity, for example), a parent or guardian may provide consent on his/her behalf.
eMedical-enabled Panel Clinics
The eMedical Client Consent and Declaration form includes the following:
Declaration that all information provided during the IME is true, correct and complete;
Declaration understanding that the IME information will be collected and temporarily stored on segregated databases located in Australia; and
Consent for the collection and release of IME information related to the administration of Canada’s IRPA or to the protection of the health and safety of Canadians.
Paper-based Panel Clinics
The Client Consent and Declaration form for paper-based IMEs include the following:
Declaration that all information provided during the IME is true, correct and complete; and
Consent for the collection and release of IME information related to the administration of Canada’s IRPA or to the protection of the health and safety of Canadians.
If a client does not give consent, the IME cannot be carried out and the panel physician must notify the responsible RMO.
eMedical-enabled Panel Clinics
eMedical will enter the client information on the Consent and Declaration form beforehand.
The form should be printed from eMedical and provided to the client.
Clinic staff or a panel member should review the Consent and Declaration form with the client and answer any questions.
The client (or parent/guardian) must sign and date the document.
The form must be scanned and uploaded to eMedical.
Consent and Declaration check box must be ticked
The IME cannot be submitted without the Client Consent and Declaration form appended.
Paper-based Panel Clinics
Clinic staff must print and provide the form to the client.
Clinic staff or a panel member should review the Consent and Declaration form with the client and answer any questions.
The client (or parent/guardian) must sign and date the document.
Clinic staff must attach the form and submit it along with the IME.
The IME must not be submitted to the RMO without a completed Consent and Declaration form
