Biometrics and Medical Exam for Canada

What biometrics and a medical exam are

As part of a Canadian study permit application, you may be asked to give biometrics and, in some cases, complete an immigration medical exam. Biometrics are your fingerprints and a photograph. A medical exam is a health check carried out by a doctor approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This page explains these steps in neutral terms to help you prepare. It is general information, not immigration advice. Whether either step applies to you, and the exact process, are decided by IRCC and can change — always confirm on the official Government of Canada source.

When biometrics may be required

Many study permit applicants are required to give biometrics. After you apply and pay the biometrics fee, IRCC normally sends a biometric instruction letter telling you whether you need to give them and where to go.

Biometrics are collected at official locations, such as a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or other designated collection point, depending on where you are. Whether you need to give biometrics, how often, and any exemptions are set by IRCC, so verify the current rule on the official source before booking anything.

• You typically pay the biometrics fee with your application
• IRCC sends an instruction letter if biometrics are needed
• Give biometrics at an official collection point such as a VAC
• Exemptions and validity periods are set by IRCC — verify the current rule

When a medical exam may be required

Whether you need an immigration medical exam can depend on factors such as how long you plan to stay, where you have lived or travelled, and the type of activities you will do in Canada. IRCC decides whether an exam is required.

In some cases you may complete the exam before you apply (an "upfront" medical exam); in others, IRCC may ask for one after you apply. Do not assume — check the official requirements for your situation on the Government of Canada source.

Panel physicians do the medical exam

An immigration medical exam must be done by a doctor that IRCC has approved, known as a panel physician. A medical exam from a doctor who is not a panel physician will not be accepted.

The Government of Canada publishes a tool to find an approved panel physician near you on canada.ca. The exam itself, and what it includes, follow IRCC requirements — bring the documents the panel physician asks for and follow their instructions.

• Use only an IRCC-approved panel physician for the immigration medical exam
• Find an approved physician through the official tool on canada.ca
• A regular doctor's check-up does not replace the panel physician exam

Plan for timing and verify the current rules

Both biometrics and the medical exam are steps that take time to schedule and complete, so it helps to understand them early. However, requirements, fees, and processes are set by IRCC and change periodically.

Before you book a biometrics appointment or a medical exam, confirm on the official Government of Canada source whether you need them and how to complete them for your specific application. This is general information, not immigration advice.