Canada Biometrics and Medical Exam in the Philippines

After receiving your Invitation to Apply, you have 60 days to submit a complete application — and that includes medical exam results and biometrics. Both must be completed in the Philippines (or wherever you currently reside) at IRCC-approved facilities. Delays at this stage are avoidable if you book appointments immediately after getting your ITA.

Biometrics at VFS Global

Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are collected at Canada Visa Application Centres managed by VFS Global. In the Philippines, there are two locations:

Manila: 29th Floor, The World Center Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Cebu: Available for walk-in or appointment (confirm hours on the VFS Philippines site before traveling)

The process:

1. After submitting your Express Entry application, you receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC
2. Book an appointment at VFS Global within 30 days of receiving the BIL
3. Bring your BIL, valid passport, and the CAD 85 biometrics fee receipt (paid online during your application)
4. Fingerprints and a digital photo are captured at the appointment
5. The entire process takes 15-30 minutes

Tips for the VFS Makati office:

• Book early morning appointments — the office gets crowded by midday
• Bring a printed copy of your BIL even if you have it digitally
• Do not wear nail polish or have henna on your hands — it can interfere with fingerprint capture
• Biometric data is valid for 10 years; you will not need to repeat this for future applications

Medical Exam at SLEC

The Immigration Medical Examination (IME) must be conducted by an IRCC-designated panel physician. In the Philippines, the primary facility is St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLEC).

SLEC locations:

• SLEC Ermita: 1175 Jorge Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila
• SLEC BGC: 32nd Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Fees by age group (2026):

How to book:

1. Register at the SLEC website and select "Canada Visa Applicant"
2. Enter your IRCC unique client identifier (UCI) and IME medical instructions
3. Choose your preferred date and SLEC location
4. Pay the medical fee (cash or card accepted at the clinic)

What to expect on exam day:

• Arrive with your passport, IRCC medical instructions, and vaccination records
• The exam takes 2-4 hours including waiting times
• Blood draws, chest X-ray, vision test, and physical examination by the panel physician
• No fasting is required for the initial blood tests
• Eat before the exam — it is a long process and you will need energy
• Results are transmitted directly to IRCC through the eMedical system. You do not carry or send results yourself.

Medical Exam for Dependents

Every family member included in your Express Entry application — spouse and children — must undergo the medical exam, even if they are not traveling to Canada immediately. Each dependent pays their own fee based on age group.

For families with young children, book all appointments on the same day at SLEC to minimize trips.

Common Medical Concerns for Filipino Applicants

Tuberculosis (TB): The Philippines has a high TB prevalence. If your chest X-ray shows abnormalities, SLEC may require additional sputum tests or a CT scan. This can add 2-4 weeks to your medical processing. If you have a history of TB treatment, bring your treatment completion certificate.

Hepatitis B: Common in the Philippines. A positive Hepatitis B surface antigen alone does not disqualify you, but the panel physician will assess liver function and may require additional tests.

High blood pressure or diabetes: Controlled conditions are generally not an issue. Bring your current prescriptions and recent lab results showing the condition is managed.

Pregnancy: Pregnant applicants can complete the medical exam, but the chest X-ray is deferred. A follow-up X-ray is required after delivery.

For OFWs: Medical Exams Outside the Philippines

If you are currently working in the Gulf, Singapore, or Hong Kong, you do not need to fly back to the Philippines for your medical exam. IRCC has designated panel physicians in:

• Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam
• UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi
• Singapore: Multiple clinics
• Hong Kong: Multiple clinics
• Qatar: Doha

Take the exam wherever you currently reside. If your contract ends before IRCC processing completes and you return to the Philippines, the existing medical results remain valid — you do not need to retake the exam at SLEC.

Timing Strategy

The medical exam results are valid for 12 months. Since Express Entry processing takes approximately 5-6 months after submission, getting your medical exam in the first two weeks after ITA gives you a comfortable margin.

Book your VFS biometrics and SLEC medical exam as soon as you receive your ITA. Do not wait — appointment slots at VFS Makati fill up quickly, especially during peak season (January-March and August-October when draw invitations typically spike).

What Happens If You Fail the Medical

A "fail" is rare. IRCC uses the medical exam to assess whether your condition would cause excessive demand on the Canadian healthcare system. Conditions that may lead to medical inadmissibility include active tuberculosis (untreated), HIV with high viral load (though this has become more nuanced), or conditions requiring expensive ongoing treatment.

If the panel physician identifies a concern, they note it in the eMedical report and IRCC makes the final determination. You may receive a Procedural Fairness Letter asking for additional medical evidence before a decision is made. Common outcomes:

• Surveillance: Some conditions (e.g., treated TB) result in medical surveillance requirements after landing — you must report to a local health unit within a specified period
• Additional testing: IRCC may request specialist reports or updated lab work
• Inadmissibility finding: Rare for Express Entry applicants with manageable conditions; more common for conditions requiring long-term institutional care

The Philippines to Canada Express Entry Guide includes a post-ITA checklist with appointment booking links, document preparation checklists for SLEC, and a day-by-day timeline for completing all post-ITA requirements within the 60-day window.

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