Immigration Medical Exam for Iranians: Panel Physicians in Iran and Abroad

Unlike biometrics — which cannot be completed inside Iran because there are no Canadian Visa Application Centres there — the Immigration Medical Examination (IME) can be completed inside Iran. IRCC maintains a network of authorized panel physicians in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Mashhad. This is one of the few steps in the Express Entry process that does not require Iranian applicants to travel abroad.

Here is what the IME involves, where to get it done, and why timing matters for a process that can take 18–24 months.

What the IME Tests

The immigration medical exam is not a full health assessment. IRCC is looking for specific conditions that might affect admissibility. The standard IME for applicants over age 15 includes:

• Physical examination
• Chest X-ray (screened for tuberculosis)
• Blood tests (screened for syphilis and HIV)
• Urine analysis

Results are submitted electronically by the panel physician directly to IRCC — you do not carry any documents from the appointment. IRCC receives the results and will contact you if there are questions or follow-up required.

The "Excessive Demand" threshold is relevant for applicants with chronic conditions. If a medical condition is projected to cost the Canadian healthcare or social services system more than approximately CAD 26,000 per year (the current threshold), it can affect admissibility. Applicants with pre-existing conditions should bring translated medical records to the panel physician appointment to ensure the assessment is accurate.

Panel Physicians Inside Iran

This is the critical piece many applicants do not realize: you can complete your IME in Iran. IRCC's authorized panel physician list includes clinics in four Iranian cities:

Tehran:

• Apadana Hospital
• Day General Hospital

Shiraz:

• Dejbod Medical Clinic (Dr. Mahmood Vahed)

Isfahan:

• Medical Clinic — Dr. Daneshvar

Mashhad:

• Dr. Nazeem Clinic

All of these clinics conduct the exam in English and Farsi. Results are transmitted electronically to IRCC, so you do not need to worry about document transmission logistics. Always verify that the clinic remains on IRCC's current authorized list before booking — the authorized physician database is maintained at cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx.

Booking: Call the clinic directly to schedule. Bring your passport, your IRCC application number if you have it, and a completed "Use of a Representative" form (IMM 5476) if you are using an authorized representative. The appointment typically takes 1–2 hours.

Cost inside Iran: Panel physician fees are not regulated by IRCC and vary by clinic. Budget approximately USD 150–250 equivalent in Rials for the examination, plus X-ray and lab fees. Fees must be paid in local currency; card payments may not be available at all clinics.

Medical Exams Outside Iran

If you are already outside Iran when your IME is required — or prefer to complete the exam during a biometrics trip to avoid another travel expense — you can use authorized panel physicians in Turkey or the UAE.

Turkey (Istanbul): Turkey has multiple IRCC-authorized panel physicians in Istanbul. The cost for an adult over 15 is approximately USD 150–250 per person. Istanbul is the most practical choice if you are already traveling for biometrics, allowing you to combine both requirements in a single trip.

UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi): Dubai and Abu Dhabi have IRCC-authorized panel physicians. The cost is typically AED 750–900 (approximately USD 200–245) per adult. For Iranians residing in the UAE, this is the natural choice. For those traveling specifically for the exam, Dubai adds visa and accommodation costs on top of the exam fee.

Armenia (Yerevan): Yerevan also has authorized panel physicians. Costs are similar to Turkey. Visa-free entry for Iranians makes this viable for those who prefer Armenia.

The Timing Problem

The IME result is valid for 12 months. This creates a significant planning challenge for Iranian applicants, because the security screening phase alone typically takes 12–24 months.

In practice, many Iranian Express Entry applicants must complete a "re-med" — a second medical examination — before IRCC can issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). This happens when:

• The original IME was done early in the process
• Security screening extended beyond 12 months
• The IME expiry date arrives before IRCC makes a final decision

IRCC will contact you when a re-med is needed. You do not need to proactively re-do the exam unless requested. When the request arrives, you typically have 90 days to complete the new exam.

The re-med requirement is not a negative signal about your application — it is purely an administrative consequence of long processing timelines. Be prepared for the possibility and keep your health documents readily accessible.

What to Do If You Have a Medical Condition

If you have a pre-existing condition — diabetes, hypertension, a previous surgery, a chronic illness — bring translated medical records to the panel physician appointment. The physician needs complete information to submit an accurate report to IRCC. An inaccurate or incomplete report that gets flagged may require additional medical review, adding further delay.

Applicants who are concerned about whether a specific condition might trigger an Excessive Demand finding can consult an RCIC or immigration lawyer before the exam. The Excessive Demand threshold applies to conditions requiring ongoing treatment — most common chronic conditions do not reach CAD 26,000 per year in projected costs, but complex cases benefit from advance analysis.

Dependent Family Members

If your spouse and/or children are included in your Express Entry application, they must also complete medical exams even if they are not accompanying you to Canada immediately. All family members on the application — whether they are coming now or following later — are required to undergo the IME.

This is a common oversight. The re-med problem compounds for families: if your spouse's IME was done during the original application and your security review takes 20 months, your spouse also needs a re-med.

The Iran → Canada Express Entry Guide covers the complete medical examination process, panel physician logistics inside and outside Iran, and the re-med planning strategy for long security screening timelines. It also addresses the full document chain — police certificates, WES credential evaluation, proof of funds, and the Mikhak portal. Full details at immigrationstartguide.com/from-iran/ca-express-entry/.

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