Canada biometrics and medical exams: what to do next

If biometrics are required, IRCC normally sends a BIL after submission and payment. The letter identifies the applicant, deadline, and instructions. Do not book a paid middleman or visit a collection point with only an application receipt. Check whether previously given biometrics remain valid for the current application type, because temporary residence and permanent residence can be treated differently.

Outside Canada, use a Visa Application Centre, commonly called a VAC, or another location listed by IRCC. In the United States, an Application Support Center may be available to people already legally in the country. In Canada, eligible applicants use a designated Service Canada location. Port-of-entry collection is limited to people eligible to start and finish a qualifying study or work permit application there. It cannot replace a BIL appointment for an application already submitted.

IRCC says appointments are free to book and the standard BIL period is 30 days. Use the location's official booking system, save the confirmation, and bring the BIL plus the accepted passport or travel document. If there is no appointment within the deadline for a reason outside your control, book the earliest available date and use the IRCC web form before expiry with the appointment proof and explanation.

The collection site takes fingerprints and a photograph and transmits them to the Government of Canada. Confirm the biographic details on the receipt and keep it with the application record. The site does not decide the application and usually cannot explain security screening, eligibility, medical results, or final processing. Account updates can take time after a successful appointment.

Temporary resident requirements depend on planned length of stay, recent residence or travel in listed countries and territories, and work in occupations where public health must be protected. Permanent residence generally requires an immigration medical exam for the applicant and relevant family members. Some routes allow or require an upfront exam, while others tell the applicant to wait for instructions. Follow the page for the exact program and submission date.

A family doctor cannot perform the immigration exam unless listed by IRCC as a Panel physician. You may choose an approved physician in another city or country. Ask the clinic about identification, photographs when eMedical is not used, cost, payment, accessibility, language support, fasting, and whether labs or X-rays occur at another location. The clinic charges its own fee, and the cost is generally not refunded if the application is refused.

Bring the identification accepted by IRCC, glasses or contact lenses, current medication list, relevant specialist reports, previous test results, and the IMM 1017E or IMM 1020E form if IRCC sent one. Disclose medical history accurately. Existing conditions do not automatically mean refusal. Clear records can reduce duplication and help the physician understand ongoing care. Ask at the appointment if you want a copy of available results.

The physician submits the immigration results to IRCC and gives proof that the exam occurred. The physician does not decide medical admissibility. If the clinic or IRCC asks for additional tests, specialist reports, or treatment information, complete them promptly because the result may remain unavailable until the follow-up is received. For an upfront exam, upload the information sheet or IMM 1017B as the application instructions require.