What Blood Tests Are Done for Canada Immigration Today?

If you're applying for Canadian permanent residence or certain temporary visas, understanding the medical examination requirements is essential for a successful application. The blood test for Canada immigration includes three mandatory laboratory tests for applicants aged 15 and older. These include HIV screening, syphilis serology, and a serum creatinine (kidney function) test, with additional blood work ordered only when clinically indicated.

This guide provides accurate and detailed information about the blood tests you need, who performs them, and how they impact your immigration application.

Immigration Medical Examination Overview

The IME is a mandatory health assessment conducted by authorized panel physicians designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Your personal doctor cannot perform this examination.

Panel physicians follow standardized protocols to ensure consistency across all applications. The examination assesses whether applicants pose a risk to public health or safety, or might place an excessive demand on Canada's healthcare and social services.

The medical assessment applies to most permanent residence applicants and temporary residents who meet specific criteria. These include those planning to stay longer than six months or those who have lived in designated countries.

Canada Immigration Blood Test Requirements by Age

1. Standard Tests for Ages 15 and Older

Three primary blood tests are required for all applicants aged 15+:

HIV Serology

HIV screening is required for all IME clients aged 15 and above. Panel physicians must provide age- and culturally appropriate pre- and post-test counselling. If an HIV test is ultimately positive, the IME file must include HIV specialist reports (e.g., CD4 and viral load) and an acknowledgement of post-test counselling. Additional TB and hepatitis B/C screening is also required.

Testing positive for HIV does not mean automatic refusal. However, admissibility depends on your immigration category and estimated treatment costs. Refugees and sponsored spouses or dependent children are exempt from excessive demand provisions.

Other categories may face medical inadmissibility if their projected annual health or social services costs exceed CAD $27,162 (the 2025 excessive demand cost threshold).

If you're HIV-positive and applying outside exempt categories, you may submit a mitigation plan demonstrating your ability to cover medication costs through private insurance or personal funds.

Exempt Categories

The following groups cannot be refused based on excessive demand:

• Refugees and protected persons
• Refugee claimants
• Sponsored spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners
• Sponsored dependent children

Parents and grandparents are NOT exempt from excessive demand assessment.

Syphilis Screening

Syphilis screening is mandatory for clients 15+. If serology is positive, documentary proof that treatment met Canadian protocol must be attached to the IME (IMM-5965 Syphilis Treatment Form). If no acceptable treatment records exist, re-treatment per Canadian protocol is required, and evidence must be submitted.

Serum Creatinine (Kidney Function)

This assessment measures kidney function by evaluating creatinine levels, which are expressed as the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). The test identifies chronic kidney disease that might require dialysis or transplantation.

A serum creatinine level is required for clients aged 15 and older (and for younger clients with a relevant medical history). If creatinine is abnormal, the eGFR must be calculated, and further tests (e.g., urine ACR, specialist reports) may be requested. IRCC evaluates whether the applicant is likely to need high-cost services (for example, dialysis) within the assessment period.

2. Testing for Applicants Under 15

Children under 15 do not routinely receive HIV/syphilis blood testing unless risk factors or suggestive signs/symptoms are present. Panel physicians follow risk-based testing algorithms in the IRCC guidance:

• Signs or symptoms suggesting an infectious disease
• History of sexual activity
• Known exposure to HIV, hepatitis, or tuberculosis
• Evidence of injection drug use
• History of receiving blood transfusions in countries with inadequate screening
• Born to mothers with HIV, hepatitis B, or syphilis
• Failure to thrive or developmental concerns

Additional Testing Based on Medical History

Your medical history may trigger supplementary blood work beyond age-based requirements.

Hepatitis B and C Screening

IRCC requires hepatitis B and C serology (HBsAg and HCV antibodies) regardless of age, provided certain risk factors are present. Panel physicians must order these tests when the client has any of the following:

• Substance use (including injection drug use)
• High-risk sexual behavior or a sexual partner with viral hepatitis
• Sharing personal items (e.g., razors, toothbrushes) with someone who has hepatitis
• History of receiving unscreened blood products or transfusions
• Needle-stick injury or other occupational exposure (e.g., healthcare workers)
• Being born to a mother with chronic hepatitis B or C
• Tattoos, body piercing, or acupuncture not done with aseptic technique
• History of incarceration
• HIV infection or other sexually transmitted infections
• Haemodialysis

For all clients who test positive, relevant treatment history must be documented and included in the IME report.

Tuberculosis-Related Testing

Tuberculosis screening typically involves a chest X-ray and sputum testing. However, if an applicant is suspected of having active TB, HIV testing becomes mandatory regardless of age, since HIV greatly increases the risk and severity of tuberculosis.

When active TB is confirmed, contact tracing is initiated for close family members. These contacts may also be required to undergo additional testing. These include blood tests for Canada immigration, such as HIV or other communicable disease screenings, depending on the medical officer's assessment.

Substance Use Considerations

Evidence of intravenous drug use necessitates HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C screening regardless of age. Panel physicians look for venous puncture marks or other indicators during physical examination.

Chronic Disease Assessment

Applicants reporting diabetes, heart conditions, or kidney disease require additional renal function testing. Those with histories of certain cancers, organ transplants, or immunosuppressive therapy may need expanded blood work to assess current health status and future healthcare needs.

Preparing for Your Blood Test for Immigration-Canada

Proper preparation ensures accurate results and efficient processing.

Before Your Appointment:

• No fasting required for immigration blood work
• Stay well-hydrated to facilitate a blood draw
• Bring a valid government-issued ID (passport preferred)
• Gather medical records documenting chronic conditions
• Compile medication lists with dosages
• Collect proof of previous treatments (if applicable)

What to Expect: The examination typically lasts between 30 minutes and two hours. You'll complete medical questionnaires, undergo a physical assessment, provide blood samples, and have chest X-rays (if you are 11 years old or older).

Panel physicians utilize approved laboratories that adhere to strict identity verification and quality control procedures. Your photo will be attached to all laboratory requisitions to prevent fraudulent substitution.

Accessing Your Test Results

Results are transmitted directly to IRCC through eMedical, a secure electronic system. You will not receive immediate results.

However, you may request a copy of your examination results from the panel physician for personal records. Some clinics automatically provide copies; others require specific requests.

If panel physicians identify serious medical conditions previously unknown to you, they provide appropriate referrals and medical advice. This ethical obligation exists independently of immigration assessment.

Processing Timeline

Turnaround times vary by clinic and region. Processing times may be longer for complex cases or requests for follow-up testing.

For Express Entry applications, complete your medical examination as soon as possible before submitting your application. This prevents delays in final processing.

Additional Information Requests

IRCC may issue "furtherance requests" requiring additional tests or specialist consultations if initial results need clarification. Common reasons include:

• Abnormal kidney function requiring specialist assessment
• Positive hepatitis tests needing viral load quantification
• Cardiac conditions requiring stress testing or echocardiography
• Evidence of previous tuberculosis requiring CT scans

Respond promptly to furtherance requests. The panel physician who conducted your original IME coordinates all follow-up testing.

Special Considerations

Pregnant Applicants

Pregnancy does not exempt you from blood work requirements. However, you may defer chest X-rays until after delivery to protect the health of the fetus.

If you choose to defer, eMedical generates a pregnancy deferral letter with instructions. Your IME remains incomplete until post-partum chest X-rays are submitted.

Re-examinations

If your initial medical examination expires before you enter Canada, or if your application takes longer than 12 months, you must undergo a complete re-examination, including new blood work.

Panel Physician Selection

IRCC maintains lists of authorized panel physicians by location. Search the official IRCC website for approved physicians in your area. Only examinations by designated panel physicians are valid for immigration purposes.

Complete Your Immigration Medical Exam in Brampton Today

Complete Immigration Medical Centre makes your immigration exam simple and stress-free. As Brampton's approved panel physician clinic, we conduct comprehensive medical examinations for Canadian immigration purposes at a single location.

Our patients expect efficient service, including on-site laboratory testing, X-ray facilities, free parking (accepting both cash and card), and nursing staff who speak Hindi and Punjabi. We use Fast e-medical to submit your medical reports directly to Citizenship Canada as quickly as possible.

Ready to complete your crucial step toward Canadian immigration? Book your appointment today!