Medical exams and police certificates explained
When to book them, how long they stay valid, and how to avoid a request for additional information from the visa office.
- Use an approved panel physician; a family doctor cannot complete the immigration medical.
- Police certificates must cover every country where you lived long enough, within the stated period.
- Wait for instructions before booking unless your program explicitly allows an upfront exam.
- Keep the original documents and a scanned copy in your application file.
Medical exams
An immigration medical exam checks whether you have a health condition that could pose a danger to public health or place an excessive demand on health services. Only a physician approved by the destination country can complete the exam.
The exam usually includes a physical examination, blood tests, a chest X-ray for some applicants and a review of your medical history. Results are sent directly to the immigration authority by the panel physician.
When to book
Some applications allow an upfront medical exam; others require you to wait for a request. Booking too early can mean the medical expires before your application is decided, forcing a repeat exam and another fee.
Follow the instructions for your specific program and visa office. If you have a complex medical history, ask the panel physician what additional reports may be needed and allow extra time.
Police certificates
Police certificates show whether you have a criminal record in a country where you lived. The required countries and the period of residence depend on your age, the countries you lived in and the program you are applying under.
Start early for countries with slow or in-person processes. Some authorities require fingerprints, a local representative or a request letter from the immigration office before they will issue a certificate.
Keeping documents valid
Police certificates and medical results have limited validity. If your application takes longer than expected, the visa office may ask for updated documents. Track expiry dates in the Document Checklist Builder so nothing is missed.
If you receive a procedural fairness letter or a request for additional information, respond by the deadline with a clear explanation and the requested evidence. Ignoring a request is treated as a failure to provide information.