Medical Exams for Visas: What to Expect and How to Prepare

When applying for a visa especially for long-term stays, immigration, or student programs many countries require a medical examination as part of the application process. While the idea of a medical exam might sound intimidating, it’s actually a straightforward step if you know what to expect and how to prepare.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• Why visa medical exams are required
• What happens during the exam
• How to prepare
• Country-specific examples
• Tips to make the process stress-free

 

1. Why Are Medical Exams Required for Visas?

Governments want to ensure that incoming travelers:

• Don’t pose a public health risk
• Are free from serious communicable diseases
• Are physically and mentally fit for their intended stay
• Won’t burden the healthcare system

This is especially important for visa types like:

• Immigration (e.g., U.S. Green Card, Canadian PR)
• Student and Work visas
• Long-term or permanent residency
• Humanitarian or refugee programs

 

2. Who Needs a Medical Exam?

You may need a medical exam if:

• You’re staying in the country for more than 6 or 12 months
• You’ve lived in or traveled to high-risk countries (e.g., TB or Yellow Fever regions)
• You’re applying for certain job roles (e.g., healthcare, childcare, food service)
• You’re applying for family sponsorship, adoption, or asylum

Check your destination country’s immigration website to confirm if a medical exam is required for your specific visa type.

 

3. What Happens During a Visa Medical Exam?

The exam typically takes place at a panel physician or approved clinic authorized by the embassy or immigration service. You cannot use your regular doctor unless they are officially listed.

A standard exam includes:

• Physical exam – Basic check of heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, etc.
• Chest X-ray – To detect tuberculosis (common for adults)
• Blood tests – Often for HIV, syphilis, or other conditions
• Urine test – To check for infections or substance use
• Vaccination check – To ensure you meet required immunizations
• Mental health screening – Sometimes included for residency or refugee visas

Children may have a different set of tests, often excluding the X-ray or blood work.

 

4. Country-Specific Examples

United States

• Required for green card (immigrant) applicants
• Must be completed by a USCIS-approved Civil Surgeon (inside the U.S.) or Panel Physician (abroad)
• Vaccinations required: MMR, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Varicella, etc.
• Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) must be sealed and submitted with your application

Canada

• Required for PR, study, work (if >6 months), or refugee applications
• Only IRCC-approved panel physicians accepted
• You’ll receive an IMM 1017 Medical Report
• Medical results are sent directly to IRCC electronically

Australia

• Required for long-term visas, working in healthcare, or high-risk countries
• Use the “My Health Declarations” or receive a HAP ID
• Exams conducted by panel physicians listed on the Department of Home Affairs website

 

5. How to Prepare for Your Medical Exam

Before the Appointment:

• Book early – Clinics may have limited availability
• Gather required documents:
  • Passport or government-issued ID
  • Appointment letter or referral from immigration
  • Previous vaccination records
  • Glasses or hearing aids (if applicable)
  • Any medical reports for existing conditions
• Avoid alcohol or heavy meals before your exam
• Dress comfortably – You may need to undress for X-rays or physicals
• Hydrate well – Especially if a urine or blood test is required

 

6. What About Vaccinations?

Most countries have a list of required vaccines based on your age and health condition. If you are missing any, the clinic may:

• Administer the vaccines during the exam
• Ask you to return after getting vaccinated
• Provide a certificate once you’re fully compliant

Don’t worry if you don’t have all your vaccinations they’ll guide you on how to catch up.

 

7. How Long Do Results Take?

• Results are usually ready in 1–7 business days
• The clinic will either:
  • Send results directly to immigration (electronically or by sealed envelope)
  • Give you sealed results to submit yourself (do not open them)

Pro Tip: Always ask for a copy of your results for your own records.

 

8. What If a Health Issue Is Found?

A health condition won’t automatically disqualify you. But it may:

• Delay your application for additional tests or clearances
• Require a health waiver or financial support proof
• Lead to denial if the illness poses a serious risk to public health or services

Common flagged conditions:

• Tuberculosis
• HIV or other STIs
• Hepatitis B/C
• Mental health disorders with a history of violence
• Drug or alcohol dependency

In most cases, honest disclosure and timely treatment help keep your application on track.

 

9. How Much Does It Cost?

Medical exam costs vary by country and clinic. On average:

• $100–$400 USD per adult
• Additional charges for vaccinations or extra tests

Note: This fee is paid directly to the clinic and is separate from your visa fee.

 

10. Final Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Arrive early – Some clinics handle multiple applicants daily
• Be honest – Don’t hide medical history or conditions
• Follow all instructions – Especially about fasting or vaccine records
• Keep a personal record – Get copies of vaccines or test results
• Stay calm – Most exams are routine and nothing to stress about

 

Final Thoughts

A visa medical exam is simply a safety measure to ensure your well-being and that of others in your destination country. With a little preparation and the right mindset, it can be a smooth step toward your visa approval.

Still unsure or have a medical condition you’re worried about? Talk to a visa consultant or call the approved clinic for advice they’ve seen it all and can guide you.