Foreign nationals applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada must satisfy all documentary requirements stipulated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the time of application. Among the most frequently overlooked requirements is the Immigration Medical Examination (IME), conducted by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician.
Failure to include a valid IME report where one is required does not automatically result in refusal. However, it results in the issuance of a work permit bearing explicit occupational restrictions that prohibit employment in designated public health sensitive sectors. Learn more about the PGWP and how to unlock your career in Canada.
Pursuant to IRCC’s public health protection framework, applicants intending to work in any of the following sectors must submit a valid IME report with their PGWP application:
Important: The medical examination must be conducted by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician. Your personal physician is not authorized to perform an immigration medical examination.
Where an applicant fails to include a required IME report, the assessing officer will issue the PGWP bearing a printed condition restricting employment. The standard condition reads:
“Not authorized to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching, or health service field occupations.”
Commencing employment in any restricted sector while this condition is active constitutes a violation of the terms of the work permit and may carry serious immigration consequences.
If the PGWP application remains under active review by IRCC, the applicant should proceed with the IME immediately. Upon completion, the e-Medical tracking sheet provided by the Panel Physician may be submitted to IRCC via the official IRCC Web Form. Proactive submission at this stage can prevent the occupational restriction from being printed on the issued permit.
Where the PGWP has already been issued with an occupational restriction, submitting the medical through the IRCC Web Form is generally not enough by itself. The applicant should:
The applicant may not begin work in any restricted sector until IRCC approves the request and issues an amended work permit.
Submitting a complete application with the required IME report at the outset is the most efficient and legally sound approach. Retroactive amendments add cost, delay, and administrative complexity.
Any applicant who intends to work in health services, childcare, primary or secondary education, long-term care, or agricultural occupations where the applicant has visited or lived in a designated country for six or more consecutive months in the preceding year.
The work permit may be issued with a condition stating that the holder is not authorized to work in childcare, primary or secondary school teaching, or health service field occupations. This condition remains legally binding until IRCC removes it and issues an amended work permit.
Yes, if the application is still in processing. The e-Medical tracking sheet from your Panel Physician can be submitted via the IRCC Web Form. If the permit has already been issued with restrictions, you must complete an upfront IME and apply to change the work permit conditions using IMM 5710.
You must complete an upfront Immigration Medical Examination with an IRCC-approved Panel Physician and then apply to change the conditions on your work permit using Form IMM 5710. You cannot work in the restricted sectors until IRCC approves the request and issues an amended work permit.
Yes. Work in old age homes and long-term care facilities falls within the vulnerable sector category. A valid IME report is required to avoid the occupational restriction being applied to the permit.
No. IRCC requires that the examination be conducted exclusively by a Panel Physician from IRCC’s approved list. Results from an unauthorized physician will not be accepted.
Disclaimer: This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or licensed immigration lawyer prior to submitting any application.
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