Pregnant applicants applying for Permanent Residence can choose to defer their mandatory chest X-ray until after childbirth. While this ensures the baby’s safety, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will pause your PR processing until the X-ray is done and the newborn is added to your file.
Navigating the Canadian immigration process while expecting a child adds an extra layer of complexity to your journey. A standard requirement for almost all Permanent Resident (PR) applicants is the Immigration Medical Exam (IME), which includes blood tests, urine tests, and a chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis. For pregnant individuals, the thought of undergoing radiation can be a major source of anxiety.
Fortunately, IRCC policies are flexible regarding maternal health. 👶 You have the right to defer the X-ray portion of the exam. However, making this choice directly impacts how long you will wait for your PR status to be finalised. If you are feeling overwhelmed by these federal procedures, consulting with an immigration lawyer from our directory can help you map out the best timeline for your growing family.
Step-by-Step Process for Pregnant Applicants in Canada
Whether you are currently residing in Toronto, Vancouver, or applying from outside of Canada, the protocol for handling your medical exam during pregnancy remains consistent. Here is how you generally proceed.
Step 1: Notifying the Panel Physician
You cannot use just any doctor for your IME; you must visit an IRCC-approved Panel Physician. 🕐 When booking your appointment in cities like Calgary or Montreal, immediately inform the clinic that you are pregnant. They will adjust their testing protocols to ensure your safety and provide the necessary consent forms.
Step 2: Completing Safe Medical Tests
Even if you defer the X-ray, you are typically required to complete the rest of the medical exam. The physician will conduct a general physical check-up, take blood samples, and request a urine test. These steps are safe for pregnancy and allow IRCC to begin processing parts of your health file.
Step 3: Choosing to Defer or Proceed
You must decide whether to sign a waiver and proceed with the X-ray wearing a protective lead shield, or defer it entirely. 🚨 Most applicants and their doctors choose to defer the X-ray until after the baby is born. The Panel Physician will notify IRCC of your pregnancy and your decision to postpone.
Step 4: Post-Birth X-ray and Adding Your Newborn
Once you give birth, you must return to the clinic to complete the chest X-ray. Simultaneously, you must update your IRCC web form to declare the birth of your child. If the baby was born outside of Canada, you must pay the fee to add them to your PR application as a dependent.
How Much Does the Medical Exam Cost?
Medical exams are not covered by provincial health insurance (like OHIP in Ontario or MSP in BC). You must pay out of pocket in CAD. Consider these costs for May 2026:
- Immigration Medical Exam (IME): Averages $150 to $300 CAD per adult, depending on the clinic’s location.
- Additional X-ray Fees: If you split the appointment (exam now, X-ray later), some clinics may charge a secondary visit fee of $50 to $100 CAD.
- Adding a Dependent Child to PR: The federal IRCC fee is $235 CAD per newborn if they are born outside of Canada.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Deferring your X-ray means IRCC will pause the finalisation of your PR application. Your file will remain on hold for the remainder of your pregnancy. Once you submit the final X-ray results and the baby’s birth certificate, it typically takes IRCC another 2 to 4 months to update the file and issue your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Comparing Medical Exam Options During Pregnancy
| Your Choice | Medical Action Taken | Impact on PR Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Proceed with X-ray | X-ray completed using a protective lead shield. | None. IRCC continues normal processing. |
| Defer the X-ray | Blood and urine tests only; X-ray postponed. | Paused. Resumes only after post-birth X-ray. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to get the chest X-ray while pregnant?
Many medical professionals state that a chest X-ray with a dual wrap-around lead shield exposes the fetus to minimal radiation. However, the choice is entirely yours, and IRCC will never force a pregnant applicant to undergo the procedure.
What happens if my baby is born in Canada while I wait for PR?
If your child is born on Canadian soil (e.g., in an Ontario or Alberta hospital), they are automatically a Canadian citizen. You do not need to add them as a dependent on your PR application or pay the $235 CAD fee, but you must still inform IRCC of their birth.
Will my medical exam expire while I wait to give birth?
Medical exams are generally valid for 12 months. If your file is delayed significantly due to the pregnancy deferral, IRCC may request that you undergo a completely new medical exam, though they sometimes offer reassessments instead.
Can I speed up the PR process without the X-ray?
No. A completed Immigration Medical Exam, including the tuberculosis screening, is a strict federal requirement. IRCC will not issue your eCOPR until the medical file is 100% complete.
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