Panel physician
A separate requirement from the insurance policy — and appointments are not always same-week.
Plain-English definition
A doctor approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to perform the immigration medical exam. For a super visa, the medical exam is a requirement separate from insurance: IRCC states, “You must provide proof that you had a medical exam with an approved panel physician.”
Source: IRCC — Super visa: requirements and documents (opens in a new tab)
Key findings
- An immigration medical exam uses an approved panel physician. The doctor is part of the IRCC medical-exam process.
- The exam and health insurance are separate requirements. One does not replace the other.
- Follow the current exam instructions. Keep the required proof and use the official physician directory.
Who counts as a panel physician
A panel physician is a doctor approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to perform the immigration medical exam. For a super visa, the medical exam is a requirement separate from insurance: IRCC states, “You must provide proof that you had a medical exam with an approved panel physician.”
Only a physician on IRCC’s approved panel can complete this exam, and appointments are not always available at short notice, so it is worth booking early in the application process.