Study Guide Medical Exams for Canada WHV

Volare Editorial | March 24, 2026

A health evaluation is a technical component of the Canadian immigration process designed to protect public health and ensure that applicants do not pose an excessive burden on the healthcare system. Depending on your place of residence and your job plans, the presentation of a medical exam performed by an IRCC-authorized panel physician may be an indispensable requirement for the approval of your work permit.

GROUP 1: Countries considered at risk (Mandatory)

Yes, it is mandatory due to residing in a risk country. It is also essential to present it if you wish to work in the health, education, or childcare sectors.

Involved Nationalities: South Korea and Hong Kong.

GROUP 2: Low-risk countries (Conditional)

Generally exempt. IT IS ONLY mandatory if you will work in health or education, or if you lived for more than 6 continuous months in a risk country in the last year.

Involved Nationalities: Germany, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

Logistical Considerations

If you fall within the group that requires mandatory exams, it is essential to manage the medical appointment in advance, as results can take several weeks to be processed by the IRCC system. We recommend not purchasing your definitive flight ticket to Canada until you have formal approval of your visa, thus ensuring that your entry into the country coincides with the validity of your health authorization.

Additional Resources

To locate authorized doctors in your region and learn about current medical fees, you can consult our detailed guide: WHV Canada Medical Exams - Volare Global.