Completing your immigration medical examination is an important milestone in the Canada work permit application process. Once your medical results have been submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), many applicants begin checking their online account daily, wondering how much longer they need to wait.
One of the most common questions applicants ask is:
“How long does it take to get a Canada Work Permit after the medical exam?”
The answer depends on several factors.
Although passing your medical examination is a positive step, it does not mean your work permit has been approved. IRCC must still complete eligibility assessments, review your job offer and supporting documents, conduct background verification, perform security screening, and make a final decision.
Some applicants receive approval soon after their medical results are marked as passed, while others experience longer waiting periods because additional reviews or document requests are required.
Understanding what happens after your medical examination can help reduce uncertainty and prepare you for the remaining stages of your application.
This guide explains each stage after the medical exam, factors that affect processing time, common reasons for delays, and practical tips while waiting for your Canada work permit.
Does Passing the Medical Mean My Work Permit Is Approved?
No.
A passed immigration medical examination only confirms that you’ve met the applicable health requirements for your work permit application.
IRCC must still complete several other assessments before making a final decision.
Passing the medical should be viewed as an important milestone—not a guarantee of approval.
What Happens After the Medical Examination?
After IRCC receives and accepts your medical results, your application generally progresses through several stages.
Step 1: Medical Results Reviewed
Your immigration medical examination is reviewed by IRCC.
If your results meet the health requirements, your online account may later show that your medical exam has been passed.
If additional medical information is required, IRCC will normally contact you.
Step 2: Eligibility Review
An immigration officer reviews whether you qualify for the requested work permit.
Depending on your application, the officer may assess:
- Job offer
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), where required
- Employer compliance
- Work experience
- Educational qualifications
- Purpose of employment
The officer must be satisfied that you meet the requirements for the work permit category you applied under.
Step 3: Background Verification
IRCC reviews information relating to:
- Identity
- Employment history
- Travel history
- Previous visas
- Immigration history
- Supporting documents
Straightforward applications generally progress more efficiently.
Step 4: Security Screening
Every work permit applicant undergoes security screening before a final decision can be made.
Applicants cannot influence or speed up this stage.
Step 5: Final Officer Review
After all assessments have been completed, an immigration officer performs a final review of the application.
The officer confirms that:
- All eligibility requirements have been met
- Supporting documents are complete
- Background checks have been completed
- Medical requirements have been satisfied
Step 6: Final Decision
Once the final review has been completed, IRCC issues a decision.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive instructions on the next steps.
Applicants outside Canada typically receive either:
- A Passport Request (if a Temporary Resident Visa is required), or
- A Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, depending on their nationality and immigration requirements.
Factors That Affect Canada Work Permit Processing Time After Medical
Several factors influence how quickly IRCC makes a decision after your medical examination.
Work Permit Category
Different work permit streams follow different assessment procedures.
For example:
- Employer-specific work permits
- LMIA-based work permits
- Open work permits
- LMIA-exempt work permits
Each category may have different processing timelines.
Application Completeness
Applications containing complete and accurate supporting documents generally move through processing more smoothly.
Missing information often results in additional review.
Background Verification
Employment history, previous immigration records, identity, and travel history may all require verification.
Security Screening
Security screening is mandatory for all applicants and may take longer in some cases.
Additional Document Requests
If IRCC requests more information after your medical examination, processing usually pauses until the requested documents have been reviewed.
Seasonal Demand
Work permit applications often increase during periods of high international recruitment.
Applications submitted during busy periods may take longer because of increased processing volumes.
How to Improve Your Chances of Faster Processing
Although applicants cannot guarantee faster approval, careful preparation can reduce unnecessary delays.
Submit Complete Documents
Upload every required document before submitting your application.
Incomplete applications remain one of the most common causes of processing delays.
Ensure Your Medical Exam Is Completed Promptly
If IRCC requests a medical examination, schedule and complete it as soon as possible.
Delaying your medical appointment may delay your entire application.
Keep Your Passport Valid
A passport that is close to expiring may cause additional complications during processing.
Renew your passport before applying if necessary.
Respond Quickly to IRCC Requests
If IRCC asks for additional documents or clarification, upload the requested information as soon as possible.
Prompt responses help your application continue moving forward.
If you’ve already completed biometrics, our Canada Work Permit Processing Time After Biometrics guide explains the earlier stage of the application process. Applicants with employer-sponsored jobs may also find our Canada LMIA Work Permit Processing Time guide helpful.
Why Is My Canada Work Permit Taking So Long After Medical?
Waiting after your medical examination can feel frustrating, especially when your online account already shows that your medical results have been passed.
However, a passed medical exam does not mean every other part of your application has been completed.
IRCC may still need to review your eligibility, verify your background, assess your supporting documents, and complete security screening before issuing a final decision.
Below are the most common reasons your Canada work permit may still be taking time after medical.
Eligibility Review
After your medical results are accepted, IRCC may still need to confirm that you qualify for the work permit category you applied under.
Depending on your application, this may involve reviewing:
- Job offer
- LMIA, if required
- Employer information
- Work experience
- Educational qualifications
- Purpose of travel
- Immigration history
If your application requires additional eligibility checks, processing may take longer.
Employer Verification
For employer-specific work permits, IRCC may review your Canadian employer and job offer.
This may include checking:
- Employer compliance
- Job title
- Wage
- Work location
- Employment conditions
- LMIA details, where applicable
If any information appears unclear or inconsistent, IRCC may request further verification before making a decision.
Background Verification
Background verification is another major reason applications remain under review after medical.
IRCC may verify:
- Identity documents
- Travel history
- Previous visa applications
- Employment history
- Education records
- Immigration records
Straightforward applications often move faster, while applications requiring additional checks may take longer.
Security Screening
Every work permit applicant must pass security screening before approval.
This stage happens behind the scenes, and applicants usually cannot see detailed updates in their online account.
Security screening cannot be rushed by the applicant, employer, or representative.
Additional Document Requests
Sometimes IRCC asks for more documents after your medical exam.
Common requests include:
- Updated passport
- New job offer letter
- Updated LMIA document
- Police certificate
- Additional employment records
- Proof of qualifications
- Further medical information
Processing usually resumes after IRCC receives and reviews the requested documents.
High Application Volume
Canada receives many work permit applications throughout the year.
Processing may slow down during periods of high demand, such as:
- Seasonal recruitment periods
- Agricultural hiring seasons
- Healthcare recruitment periods
- Construction hiring periods
- International student graduation periods
A delay during busy periods does not automatically mean there is a problem with your application.
How to Track Your Canada Work Permit Application After Medical
You can track your application through your online IRCC account.
Common status updates include:
- Application submitted
- Biometrics completed
- Medical exam passed
- Eligibility review
- Background verification
- Final decision
It is normal for your account to remain unchanged for several weeks while IRCC completes internal checks.
What Happens After Medical Is Passed?
After your medical exam is marked as passed, your application may continue through the remaining stages.
These often include:
- Eligibility review
- Background checks
- Security screening
- Final decision
If approved, applicants outside Canada may receive a Passport Request or a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, depending on their situation.
What Happens After Approval?
If your work permit application is approved, IRCC will issue instructions based on your application type and location.
Applicants outside Canada may receive:
- Port of Entry Letter of Introduction
- Passport Request, if a visa counterfoil is required
- Travel instructions
- Approval notification
The Port of Entry Letter is not the actual work permit.
You will present it to a Canada Border Services Agency officer when you arrive in Canada. If you meet the entry requirements, the officer will issue the actual work permit at the port of entry.
Before travelling, carefully review:
- Your name
- Passport number
- Employer name, if applicable
- Work permit conditions
- Validity dates
- Job title and location, where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Canada Work Permit processing take after medical?
The timeline varies depending on your work permit category, country of application, background verification, security screening, and whether IRCC requests additional documents.
Does medical passed mean my Canada Work Permit is approved?
No.
Medical passed only means you have met the health requirement. IRCC must still complete eligibility review, background checks, security screening, and final assessment.
Why is my application still under review after medical passed?
Your application may still be undergoing eligibility review, employer verification, background checks, security screening, or final officer review.
Can I speed up my work permit after medical?
Generally, no.
The best way to avoid delays is to submit complete documents, respond quickly to requests, and ensure your passport remains valid.
Will IRCC contact me if more documents are needed?
Yes.
If IRCC needs more information, they will usually send a message through your online account.
Can my employer help after medical is passed?
Your employer can help by responding quickly if IRCC requests employer verification, but they usually cannot force faster processing.
What does background check mean after medical?
It means IRCC may be reviewing your identity, travel history, employment history, immigration records, and supporting documents.
What happens if IRCC requests another medical?
If IRCC needs updated or additional medical information, you must complete the request as instructed. Processing will continue after the new medical information is reviewed.
What is a Port of Entry Letter?
A Port of Entry Letter of Introduction is an approval letter issued to many applicants outside Canada. You present it at the Canadian border to receive the actual work permit.
Can I travel before receiving approval?
You should wait until your work permit application has been approved and you have received the required travel documents before making final travel plans.
Can a work permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes.
Many workers later qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other immigration pathways. Our Canada Express Entry Processing Time and Canada PR Processing Time guides explain those timelines.
Final Thoughts
Passing your medical examination is an important step in the Canada work permit process, but it is not the final approval. After medical results are accepted, IRCC may still need to complete eligibility review, employer verification, background checks, security screening, and final officer assessment.
A delay after medical does not automatically mean your application is in trouble. In many cases, IRCC is simply completing internal checks that are not always visible in your online account.
The best thing you can do is monitor your IRCC account, keep your email active, respond quickly to any requests, and avoid making irreversible travel plans until your approval is issued.
With complete documents, a valid passport, and a strong application, you place yourself in a better position to receive your Canada work permit approval and begin your employment journey.
