Documentation is not the only thing you need before travelling to Canada; a comprehensive medical examination is also necessary. The Canadian government cares just as much about being accommodating to others as it does about the health of its own inhabitants. As a result, it established the Canadian immigration medical exams to guarantee the health of recent immigrants as well as the larger Canadian population. This article will touch on everything you need to know about this exam and the process involved.
Who Needs to Undergo Canadian Immigration Medical Exams?
Anybody who intends to stay in Canada for longer than six months should get a medical examination. Some of such groups are:
- Applicants for Permanent Residency: All individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada, be they refugees, economic immigrants, or family reunification, must pass a medical examination. Principal applicants, spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, and additional family members are all included in this.
- Those Seek Refugee Status: A medical examination is also a requirement for anyone submitting an application for refugee status in Canada.
- Temporary Residents: If an applicant intends to stay in Canada for more than six months, they may be required to submit to a medical examination in order to be granted a temporary resident visa (such as a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit). Additionally, they could require a medical check if they intend to work in specific occupations for the duration of their stay. Among these positions are:
- Health care workers
- Agricultural workers who have visited or lived in certain countries for six months or more.
- Patient attendants in nursing and geriatric homes
- Medical electives and physicians on short-term locums
- Clinical laboratory workers
- Workers who give in-home care to children, the elderly and the disabled
- Medical students admitted to Canada to attend university
- Day nursery employees
- Workers in primary or secondary school settings, or workers in child-care settings
- Domestic workers, etc.
Nonetheless, exemptions for Canadian immigration medical exam may be granted to individuals who are currently residents of Canada and are attempting to change their status.
Types of Canadian Immigration Medical Exams
Canadian immigration medical exams are of two different types:
- The standard medical examination is acceptable for the majority of immigration categories.
- The streamlined medical exam is acceptable in certain urgent operational scenarios, such as a humanitarian disaster, and in other extraordinary instances. It is the less complicated version of the immigration medical examination.
The type of exam you use is not up to you to decide. The decision will be made and communicated to you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Authorized Panel Physicians
The medical examination must be conducted by a panel physician who has the approval of the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Panel physicians are designated by the Canadian government to perform immigration medical exams in different countries. Find the one close to you for your exam.
Right Time to Get Your Canadian Immigration Medical Exams
You can get your medical exam before or after you apply to an immigration program.
Prior to Applying:
You can do your medical exam before you apply to an immigration program. The examination you receive prior to applying is an upfront medical examination. Those applying for Express Entry may choose this option. The panel physician will perform a standard medical exam if you show up for an upfront medical exam.
After that, a copy of the upfront medicine notification (IMM 1017B) must be included with your application when you’re ready to apply. This form should be available at the office of the Canadian-approved panel physicians, and they will give it to you.
Following Your Application:
If you apply to an immigration programme, you might be eligible to take your Canadian immigration medical examinations. In this instance, you will receive guidelines on how to approach the tests. You’ll receive instructions on how to schedule your appointment and what kind of medical examination you should have. To prevent rejection, make sure you adhere to the guidelines and meet the deadline.
Where to Do Your Canadian Immigration Medical Exams
Your medical examination must be performed by a panel physician who has been approved. Various nations have panel physicians on staff. Nonetheless, you as a non-panel doctor could occasionally—though extremely infrequently—get authorization to perform a medical examination. But his permission is limited to Canadian physicians. Therefore, only those who are physically present in Canada are eligible to use this option.
Canadian Immigration Medical Requirements
Below are the things you must take along with you when you go for your medical exams.
- A national ID card or your international passport. If you are still in that nation, you may also use a driver’s licence from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, or the United Kingdom.
- A copy of the child’s original birth certificate, if they are younger than 18
- Travel documents for refugees
- Red Cross travel itinerary
- UN laissez-passer
- Seaman’s publication
- Travel document issued by the Organisation of American States
- Documents requesting refugee protection
- If you wear them, your contact lenses or glasses
- If available, prior medical records or test results
- All of your prescription drugs, if any
- Form for Medical Reports
- Recent passport photographs (4)
What the Medical Examination Process May Look Like
You will need to present identification upon arrival for your Canadian immigration medical exams. Subsequently, the doctor will assist you in completing a medical history form. It will contain inquiries regarding any current or previous medical conditions, as well as any prescription drugs you might be using. The doctor will also perform physical examinations, which will include:
- Verifying your height and weight
- Examining your eyes and hearing
- Taking your pulse rate
- Sensing your abdomen and pulse
- Taking note of your skin
- observing how your limbs move
- Paying attention to your lungs and heart
Depending on your age, you might need to get an x-ray as well as additional laboratory testing. Additionally, if you have received a vaccination against any disease that can be prevented, come along with the proof. Although it is not compulsory, you may be asked to receive some vaccinations if you have not taken them before.
Cost of Medical Exam for Canadian Immigration
The cost of your Canadian immigration medical exams will be determined by the local jurisdiction’s policies and the panel physician’s costs. The costs could consist of:
- The cost to the physician or radiologists
- Payment for any necessary specialised examinations, research, or care
- Cost of specialists (if you require their services)
Remember that you will not receive a refund of these fees if the IRCC rejects your application.
How Long Does it Take to Process A Medical Report?
Processing a medical report for Canadian immigration might take up to three months. Hence, you need to start early so that you do not miss the deadline for other processes.
How Long Is a Canadian Immigration Medical Report Valid?
The report will be valid for a full year (12 months) following the day of the medical examination if you pass the exams and they consider you medically admissible. For this reason, it is best to schedule the medical examination after beginning the application procedure. Because the results will become void after a year if you have any delays following an initial medical examination.
Why Your Medical Report May be Rejected
The Immigration and Refugee Committee of Canada (IRCC) will determine your eligibility for entry into Canada after you have finished your Canadian immigration medical exams. The panel physician has nothing to do with this process. Should the IRCC deem you medically ineligible, you might not receive a permanent residency in Canada. Refusal could occur for two reasons:
- You, your partner, or your dependent endanger other people’s health or well-being. Perhaps you have some kind of infectious sickness.
- You have a medical condition that would put an undue burden on Canadian health or social services. This indicates that you might have a condition for which the anticipated cost of care would be more than five times the average yearly cost of health and social services for one person in Canada.
Tips for Preparing for Canadian Immigration Medical Exams
Below are a few tips that may help you prepare well for your pre-arrival medical exam Canada.
- Compile a detailed medical history including any existing conditions and treatments.
- Bring any prescribed medications you are currently taking to the medical examination.
- Wear clothing that allows easy access for a chest X-ray, as this is a common part of the examination.
- Provide accurate information during the medical examination and disclose any relevant health details.
- Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the examination for accurate health assessment.
- Drink water before the medical examination, especially if you will undergo urine analysis.
- Stay updated on any changes in immigration medical examination requirements or procedures.
Final Words
Keep in mind that the main goals of the Canadian immigration medical exams are to guarantee public health and safety and to evaluate your suitability for living in Canada without endangering others or yourself. It’s a good idea to discuss any specific health issues you may have with the panel physician during the assessment. Additionally, follow the IRCC’s guidelines and timeframes. If not, you run the danger of having your medical report denied.
