Medical Examination for Canada Immigration – Important Guidelines

Settling in Canada is a dream for many. However, they must be aware of the different requirements that must be met to qualify as a permanent resident. Clearing the medical examination is one of the primary requirements for Canadian immigration.

Although the process is quite simple, applicants often have queries and confusion regarding the medical examination. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most essential guidelines on medical examination for Canada immigration by answering some typical queries related to the subject.

Medical Examination – Why is it required for Canada Immigration?

To immigrate to Canada, a medical examination is one of the foremost criteria that must be taken seriously by all applicants. The Government of Canada does not want physically unfit immigrants to settle in any part of the country, as it would pose health risks for the existing citizens of the country.

The core purpose of taking a medical examination is to declare that you do not carry any diseases when you enter Canada. Clearing the examination is a must, as without that, you will not be deemed fit to enter the Canadian borders, and your application will be rejected accordingly on medical grounds.

Hence, it is crucial that you not only take the exam but also clear it successfully. Let’s now consider some typical queries that most applicants have regarding medical examinations.

Guidelines for Canada Immigration Medical Examination…

Having explained the significance of the medical test that needs to be taken, we will consider the questions that trouble most applicants. Answers to these questions will serve as crucial guidelines for medical examinations for Canadian immigration. Here they are –

Do I require a complete body checkup done as part of the medical examination?

IRCC recommends taking all the standard medical tests that can easily detect ill health conditions. So, the following are essentially required to be a part of the medical examination process –

• Physical examination
• Blood test
• Urine test
• Chest X-ray test

Typically, the physical examination involves assessing the overall condition of the applicant. It thus consists of checking skin condition, blood pressure level, body temperature, and other relevant factors. Blood test predominantly detects if the applicant is carrying deadly diseases (like HIV) in the blood. The applicant is expected to clear all the above tests.

What is the validity of the medical examination reports?

Typically, the validity of the medical exam is one year. In the event of any delay in your IIIA, you may be required to undergo a new medical examination.

I have an existing medical report that was issued six months ago. Is it valid for presentation to Canadian immigration?

In case you do have a recent medical report and want to use it on account of the medical examination, the only case when it can be considered for acceptance is if the test was taken from any of the designated physicians as suggested by IRCC. Otherwise, any previous report issued cannot be used for this purpose.

How can I find an IRCC-approved medical test centre?

IRCC has designated specific physicians, referred to as “panel physicians,” to conduct medical tests of applicants. You can take Appointment with any of the approved physicians that are located nearest to you. Medical tests performed by your family doctor or any other local doctor will not be valid. Also, you are required to submit the applicable fee beforehand. Please note that the test fee may vary depending on the physician.

What all do I need to bring for the Appointment?

Before going to visit the doctor, you must carry the following with you –

• Proper ID – like a passport, driver’s license or national identity card
• Eyeglasses/contact lenses – Only if you wear them
• Any medical reports about previous/existing medical conditions
• The Medical Report form (IMM 1017E)
• Four recent photographs, if the physician does not work with eMedical

There may be additional documents required by the physician. It is thus highly recommended to have a word with the physician in this regard.

Is the medical test fee structure pre-decided by IRCC?

IRCC merely determines which physicians are authorised to conduct tests for applicants. The fee incurred for each test is according to the individual physician’s fee structure. IRCC has no control whatsoever over the fee structure as levied by these physicians for the mentioned tests. So, you cannot challenge IRCC if a specific panel physician in your area charges you more.

However, in case of improper behaviour or conduct from the physician’s side, you can always inform IRCC about the same, if required. It’s always recommended to talk to the physician beforehand to get a detailed overview of the following –

• Tests to be conducted
• Fee structure
• Time required for overall test completion
• Documents required
• Appropriate time to take the test
• Precautions to be taken, if any, before the medical test begins
• Whether a close relative needs to accompany the applicant at the time of the other medical test

How do I verify that my medical examination is complete?

Once the approved physician issues you a document for your medical test, you will realise that all your tests are done. You will be required to attach a copy of the issued document with your visa application. The physician will issue you a copy of the Upfront Medical Report form (IMM 1017B) as the document if he works with a paper-based system. However, you will receive an upfront medical notification printout if the physician works with eMedical.

For what jobs does a medical test need to be taken in case of temporary residents?

The following are the professions that require a medical test –

• Workers in the health sciences field
• Patient attendants in nursing/geriatric homes
• Medical students admitted to Canada
• Medical electives/physicians on short-term locums
• Clinical laboratory workers
• Teachers – Primary or secondary schools
• Teachers – Kindergarten
• Domestics
• Workers providing in-home care to the elderly, disabled and children
• Day nursery employees
• Other jobs that require you to come in close contact with people

Will my medical test fees be refunded in case my visa application gets rejected?

No, your medical examination fee will not be refunded under any circumstances if your visa application is rejected for any reason.

Does the Panel Physician take the final decision on the medical exam?

The panel physician is only authorised to conduct medical tests of applicants and send the reports to the visa authorities. Any problem in your medical report that is impacting your visa application will be discussed with you by the visa authorities only. So, it’s the visa officials only who take the final call on your medical exam reports.

Under what medical conditions am I inadmissible to Canada?

You may be denied entry into Canada if medical reports suggest that your health is –

• A danger/threat to public health
• Supposed to cause an extreme burden on the Canadian healthcare system

Is a medical test also mandatory for pregnant applicants?

Pregnant applicants are exempted from the X-ray medical test to ensure the safety of the fetus. However, after delivery, the infant and mother are required to undergo medical examination.

Is it possible for my dependents to undergo medical examination in a different country from where the visa application is submitted?

As mentioned earlier, IRCC has designated panel physicians who are authorised to take medical tests. These physicians are located worldwide, allowing your dependents to approach any of them at their convenience.

Do medically inadmissible dependents come under any exceptions?

Yes, there are exceptions for medically inadmissible dependents. The factor “excessive demand on health or social services in Canada” is waived under the Family sponsorship category for

• Spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners
• Dependent children

 

Is it also required for my non-accompanying dependents to undergo the medical test?

Accompanying & non-accompanying dependents both need to undergo the medical test. The non-accompanying dependent may be exempted in the following cases –

• If the dependent is unwilling to take the test
• If the dependent is unable to take the test

Please note that the exemption in both of the two scenarios mentioned above is provided in limited circumstances, and such dependents are not eligible for the following sponsorship as members of the Family Sponsorship category.

Final Note – Take the Medical Exam Seriously…

Above were some of the most crucial guidelines on medical examinations for Canadian immigration, presented in response to some typical queries on the topic. It’s best to have all your queries resolved beforehand to avoid any issues later on.

A medical examination is a highly crucial criterion used to evaluate candidates seeking to immigrate to Canada. While clearing the exam successfully can open doors for you to settle in Canada, failure can result in rejection of your application. Therefore, if you intentionally underestimate the exam, you will likely forfeit your dream of immigrating to Canada.

Ensure that you take the medical exam seriously and provide your physician with complete and honest information. Hopefully, this blog post provides all the vital information you have been looking for regarding the Canada immigration medical exam.