Moving to Canada can be exciting, but there are many laws, regulations, and guidelines that every applicant must know. The immigration medical exam is an important requirement that certain candidates should fulfill. Many applicants are still unsure of the procedures related to this exam. This can make the difference between approval and rejection of your application.
A detailed understanding of the exam in advance will make it easier and less stressful for candidates who are looking to visit the country. This will ensure safety for both applicants and residents of Canada.
Let’s understand more things to know about the Canada immigration medical exam so that candidates can be more confident and clear before proceeding with their applications.
The immigration medical exam can be described as a precautionary health check required by the government of Canada to make sure the applicants are not affected by medical conditions that will cause a threat to public health or safety.
The exam also analyses whether the medical condition of the person will place a heavy demand on Canada’s healthcare system. The exam can be said to be the standard requirement for most applicants who plan to stay in the country for a long period of time.
Understanding the purpose of the exam is necessary, as it is one of the primary steps of your application.
The IME exam is not compulsory for everyone who applies for a Canadian visa. Multiple factors, such as your application type, the country from which you are coming, the job you are applying for and the duration of your stay in Canada, determine whether you have to attend the exam or not.
The exam is mandatory for the following set of applicants.
Immigration medical exams conducted only by panel physicians will be valid ones, as certifications by any other doctors will be rejected, and this will further delay your application. Applicants can avail themselves of the services of the official IRCC tool for booking their appointments with a nearby panel physician.
Bookings at popular clinics that have approved IME staff will save you time, as there may be many applicants who have made pre-bookings.
Physical Examination
The panel physician will be conducting a general physical examination of applicants. This includes checking their height, weight, blood pressure, vision, and a general assessment. A detailed review of their medical history, including past illnesses, treatments, and surgeries, will also be conducted as part of the procedure.
Chest X-Ray
Chest X-rays are mandatory for applicants aged 11 and above to detect any cases of tuberculosis or other pulmonary conditions. Applicants have to attend additional tests if the physician insists. Active TB will result in rejection of your application until the treatment is completed.
Blood Tests
Applicants aged 15 and above need to take a blood test for syphilis. Some applicants also need to take an HIV test, depending on their visa type and the country of origin. Testing positive for HIV will not automatically make you inadmissible, but it may be considered under excessive demand assessment.
Urinalysis
The urine test is conducted for applicants aged 5 and above. This will help the panel physician identify whether the applicant is suffering from diabetes, kidney disease, or any such infections.
Mental Health Assessment
Applicants will also have to agree to a mental health assessment by the panel physician. People with severe mental illness who can potentially disturb public safety will not be encouraged to visit the country.
Medical Inadmissibility is a decisive factor for applicants attending the Canadian immigration medical exam. The Canadian government rejects the application in two main cases that come under this law. First, if the applicant’s illness is too severe, it may pose a risk to the people of Canada and second, he or she may become overly dependent on the health and social services of the country.
However, the Canadian government regularly updates the limit mentioned above, and applicants can check the latest amount on the government website, along with other things to know more about the Canadian immigration medical exam. This rule does not affect spouses, common law partners, and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants are allowed to submit a response informing that they are meeting their medical expenses privately if they receive a letter from the authorities saying they find them medically inadmissible. Letters from doctors and private health insurance details are accepted as proof for the same.
The e-medical system is a secure electronic platform through which results are shared directly with the IRCC by the panel physician. Applicants do not have to carry paper reports to the IRCC or the visa application center. The panel physician will provide a hard copy of the report to the applicant, but now the applicant must submit it electronically. Make sure to check whether your records are already being submitted by the physician electronically before enquiring at IRCC.
The validity of the immigration medical exam is 12 months from the date of the examination. Applicants should be ready to face another exam if their application is not approved within this time period. The applicants can avoid this situation if they plan their exam strategically after getting confirmation that their application is complete.
The cost of the exam is based on the location of the applicant and the panel physician. In Canada, it usually ranges from $200 to $450 CAD, which covers doctor’s fees, X-ray and lab tests. Applicants must submit this amount directly to the clinic, and it does not come under the IRCC application fee. This amount will not be repaid to applicants even if their application is rejected.
Make use of the IRCC panel physician finder and locate your panel physician within 30 days after you submit your application and receive the confirmation to attend the examination. Also, take your medical records to the physician and be honest during the examination to avoid problems later. This will help the doctor to submit your accurate report to IRCC.
ImmiLaw Immigration is a trusted and reliable immigration law firm in Canada with years of experience and expertise. We offer a wide range of services focusing on 100 percent client satisfaction. We provide personalised strategies and legal support for applicants who trust in our credibility. For anyone planning a migration to Canada, we are always a dependable choice.
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