Canada ranks as the most desired country of destination worldwide for those who would prefer to emigrate elsewhere. Its high-quality living standard and prospering business market make it a desirable destination. If you plan to move to Canada, a medical examination is one of the most significant steps in your immigration process. This examination is required to ensure applicants do not pose a health risk to the Canadian public. It is also essential for the approval of a Canada Student Visa or any other Visa. Therefore, you should prepare for this and Croyozimmigration will help you with this. In this blog, we'll talk about everything you need to know about the Canada immigration medical exam including what you should be expecting during the process and how you must prepare for it.
Why is the Medical Exam Important for Canada Immigration?
The primary reason for medical exams is to determine whether the applicant has any type of medical condition that could:
- There is a risk of putting the public health or safety of Canada at risk.
- Places unnecessary burden on Canada's healthcare
In this test, the Canadian immigration authorities decide whether the applicant suffers from any infectious diseases, severe health conditions, or physical disabilities that may impact the country's healthcare infrastructure.
Who Should Undergo The Canada Immigration Medical Test?
A medical examination may be necessary for a permanent residency or temporary visa, depending on your country of origin, period of stay, and type of visa applied for.
Permanent Residence Applicants
All permanent residence applicants and dependents of permanent residence applicants will be required to undergo a medical examination for a Canada Visa. This requirement applies to both the principal applicants and their dependents who are accompanying them or who will accompany them when they arrive in Canada.
Temporary Residence Applicants
A medical exam is required in many cases, especially if the temporary resident will stay for over six months and comes from a country with high risks for diseases like tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, or chiropractic specialties.
What is a Medical Exam?
A medical exam in Canada to assess immigration status is done by a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You cannot just opt for the test with any doctor; instead, you will have to choose from a list of IRCC-approved physicians in your country.
1. Scheduling an Appointment
Once you get an invitation for a medical examination, locate a panel physician in your country. You can look for an approved doctor by checking the IRCC website. After finding a physician, schedule an appointment with them. 
2. Documents to Carry
You will have to ensure that you collect all your documents before going for the medical examination. The most common documents which are usually required include the following:
- Passport: an original, valid passport to prove identification.
- Immigration Medical Examination Form: If medically needed, carry the immigration medical examination form to be furnished by IRCC.
- Former Significant Medical History: If you have significant medical history, test results, or even X-rays in the past, carry them with you.
- Prescription Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: Carry your prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses with you on the examination day so that they can administer the vision tests.
- Vaccination Records: You might be asked to provide records of your vaccinations according to your country of origin and your recent travel history.
3. What the Exam Covers?
The medical exam will consider all aspects of your health, both physical and mental. The following are general things you should expect to be included in your exam:
- Physical Exam: The panel physician examines you from head to toe, including eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, limbs, and nervous system.
- Chest X-ray: This is taken to rule out tuberculosis since the disease is a significant concern in immigration health checks. If a woman finds herself pregnant, she may also request a postponement of the X-ray or make alternative arrangements.
- Blood Test: This test is usually taken to check for HIV and syphilis. Other conditions might also be screened based on the panel physician.
- Urine Test: A urine test is usually conducted to check for problems related to the kidneys or urinary tract.
Your doctor will determine whether you need additional testing or visits to specialists based on your age, medical history, and general health.
4. Results and Reporting
The panelist physician would forward your medical examination results directly to IRCC through their portal. If you are instructed to do so, you'll only need to forward the results yourself. Ordinarily, the results remain valid for 12 months.
How to Prepare The Medical Examination For a Canada Visa?
To get the Canada Student Visa, it’s mandatory to pass the medical exam. Being well-prepared for the medical exam is going to make it easier, but it also helps in alleviating the levels of stress you might be going through. Here's how you can prepare:
1. Booking Early
You must save time after getting instructions on the medical exam by booking your exam. Some nations have waiting periods that are very long because of the number of applicants they have, and hence, it would be best advised to book your exam as early as possible.
2. Good Night's Sleep
Ensure that you sleep soundly before the exam. The rest will help you keep your nerves in check when the time comes.
3. Do what the Doctor Orders
Be sure to follow the specific instructions given by the panel physician before the exam. For example, you may be asked to cease using certain medications before the day of the exam or bring specific documents to the exam.
Inform the Doctor About Any Health Conditions
There must be complete disclosure of any pre-existing medical condition or a history of illness. If you have a chronic disease like diabetes or hypertension, you should bring prescription papers and documents for the same reason. The panel doctor may evaluate to what extent your condition is being controlled and whether it has any possible health risks.
Conclusion
One crucial step towards a move to Canada is an immigration medical exam; it is sort of intimidating, but being better prepared will make the experience exceptionally smooth. With knowledge of what to expect from the Canada immigration medical and what is expected of you, you'll face the medical exam with confidence. Follow the tips mentioned above to pass the medical test for visa, or you can get a consultation from Croyezimmigration, one of the best immigration and visa consultants in Chennai. Taking this step seriously will not only enhance your chances of a successful visa application but also set a solid foundation for your new life in Canada. If you have any questions or need assistance with your immigration journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Croyez Immigration. Our expert team is here to provide you with personalized guidance and support every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I Need To Get A Medical Checkup For Immigration To Canada. Can I See a doctor?
No, you can't pick any old doctor. The medical examination must be performed by a panel physician designated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC website has a list of medical professionals in your nation who the IRCC has approved; only these professionals are permitted to conduct the immigration medical exam.
2. What Is The Validity Period Of The Canada Immigration Medical Exam?
Your medical exam results are usually valid for a year after the date of the exam. It might be necessary for you to have another medical examination if the visa procedure takes more than a year.
3. What Happens If My Medical Exam Reveals A Health Problem?
If a medical concern is identified, the panelist may suggest additional testing or consultations with specialists. Conditions that endanger public health or place an undue burden on Canada's healthcare system may impact your application for immigration.
4. Is It Necessary To Fast Before Medical Examination?
Generally speaking, unless the panel physician instructs you otherwise, you are not obliged to fast in order to do the medical exam. It's crucial to adhere to any particular directions given by the doctor, though, as some blood tests can call for fasting. Make sure to check with your doctor prior to the exam.
5. Can A Pregnant Woman Do The Immigration Medical Test?
Pregnant women can certainly get the medical examination, but they can ask to delay the chest X-ray if they are worried about getting too much radiation. Alternative plans can be established in certain situations, including finishing the X-ray after giving birth.
