Moving to Canada for working, studying, starting a business, joining as a dependent, etc., requires applicants to undergo multiple tests and evaluations. The most crucial step to keep in mind is a complete medical test required by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You will have to connect with proper medical professionals and secure relevant results to add as part of your express entry profile. Any complications in the tests can lead to rejection. Hence, the best consultants for immigration to Canada consider this a critical part of ensuring successful migration to the country.
Why is the Medical Test Necessary for Applicants?
Moving to Canada can be challenging without knowing the governing rules and requirements. The medical test is an essential requirement for any permanent residence applications, including some applications for temporary residence, including immigration workers, students, and visitors.
The sole purpose of this test is to determine whether the applicant is physically fit to move to the country. Or if there is any reason to believe that the applicant’s health status can drain the Canadian healthcare system.
The Medical Reasons that Can Hamper Your PR Application Status
Two primary reasons can affect your Canada permanent residency visa application:
If you possess a health risk to the Canadian citizens:
If you are diagnosed with any highly contagious diseases that might cause despair to the general Canadian public, then the authorities have full right to cancel your residence application. With the ongoing pandemic, the processes have become stricter and more detailed.
If any medical condition drains the healthcare system:
Canadian healthcare and social services are universal and funded by the public for all citizens, permanent residents, and even temporary residents. Any serious health issues might possess heavy financial and workforce drainage to the public healthcare system. In this case, the immigration applicant might be denied; this applies to Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs applicants.
Expectations for Your Medical Exam in Canada for Permanent Residency Visa:
- Only an approved panel of medical personnel can conduct your medical examination and provide you with the results.
- You need to provide your identity proof to the panel physician. Your photograph may also be taken for the records.
- The doctor will provide you with a questionnaire that you will have to fill with your medical details. These will also include if you are currently on any medications or you underwent any medical treatment previously.
- Then you will undergo a physical examination under the supervision of your panel physician. The doctors/physicians are going to take your weight, measure your height, check your hearing and vision, take your blood pressure and pulse rate, check your heart, lungs, abdomen, limb movement, etc. These are the common tests eligible for all applicants.
- Other tests depending on your age or other special condition may become part of the evaluation. You might be requested to undergo chest x-rays and laboratory tests at the clinic or a laboratory.
- The most important point to remember, always to give your full cooperation to the doctors and physicians. Do not hide any underlying medical conditions or skip any tests. This can only delay the procedures of your Canada permanent residency visa.
The COVID-19 Vaccination Scenario:
The COVID-19 vaccine is not a necessity for your permanent residence visa application. Thus, it is not a part of the required medical tests. If you want and or require, the panel physician can offer you a Government of Canada-accepted COVID-19 vaccine.
But if you are already vaccinated, either two doses or even one, then you have to do the following:
- Carry proof of your vaccination to your medical exam (either a hard or a soft copy)
- The proof will then be recorded by your panel physician.
- Also, keep a copy of your vaccination record as provided by your panel physician.
Also Read: Guide To Work Permit Process In Canada: Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Undergoing the IRCC Recommended Medical Tests:
The medical test needs are different when it comes to temporary residence applicants and permanent residence applicants.
For all the temporary residents planning to stay for six months or less, the need is:
A medical test is not mandatory for everyone but people who are planning to work in public sectors, including health and social services. If your work requires a close encounter with people regularly, then a medical exam is a must for you. Such jobs might include:
✔ Clinical laboratory worker
✔ Health worker
✔ Attendants in nursing and geriatric homes
✔ Medical students studying under any Canadian universities
✔ Domestic workers
✔ In-home nurses and nannies for the elderly and children
✔ Daycare employees
✔ Temporary medical electives and physicians
✔ Agriculture or agriculture-related workers
Furthermore, as a temporary visa application, you may have to undergo the medical tests if you are exposed to the below-mentioned situations:
✔ A medical assessment will be required based on your travel history. If you have visited different countries that require the immigration officers to check if the candidate can carry any health risk with them, it is mandatory to take the test.
✔ If you have applied for a super visa to visit your parent/s or grandparent/s.
For all the permanent residence applicants, the need is:
Mostly, all permanent residence applicants need to undergo the medical tests performed by an IRCC approved panel physician. But, till 2021, a temporary policy relieving some low-risk applicants is in effect.
Important Medical Exam Guidelines for Canada PR : Costs and Validity
1. If you are going through the medical test after reaching Canada, you must pay all the expenses related to your medical test, including:
✔ The fees for your panel physician and other related medical personnel.
✔ Any specialist that you might need to consult.
✔ Any specialized tests, X-rays, treatments, and any prescribed consultations.
2. Knowing how to include your medical exam results with your application is vital. If you underwent a medical test prior to sending in your application, you have to include the IMM 1017B: Upfront Medical Report with your permanent residence visa application. Or, if you had your medical exam after submitting the residence application, then you don’t need to send anything to the IRCC.
3. The validity of your medical report as given by the panel physician is one year. If you do not reach Canada as a permanent resident within that period, then you need to take a new medical test.
Summing Up
The Immigration Medical Examination (IME) is a vital part of your Canada permanent residency visa. The entire process is made smoother if you get to know all the rules and regulations to follow.
Partner with Croyez Immigration, one of the best consultants for immigration to Canada, to receive guidance for medical requirements and ensure visa application success.
