Canada is a popular destination for immigration and has a thriving economy that attracts people from all over the world. If you are planning to come to Canada, either as a new immigrant or as a visitor, it's important to understand the requirements for a medical examination.
Why is a Medical Exam Required?
The Canadian government requires a medical exam to assess the overall health of individuals who are planning to come to Canada. The purpose of the medical exam is to protect public health and safety and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. The medical exam also helps to determine if an individual has any medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health or safety or place excessive demands on Canada's health or social services..
Who Needs a Medical Exam?
Not everyone who comes to Canada needs to complete a medical exam. The requirement for a medical exam depends on a number of factors, including:
Your country of origin: If you are coming from a country that is designated as a high-risk area for communicable diseases, you will likely be required to complete a medical exam.
Your immigration status: If you are applying for permanent residency, you will be required to complete a medical exam, this medical exam must note be older than one year when you land in Canada.
The length of your stay: If you are coming to Canada for a short period of time, usually less than 6 months, then you may not be required to complete a medical exam.
What Does the Medical Exam Include?
The medical exam includes a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and laboratory tests to check for communicable diseases. The medical exam may also include a chest X-ray, if required.
When Should You Complete the Medical Exam?
You should do an upfront exam for a temporary applications and some Permanent Residency applications, such as an Express Entry application. Other permanent residency applications such as spousal sponsorship applications or Provincial Nominee applications will request a medical exam after you have filed your application.
It's important to complete the medical exam as soon as possible after you receive your request from IRCC, as the results of the exam are usually due within 30 days.
How to Arrange a Medical Exam
To arrange a medical exam, you need to find a designated Panel Physician who is authorized to perform medical exams for immigration purposes. You can find a list of authorized Panel Physicians on the Government of Canada website.
Medical Exam Exemptions for in-Canada Permanent Residency Applicants
It’s also important to note that up until October 2024, applicants who have completed a medical exam for Canada within the last 5 years are exempt from having to provide a new one. Applicants can include their previous IME medical report in their application as proof of meeting the medical exam requirement.
Important Note about Landing in Canada and Medical Exams
It’s also important to note that your medical exam must be valid at the time of the COPR issuance, and COPRs will have a deadline that is one year from the date of the medical exam, if you are submitting your passport for your permanent residency visa, ensure that you have a medical exam that is valid to avoid being issued an expired COPR.
A medical exam is an important part of the immigration process to Canada. It helps to protect public health and safety and to ensure that individuals who come to Canada are in good health. If you are planning to come to Canada, it's important to understand the requirements for a medical exam and to arrange the exam as soon as possible after receiving your immigration application.
For more information on Why you need a medical exam to come to Canada, please reach out to us. If you have any questions about how the Inspection Process work and the Compliance, please get in touch and book an online consultation with us here.
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We can assist with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
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