Health

Understanding Medical Exam Requirements for Canadian Immigration

Illnesses like Ebola, cholera and COVID-19 have surfaced in the last two decades. This has led to stricter border controls. After all, every nation’s public health wants to keep its people healthy. Therefore, several countries have expanded too restrictive regarding immigration policies. Yet, this is not the situation in Canada.

In reality, Canada is still a welcoming nation. The government maintains its borders open to immigrants, especially if they are willing to undergo legal immigration procedures. The Canadian immigration medical examination is a vital step for public health. Valid identification and a medical report will help your move to live in Canada.

What does a medical examination include?

Panel physicians perform a physical examination as part of the medical evaluation needed to enter Canada. They will examine the eyes, ears, nose, skin, lungs, and throat. Along with physical exams, several laboratory tests are also needed. You will require a chest x-ray to look for diseases like tuberculosis. 

Panel physicians will also call for laboratory testing such as blood and urine samples to avoid contagious illnesses and other sexually transmitted infections. You may go online and type “panel physician near me” to narrow your search for approved physicians in your area.

Medical Examination Costs

The cost of the medical checkup is between 160 and 200 Canadian Dollars. This includes the visit with the panel physician, physical examinations, x-ray, blood and urine tests, and more. If you want to have your medical exam after arriving in Canada, you can expect to spend this amount. However, the price of medical examinations outside Canada may vary from one country to another. Hence, there may be some variations in the rates of upfront medical exams.

Important Documents and Items

Whether you are applying or taking the medical exam, you will need identification. But first, you’ll need a copy of IMM-1017E. This is the medical form to submit, and the IRCC or CIC visa offices can send you this information. However, candidates getting an upfront examination don’t need to provide this document.

As with the other procedures of your visa application, you need to bring at least one government-issued ID like a passport or driver’s license. You must provide this at the start of the medical checkup. It is also helpful if you can provide proof that you received treatment for a specific medical problem. For more information on the documents you will need for a medical examination, you can search for an immigration medical centre to help you with the whole procedure.

Waiting Period After the Medical Exam

After completing the medical part of the visa application, the panel physician submits your test results to the CIC medical board for review. Medical examinations for permanent residents require a 90-day waiting period once they are released. You might be eligible to become a permanent citizen in three months if your health checks reveal no issues. Your medical exam findings are valid for one year from the test date. Therefore, you must get to Canada before the deadline. 

Final Thoughts

That is all there is to it. You have landed at the relevant article because of your search for information on the Canadian immigration medical exam. Indeed, many countries have made entry into their nation more challenging as a result of the many dangerous health conditions that have shown up recently. Nonetheless, finding a nation with lenient immigration policies is becoming more complex. Despite the issues, Canada is still welcoming to all those who seek to contribute to its development.