If you plan to visit and stay in Canada, you must have an immigration medical exam. This is a part of the application process for a temporary resident visa. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the medical exam.
1. Who needs to have a medical exam?
Anybody who plans to visit and stay in Canada for more than six months needs to complete a medical exam as part of their application for a temporary resident visa.
2. When do I need to have my medical exam?
You must have your medical exam before applying for a temporary resident visa. It is important to note that your medical exam results are only valid for 12 months. If you apply for a visa more than 12 months after your medical exam, you have to complete another medical exam.
Note that a panel-approved physician should conduct your medical exam. Whether inside or outside Canada, you can find a list of panel-approved physicians on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. Click here if you’re nearby Markham.
3. What does the medical exam involve?
The medical exam includes a physical examination and blood and urine tests. You may also be required to have chest x-rays if you have certain health conditions or risk factors. The examination is conducted by a panel physician, who will determine whether or not you meet the immigration requirements.
Moreover, your physician will ask for your immunization records to ensure you have received all the necessary vaccinations. You may also need to get vaccinated if you haven’t received all the required shots.
4. What are the risks of not having a medical exam?
If you don’t have a medical exam, your application for a temporary resident visa will be rejected. In addition, you could be detained and deported if you enter Canada without a valid visa.
5. What are the costs of the medical exam?
The Canadian immigration medical fees vary depending on the country where it is conducted. You must pay directly to the panel physician conducting the examination.
In Canada, the fees usually average 250 CAD per single adult person. Typically, children have lower rates because they require fewer tests.
6. What if I have a medical condition?
If you have a medical condition, you may still be able to visit Canada. However, you may need to provide additional information, such as proof of treatment or a letter from your doctor, before your application can be approved.
7. What if I don’t pass the medical exam?
If you don’t pass the medical exam, your application for a temporary resident visa will be denied. You can reapply for a visa after you’ve addressed the health concerns that were raised during your examination. You can also appeal if you think that the decision to deny your visa was unfair.
Apply with the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days of receiving the notice of refusal. The IAD will review your case and decide if the decision to refuse your visa was fair.
You should be aware that the Canadian visa office always makes the decision to issue a visa, not the panel physician.
8. How should I prepare for the medical test?
Most people don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the medical exam. However, if you have a medical condition, you should bring any relevant medical records, such as test results or letters from your doctor, with you to your appointment. Other things to remember include:
- Bring your immunization records to your appointment. The panel physician will use these records to ensure you have received all the necessary vaccinations.
- If you can, bring someone with you to your appointment, especially if you don’t speak English or French. This person can help translate for you and take notes during the examination.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs at least 72 hours before your appointment, as they may affect your test results. The blood test doesn’t require fasting, so you can eat and drink normally before the exam.
Final words
The medical exam is an essential part of the immigration process. It helps protect all Canadians’ health by ensuring that people who enter Canada are free of infectious diseases.
If you have any questions about the medical exam, speak to a panel physician. They can answer any specific questions you may have about the examination.