Starting from October 1st, Canada ends upfront medical requirements for Express Entry application. This change simplifies the application process and reduces the initial hurdles for prospective immigrants. It represents a significant update in Canadian immigration policy, making the Express Entry pathway more accessible and efficient for candidates.
A standard prerequisite for petitions for permanent residency is a medical examination by a panel physician or Immigrant Medical Exam (IME).
You can now upload a blank document in the Express Entry profile builder’s upload area during the submission of your application if you have never had an IME. Following this, IRCC will provide you with instructions on how to arrange your medical examination.
You are not need to conduct another IME while applying for permanent residency if you have already undergone one for a purpose other than immigration, such as work or study, and you are currently residing in Canada.
An overview of the IME
You and your family members must go through the Immigrant Medical Exam (IME) when submitting an application for permanent residence in Canada, even if they do not intend to go with you.
Remember that your private doctor is not allowed to conduct the medical examination. You must instead choose a physician from the list of panel doctors that IRCC has authorized.
It’s important to realize that the panel doctor does not have the ultimate word in how your medical evaluation turns out. The final say in the matter still rests with IRCC. The IRCC may refuse to approve your application for permanent residency if they deem your health to pose a risk to the public health or safety of Canada or if it would place an undue burden on its social or healthcare systems. This underlines how important it is to fulfill the IRCC’s health requirements in order to maintain your immigration status.
In order to schedule a medical appointment, you will need to bring the following items:
- Valid Identification: You must provide appropriate and valid identification documents as part of the medical examination process.
- Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses (if applicable): If you use eyeglasses or contact lenses to adjust your vision, make sure to bring them with you to the physical.
- Medical Reports and Test Results: For accurate health assessment, provide relevant medical reports or test results if you have past or current medical conditions.
- List of Current Medications: Make a thorough note of all your current prescription, over-the-counter, and dietary supplement medications. This helps the panel doctor fully comprehend your medical history.
- Medical Report Form: If you do not undergo an upfront medical exam, the assessment may necessitate your submission of a crucial Medical Report form.
- Recent Photographs: If the panel physician doesn’t use eMedical, you may need to supply four recent photographs as part of the required documentation for the medical exam.
The physical examination often includes a comprehensive medical history questionnaire that inquires about both past and present medical issues. Additionally, a physical examination is conducted, and depending on your age, you may be required to undergo blood tests and chest x-rays.
You must settle all the associated costs of the medical exam in person. The doctor will email you a confirmation of your medical exam together with the test results after receiving them.
Please be aware that the results of your medical checkup are only valid for a year. You might need to have another medical exam if you don’t become a permanent resident of Canada within this time limit.
