Does Canadian Immigration Check Your Medical History?
You can apply for a permanent or temporary resident visa if you’re a young, fit, and skilled individual who can contribute to the positive growth of Canada’s economy. The government also gives refugees and international students opportunities to seek residency in the country, as long as they’re eligible. A part of the process is undergoing an immigration medical exam.
Where to Get a Medical Exam?
For permanent resident visa applicants, their accompanying spouses, partners, and dependent children must also undergo the medical exam. In addition, the test is mandatory for long-term and short-term visitors.
You may get your medical test anywhere you prefer. What matters is that the doctor conducting the exam is an approved panel physician. It means that they should be included in the list as designated panel doctors approved by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Keep in mind that they’re the only medical professionals who can conduct your examination and issue a Health Certificate.
Click here for more info before your appointment to make sure you’re well-informed.
Required Medical Exams to Immigrate to Canada
While your panel physician conducts the medical exam and issues a Health certificate, note that the final decision only relies on the Canadian immigration officers. In other words, they may see other reasons to deny your visa application even if you passed the medical test.
If you’re in Thornhill, Canada, you may see the process of GTA Immigration Medical on this page. Meanwhile, here’s a list of the required medical exams:
1. Physical Exam
- Eyes
- Nose
- Heart
- Lungs
- Other functional organs
2. Blood Tests
A blood test is an important diagnostic test to determine diseases that affect your overall health. To enter Canada, you should be free from major diseases and disorders, including:
- Active Tuberculosis (TB)
- HIV
- Syphilis
3. Chest X-Rays
In general, a chest x-ray can detect cancer, heat-related lung problems, and other chronic lung complications. If you’re pregnant, the panel doctor avoids this test, but you should undergo a few tests after giving birth, along with your newborn, to continue your visa application. That’s why it’s best to find a panel doctor near you for your convenience, like this gtamed.ca.
4. Urine Tests
A thorough urine sample examination is carried out to determine medical issues, such as diabetes.
Note: You are considered inadmissible to Canada if you have medical conditions, diseases, or psychiatric conditions, requiring hospitalization and continued medical care.
Other Important FAQs
Does Canadian Immigration Check Your Medical History?
Immigration officers base their decision on your medical exam results if they allow you to enter Canada. Possible reasons for medical inadmissibility include:
- Danger to public safety
- Danger to public health
- Excessive health or social services demand
Keep in mind that the excessive demand for medical inadmissibility rule doesn’t apply to refugees and their dependents, protected people, and individuals sponsored by their family (dependent children, spouses, partners).
What Is the Validity of My Medical Exam?
After your medical test, your panel doctor will issue a Health Certificate valid for 12 months or one year. Make sure to apply for a visa within this period to avoid repeating the process.
What If I Fail the Medical Exam?
You will receive a letter if the immigration officers believe you are medically inadmissible. This is called a procedural fairness letter, which allows you to respond and reverse their decision. In this case, it’s best to seek advice from immigration legal professionals (but it’s not required).
For instance, you may provide more information and evidence on your health condition or medical diagnosis. This can include a treatment you received to cure or improve your present health condition. Another could be a medication or service you need, wherein your doctor has changed your medication. In addition, it may be proof that your medicine won’t cost the government too much money because your physician switched your prescription to a lower cost.
Send this additional essential information within 90 days from the date of the procedural letter. You may contact Canada immigration to request an extension if you can’t respond by that date. Their contact information is included in the letter they sent you, so it must not be hard to reach out to them.
