The dream ofimmigrate to Canada can be exciting, but it also involves some important and necessary steps. One of these is the immigration medical examination, a sine qua non for anyone looking to move to the land of the Great North for work, education or permanent residence. The aim of this article is to provide you with a detailed overview of this essential medical examination, its requirements and its impact on your immigration process.

Why is a medical examination required?

The Canadian government requires a medical examination to ensure that immigrants do not pose a threat to public health or safety, and will not create undue pressure on Canadian health services. The results of the examination help immigration officials determine whether you are eligible to enter or remain in Canada.

Who must take the medical examination?

In general, everyone wishing to immigrate to Canada must undergo a medical examination. This includes applicants for permanent residence, certain temporary workers and foreign students, refugees, and people applying for a temporary resident permit.

Where and how to take the medical examination?

The medical examination can only be performed by a physician approved by the Government of Canada, called a licensed physician. You may not choose your own physician for this examination.

The examination includes a general assessment of your health, including an evaluation of your medical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests and X-rays. The medical officer will then send the results to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for evaluation.

What medical conditions make a person ineligible?

There are two main categories of medical conditions that can make a person inadmissible to Canada: conditions that pose a threat to public health (such as active tuberculosis) and conditions that could cause "excessive demand" on Canadian health or social services.

It's important to note that each case is evaluated individually and the final decision is based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the condition, the cost of treatment, and the availability of health care services in Canada.

What happens after the medical examination?

Once you've passed the medical examination, you'll have to wait for the IRCC to review your results. Waiting times vary, so be sure to plan accordingly.

If IRCC determines that you are unacceptable for medical reasonsYou will receive a letter explaining the reasons for this decision. You can then provide additional information or appeal the decision.

Temporary public policy for immigration medical examinations

In recognition of the challenges posed by the global pandemic, and in order to facilitate the immigration process, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy regarding immigration medical examinations (IMEs), in effect until October 6, 2024.

Under this policy, if you have undergone an IME within the last five years prior to submitting your new application, you may be exempt from undergoing another IME. To do so, you will need to indicate the IME number (or unique medical identifier number) of your previous medical examination in your current application.

EMI exemption conditions

However, to be eligible for this exemption, you must meet all of the following conditions:

Applying for residency

You must have already applied for permanent or temporary residence.

Current residence in Canada

You must already be a resident of Canada.

A recent IME

You must have passed your IME within the last five years.

Low or no risk assessment at previous IME

Your previous medical examination should have indicated little or no risk to public health or safety.

This temporary public policy is designed to relax requirements for potential and existing immigrants, while ensuring the security of Canadian residents. This is great news for those seeking to renew their status or reapply, as it could mean saving time and money.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that all applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the IRCC reserves the right to request a new IME if necessary. It is therefore advisable to be prepared for all eventualities, and to consult an immigration expert to guide you through the process.

How to find a designated doctor in your current country of residence

As mentioned above, to take the Immigration Medical Examination (IME), you will need to consult a physician designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Here's how to find a Designated Medical Practitioner in your current country of residence:

Visit the IRCC website

The first step is to visit the official IRCC website. They maintain an up-to-date list of all DMPs in different countries around the world.

Select your country

On the DMP page, you'll find a list of countries. Select your current country of residence from this list.

Consult the list of doctors

Once you have selected your country, a list of designated doctors will appear. This list will include information such as the doctor's name, clinic location, telephone number and sometimes even an e-mail address.

Make an appointment

Once you've found a DMP near you, contact the clinic to make an appointment. Be sure to indicate that you are booking an IME for immigration to Canada.

It is important to note that you cannot ask your regular physician to perform the IME, unless he or she is also an IRCC-designated physician. The results of the medical examination must be sent directly by the designated physician to the IRCC and cannot be given to the patient. In addition, the medical examination is generally valid for one year, so plan your appointment accordingly to ensure that it remains valid throughout the application process.

Don't forget to bring all the necessary documents, such as your passport, glasses (if you wear them) and any relevant medical details with you when you visit the designated doctor. This will ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Conclusion

Immigrating to Canada is a process that requires careful preparation and in-depth knowledge of the various steps involved. The immigration medical examination is one of these essential steps, and its successful completion can be decisive for your application.

Keeping in mind that this examination is only one part of the overall immigration process, it is imperative to be patient, diligent and seek appropriate advice in order to successfully navigate this process.

Ultimately, the purpose of the immigration medical examination is to protect the health and safety of Canadian citizens, while facilitating access for those seeking a new life in Canada. Stay informed, be prepared, and you'll be well on your way to realizing your Canadian dream.