Chest X-Ray Requirements for Your IRCC Immigration Medical

Chest X-rays are necessary for those over 11 years of age and are required for an immigration medical exam for Canada. The purpose is to detect communicable diseases like tuberculosis and treat them before they pose a public health risk. Having a chest X-ray benefits your safety and overall health, as well as the safety and health of those around you.

Immigration Medical Toronto provides all the tests you may require for your immigration medical exam in one location.

What is a chest X-ray?

Physicians provide X-rays when a tiny amount of radiation passes through a specific body part to produce an image. The image is created from the ways different internal structures absorb radiation.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires those applying for permanent residency (or, in some cases, temporary residency) to receive an immigration medical exam, which may include a chest X-ray. Chest X-rays are usually completed for people over 11 years old.

Why is it necessary?

The IRCC requires chest X-rays to examine those immigrating to Canada for tuberculosis or other lung diseases. Its purpose is to detect active cases before arrival to ensure everyone is treated and isn’t infectious.

When applying to remain in Canada, or if you are emigrating, there are admission criteria. In Canada, this means meeting medical standards. Applicants must not pose a risk to public safety or health. Your chest X-ray will produce evidence of active/inactive TB and general radiological findings.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious condition primarily affecting the lungs. The germs that cause the disease are a type of bacteria. It spreads when someone with the illness sneezes, coughs, or sings. This action places tiny droplets containing germs into the air where someone else can breathe them in, causing them to enter the lungs.

Tuberculosis continues to spread when people reside in densely populated areas or are in crowds. People can slowly develop tuberculosis and may not have any symptoms.

Furthermore, individuals with weakened immune systems (due to HIV, for example) are at higher risk of catching it than those with healthy immunity. Thankfully, most antibiotics can treat it. However, some forms do not respond to treatment.

An immigration X-ray and tuberculosis screening are necessary to prevent the spread of TB, which can pose a public health risk to Canadian citizens.

How do I know if I need one?

The exam itself can only be requested by IRCC-approved physicians. They will provide you with a requisition form and additional paperwork detailing what is needed for the exam. Chest X-rays are performed within our clinic. All patients need to bring their immigration medical exam (IME), unique client identifier number, or medical identifier to the appointment.

If you are pregnant, you can defer the X-ray and complete other parts of your exam. We can also provide lead shielding if you are expecting. Our panel physicians will inform you of the risks of having an X-ray while pregnant, or how to postpone the procedure until after you have given birth.

Various Stages of the Chest X-Ray Exam

Preparation

Patients must provide their photo ID or passport, their provincial health card (if applicable), and a requisition. ID is necessary to retrieve your health case with eMedical, which is our online tool for submitting chest X-rays.

• Refrain from bringing children needing supervision (if you can). They must not be with you in the room while the radiation is being applied.
• If you need a translator, you can bring someone with you. Our staff is fluent in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.
• Patients must remove metal objects (watches, hair clips, jewellery, clothes containing metal buttons/zippers/snaps, underwire bras, and pins).
• Ladies between 11 and 55 are asked if they are pregnant.
• If you might be pregnant or are pregnant, you must sign a consent form explaining the risks of radiation before continuing with the exam.
• If you need assistance moving or changing, consider bringing someone to help.

There is no physical preparation necessary to take the test.

What Happens During the Exam

When you enter the room, you must change into a gown. Your hair must be up and away from your chest area. Patients must apply two lead ball nipple markers to distinguish between lesions and nipple shadows in the chest. An adhesive holds them in place and is easily removed once you are finished.

Technologists assist you in moving into various positions while standing with your chest against an upright board. They will request that you deeply inhale and hold it while they take the X-ray. Patients must remain still while the image is being taken.

Once we confirm the image is of good quality, you can leave. If you live out of town, your radiologist can review the photos before you leave our clinic.

Results

A specialized radiologist reviews results and compiles reports. This report is delivered to your physician and uploaded to eMedical. Consult with your panel physician regarding results, and for follow-up questions or exams.

Book Your Immigration Medical Exam With Immigration Medical Toronto

Immigration Medical Toronto is approved by the IRCC and contains everything necessary, including chest X-rays, to complete the IME. We are eMedical-enabled, which allows for a faster submission.

Our approved panel physicians have conducted IMEs for over 30 years. We have a knowledgeable and experienced staff with expertise in the government’s requirements. We will help make your immigration process seamless and easy.

Immigration Medical Toronto has locations in downtown Toronto and East York. We have several methods you can use to book your appointment. You can contact us at 416-463-2438 (855 Broadview Avenue, Suite 403) or 416-463-2438 (790 Bay Street, Suite 716). Patients can also email us at admin@immigrationmedtoronto.com or complete our online form.