Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?
Several factors determine whether you require an immigration medical exam (IME). IMEs give Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada essential information about the health status of individuals coming to Canada to work and live. Most newcomers require an IME conducted by a panel physician as part of the immigration process, but some exceptions exist.
What is the immigration medical exam?
The IME assists immigration officials in determining if any health conditions exist that can make you a safety or health risk once in Canada. Also, it determines whether the Canadian healthcare system can accommodate your health needs.
IMEs consist of a:
- Medical questionnaire
- Physical exam (non-invasive)
- Chest X-rays (for those over 11 years old)
- Blood tests (may vary depending on factors like age and gender)
Only a government-approved panel physician can conduct your IME; your general practitioner or doctor cannot. At Immigration Medical Toronto, we make it easy and convenient, as most aspects of the exam are completed in our clinic.
Our clinic performs IMEs for anyone seeking permanent residency, including students, visitors, and temporary workers. Our years of experience have made us experts in our field. We will also help you understand your requirements and inform you what is needed before booking your appointment.
Who requires the medical exam?
Under Six Months
If you aim to remain in Canada for under six months, a medical exam isn’t necessary unless you work in jobs where public health must be protected. Some examples include:
- Healthcare workers and others working in healthcare settings
- Attendants in geriatric and nursing homes
- Clinical lab workers
- Medical students attending a Canadian university
- Physicians and medical electives on short-term locums
- People in primary and secondary schools or childcare workers
- Day nursery employees
- In-home childcare workers
- Those providing in-home care to people with disabilities or the elderly
Agricultural workers who have lived in or visited one of these countries (for six months or more consecutively) in one year before entering Canada are also required to take the IME.
Over Six Months
An IME is necessary if one of the following conditions applies:
- You are entering Canada for employment requiring public health protection.
- The person has travelled or lived in these territories/countries for over six consecutive months before entering Canada.
- When applying for the grandparent or parent super visa.
If an immigration medical exam is necessary, the visa office will inform you what you must do.
Why do I need an immigration medical exam?
Aside from being an essential part of your journey to citizenship, IMEs are necessary for the following reasons.
Giving Vital Details About Your Health
The IME’s primary purpose is to provide a snapshot of your overall health, so immigration officials can accurately assess your ability to reside in Canada. Your panel physician collects information and sends it to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada using eMedical. This method of transmitting sensitive information ensures that we always protect your data.
Public Health Screening
An IME assists immigration officials to ensure you are not inadmissible for medical reasons. Examples of inadmissibility include the following scenarios.
Placing Extra Demand on Social or Health Services
Some medical conditions strain Canadian public health and social services and can make an individual inadmissible to Canada. People requiring treatments that generate lengthy wait times for services are in this category, as are those who require treatments that exceed our excessive demand cost threshold.
The excessive demand cost threshold determines whether the cost of your condition places an undue demand on Canadian health resources.
Posing a Public Health Safety Risk
This category includes people who pose a danger to public safety, such as individuals with a condition that may cause them to behave dangerously or violently. It also includes those in danger of sudden loss of mental or physical ability that may pose a threat while engaging in certain activities like operating heavy machinery or driving.
Dangers to Public Health
Your application and examination will also determine whether you have health conditions that could endanger public health. The results of your IME have a direct impact on the decision.
Those considered a risk include whether there is an existence of an infectious disease like active syphilis or tuberculosis, or whether you were in close contact with those with a communicable disease. It also determines how your condition can affect other Canadian residents.
We send a letter outlining the findings if you are medically inadmissible. This document is called a procedural fairness letter and is sent before a final decision on the application is rendered. Then, you will have an opportunity to submit information in response.
How do I know if I need a medical exam?
After a completed application is sent for permanent residence, you are sent instructions on obtaining a medical exam. The Canadian government urges people to wait for instructions before booking the exam. This also applies to people being sponsored as a child, spouse, or partner. However, you may also complete an upfront medical exam before applying in preparation of your application as well.
Instructions will outline when to book the appointment and what type of exam is necessary.
If a refugee claim is made at points of entry, border services officers will inform you to obtain your medical exam within 30 days. If instructions are not adhered to, your application can be refused.
Contact Immigration Medical Toronto to Book Your Medical Exam With a Panel Physician
Several panel physicians work at our locations who are approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in order to provide your IME. With over 30 years of experience providing immigration medical exams, our staff has a wealth of knowledge and experience with the process.
Our team guides you throughout each step of your journey, making applying for citizenship easier. To book your appointment, contact Immigration Medical Toronto at 416-463-2438, admin@immigrationmedtoronto.com or complete our online form. We have many locations in Toronto and within the GTA for your convenience.
