Anyone who wants to immigrate to Canada, either temporarily or permanently, is required to undergo an immigration medical exam (IME) to ensure they meet the health requirements set by the Canadian government. This includes:

1. Permanent residents: People who are applying for permanent residency in Canada, including family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
2. Temporary residents: Those who are planning to stay in Canada for more than six months, including international students, foreign workers, and visitors who are pregnant or who plan to work in the health field.
3. Refugee claimants: People who are seeking asylum in Canada and making a claim for refugee protection.
4. Others: Applicants for a Canadian visa from certain countries or territories, as identified by the Canadian government.

It is important to note that the medical exam is not required for Canadian citizens unless they have been living outside of Canada for more than six months and plan to return to Canada.

If you are required to undergo an immigration medical exam (IME) for your application to Canada, you should obtain the medical report before submitting your application.

The reason for this is that the medical exam is a mandatory requirement for most immigration applications, and failing to provide the medical report when you submit your application can cause significant delays or even result in the refusal of your application.

You should schedule your medical exam as soon as possible after receiving the medical instructions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as it may take some time to arrange the exam and receive the results. Once you have completed the medical exam, you should ensure that the physician who conducted the exam completes and seals the medical report and sends it directly to IRCC.

It’s also important to note that the medical exam is only valid for a limited period of time, usually 12 months from the date of the exam. If your application is not processed within this time frame, you may need to undergo another medical exam and obtain a new medical report.

An IRCC-authorized panel physician is a medical doctor who has been authorized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to conduct medical exams on behalf of the Canadian government. These physicians are designated as panel physicians because they are part of a network of medical professionals who have been approved by the IRCC to provide immigration medical exams.

Panel physicians are authorized by the IRCC to perform medical exams on individuals who are applying for immigration to Canada, including permanent residents, temporary residents, and refugee claimants. The medical exam includes a physical examination, medical history review, and laboratory tests, to assess whether an individual meets the health requirements for immigration to Canada.

The IRCC requires that all immigration medical exams be conducted by an authorized panel physician. The list of panel physicians is available on the IRCC website, and applicants are required to visit a panel physician in the country where they are currently residing. Panel physicians are trained to perform medical exams according to the standards and procedures set by the IRCC, and they are responsible for completing and submitting the medical report directly to the IRCC.

During a medical exam for Canadian immigration, you can expect the following:

1. Physical Examination: The physician will perform a complete physical examination, including checking your eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, extremities, and skin.
2. Medical History Review: The physician will review your medical history, including any past illnesses or surgeries, current medications, and any chronic conditions or disabilities.
3. Laboratory Tests: You may be required to provide blood and urine samples for laboratory testing, which can include tests for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and syphilis.
4. Chest X-Ray: Depending on your age and medical history, you may be required to have a chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis.
5. Immunization Record: You will be required to provide a record of your immunizations or receive any required vaccines.
6. Mental Health Evaluation: In some cases, a mental health evaluation may be required to assess your mental and emotional well-being.

The entire process of the medical exam typically takes 1-2 hours to complete, and you may be required to return for additional testing if any issues are identified. Once the medical exam is complete, the physician will complete and seal the medical report and send it directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on your behalf. The results of the medical exam will be kept confidential and will only be shared with the IRCC.

The cost of the Canadian immigration medical exam varies depending on the country or region where the exam is conducted and the complexity of the exam. The cost of the exam is generally paid by the applicant and is not covered by the Canadian government.

In Canada, the cost of the medical exam is typically between CAD $150 and CAD $400. However, in some provinces, such as Quebec, the cost may be higher.

In other countries, the cost of the exam may be lower or higher depending on local fees and the exchange rate. You should check with the panel physician who will be conducting your exam to determine the exact cost.

It’s important to note that additional fees may apply if you need additional tests or treatments beyond the standard medical exam. For example, if you require vaccinations, laboratory tests, or chest X-rays, you may be required to pay additional fees.

Overall, it’s important to budget for the cost of the medical exam as part of your overall immigration application expenses.

The contents of a medical exam report for Canadian immigration will vary depending on the type of exam conducted and the requirements of the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, the report typically includes the following information:

1. Personal Information: This includes your name, date of birth, and other identifying information.
2. Medical History: This section includes information about your medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, or hospitalizations, as well as any current medical conditions or medications.
3. Physical Examination: This section provides a summary of the physical examination conducted by the panel physician, including any abnormalities or conditions that were identified.
4. Laboratory Test Results: This section includes the results of any laboratory tests conducted as part of the medical exam, such as tests for infectious diseases like tuberculosis, HIV, and syphilis.
5. Chest X-Ray Results: If a chest X-ray was required as part of the medical exam, the results of the X-ray will be included in the report.
6. Mental Health Evaluation Results: If a mental health evaluation was required, the results of the evaluation will be included in the report.
7. Summary and Recommendations: This section summarizes the findings of the medical exam and provides recommendations to the IRCC regarding your health status and eligibility for immigration to Canada.

It’s important to note that the medical exam report is confidential and will only be shared with the IRCC. The panel physician who conducted the exam is responsible for completing the report and submitting it directly to the IRCC.

The validity period of a Canadian immigration medical report depends on the type of immigration application you are making and your medical condition.

If you are applying for permanent residency in Canada, your medical exam results will be valid for 12 months from the date the exam was conducted. This means that you must submit your application for permanent residency within 12 months of the date of your medical exam, otherwise, you will need to undergo a new medical exam.

If you are applying for a temporary resident visa (such as a work permit, study permit, or visitor visa), the validity of your medical exam results may vary depending on the length of your intended stay in Canada and your country of origin. Generally, the medical exam results will be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada, up to a maximum of 12 months.

It’s important to note that if you develop a medical condition or disease after your medical exam, you must inform Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provide updated medical information. Additionally, if your medical condition changes during the validity period of your medical exam results, you may be required to undergo a new medical exam to assess your eligibility for immigration to Canada.

Overall, it’s important to check with the IRCC or your immigration lawyer regarding the specific validity period of your medical exam results based on your individual circumstances.