Tips for a Smooth Health Examination Process for Canadian Immigration

If you are looking to immigrate to Canada or apply for a work or study permit, you must undergo and complete the medical examination process as required by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before you can be issued a visa.

This examination is mandatory for most permanent residency applications and some temporary residency applications, including workers, students, and visitors.

However, not everyone fully understands the medical examination process for Canadian immigration. In the following article, ImmiPath will share details about the procedures, fees, and vaccination requirements for Canadian immigration. See it now!

1. What Does the Canadian Immigration Health Examination Include?

The Canadian immigration health examination is conducted by a panel physician approved by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada). The purpose of the examination is to determine if there are any medical reasons that might lead to a denial of your immigration status in Canada.

The IRCC-approved medical examination will include a personal medical history questionnaire, a physical examination, and any additional tests deemed relevant by your panel physician.

If your physician needs more information about your health, they may refer you to a specialist for further testing. You have the legal right to bring someone with you to your appointment if you wish.

When attending the medical examination, remember to bring valid identification such as a passport or other government-issued documents, along with your health information (e.g., a list of medications you are taking, eyeglasses, etc.).

For some Canadian immigration programs, you may undergo the medical examination before submitting your application, but other programs require you to complete the exam after you have submitted your application (in such cases, IRCC will contact you and provide a deadline for completing the examination).

2. Why Does Canada Require Immigration Medical Examinations?

The primary purpose of the medical examination is to ensure that an individual can be accepted on medical grounds in Canada.

If an individual poses a threat to the health or safety of the community, or if their health condition could burden the Canadian healthcare system, their immigration application may be denied.

Therefore, the Canadian immigration medical examination is a mandatory requirement if one wishes to obtain a Canadian immigration visa.

3. What Makes an Individual Medically Inadmissible to Canada?

An individual may be considered medically inadmissible for two reasons:

• Health and Safety Risks: If an individual poses a risk to public health and safety in Canada, such as having a communicable disease, they may be deemed medically inadmissible.
• Excessive Demand on Health and Social Services: In Canada, healthcare and social services are universal and publicly funded for all citizens and permanent residents, as well as some temporary residents. 

Immigration applicants may be deemed medically inadmissible if it is determined that they would place excessive demand on the free healthcare system or negatively impact wait times for Canadians.

This includes individuals applying through Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.

The threshold for excessive demand is set at just over CAD 20,000 per year, which is approximately three times the previous threshold following a change made in 2018.

If your required medical treatment could exceed this amount, you might be considered medically inadmissible.

Notably, spouses, partners, and dependent children who are being sponsored for immigration are exempt from the excessive demand provision, as are refugees and protected persons.

In addition, many temporary resident applications do not require this medical examination, so some students, workers, and visitors may not need to meet these criteria.

4. Who Needs a Medical Examination for Immigration to Canada?

Different requirements apply depending on whether an individual is applying for temporary residence (workers, students, and visitors) or permanent residence.

Temporary Residents Planning to Stay Six Months or Less: You do not need a medical examination unless you plan to work in specific jobs.

These jobs include positions where public health must be protected, such as roles that involve close contact with people. Examples include:

• Workers in healthcare facilities
• Clinical laboratory staff
• Patient attendants in nursing homes and geriatric care facilities
• Medical students admitted to Canada for university studies
• Medical electives and short-term doctors at various locations
• Workers in elementary and secondary schools and child care facilities
• Domestic workers
• In-home caregivers for children, the elderly, or the disabled
• Nursery staff
• Agricultural workers from designated countries/territories. A country or territory is designated if it has a “YES” in the “Immigration Medical Examination (IME) Requirement” column in IRCC’s list of designated countries and territories.

The list above is not exhaustive, and candidates with other job titles may also be required to undergo a medical examination.

In addition, agricultural workers who have visited or worked in certain countries for at least six months in the previous year also need a medical examination.

Temporary Residents Planning to Stay Six Months or More: You need a medical examination if you meet any of the following conditions:

• Permanent Residence Applicants: Generally, all permanent residence applicants, including spouses, partners, and dependent children, must undergo a medical examination. However, a temporary policy exemption applies to certain low-risk applicants until December 28, 2021, for those already in Canada.
• Already Applied for Permanent Residence or a Permanent Resident Visa: If you have already applied for permanent residence or have a pending application and have not completed a new immigration medical examination but have completed one within the past five years and were found not to pose a risk to public health or safety, and comply with reporting requirements to public health authorities for monitoring.
• Have not Lived Outside Canada for More Than Six Months in the Past Year: To avoid living in a country with a higher rate of serious communicable diseases than Canada, as listed in the immigration medical examination requirements.

Accompanying family members may also be eligible for this temporary exemption if they meet the criteria and are also living in Canada.

If you do not meet these conditions, you may be required to complete a medical examination.

5. How Much Does the Medical Examination for Canadian Immigration Cost?

The cost of the medical examination for Canadian immigration varies:

• Approximately $110 (~2,700,000 VND) for children.
• Approximately $140 (~3,400,000 VND) for adults.

In addition to the medical examination fee, you also need to prepare:

• An appointment letter issued by the Canadian Visa Application Centre.
• Two recent 4×6 photos (not photoshopped, not smiling, clearly showing the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, taken within the last 6 months).
• A passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Immunization certificates from the International Health Quarantine Center.

The cost of the medical examination for Canadian immigration is a common concern for many people.

6. How Long Are IRCC Medical Examination Results Valid?

The results of the IRCC medical examination are valid for 12 months from the date of the examination. If your results are older than this, you will need to complete a new examination.

7. Where to Get a Medical Examination for Canadian Immigration?

To undergo a medical examination for Canadian immigration, you should visit one of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilities designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

In Hanoi:

• International Organization for Migration (IOM) Hanoi 
• Address: 23rd Floor, Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower, Pham Hung, Me Tri, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi 
• Contact Phone: (84-24) 3736 6258

In Ho Chi Minh City:

• International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ho Chi Minh City 
• Address: 1b Pham Ngoc Thach, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Contact Phone: 028 3822 2057

8. Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Immigration Medical Examination

8.1. What happens if I am menstruating or pregnant during the medical examination for Canadian immigration?

Some parts of the medical examination process may be delayed or need to be redone if traces of menstruation are detected during a urine test.

Medical staff may arrange to repeat the test at a nearby laboratory at a convenient time and ensure that the results are sent to us.

If you are pregnant and do not wish to undergo the mandatory X-ray examination as part of your application, your examination may be postponed.

8.2. Do I need to bring vaccination records? What if I do not have these records?

Please ensure that you bring a copy of your vaccination records, including childhood vaccines, other vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccines, to the consultation room, as IRCC is currently implementing mandatory vaccination before entry into Canada.

Recommended vaccines currently include Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Herpes Zoster (Shingles), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Influenza, Measles, Mumps, Meningococcal, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Pneumococcal, Polio, Rubella, Tetanus, and Varicella (Chickenpox).

If you do not have vaccination records, the doctor will note this in your application, and it will not negatively impact your acceptance in Canada.

8.3. What Diseases Are Not Allowed for Entry to Canada?

The following medical conditions may result in inadmissibility to Canada:

• Untreated syphilis
• Active tuberculosis (TB)
• Hostile or disruptive behavior
• Organic brain disorders or delusional states associated with violent behavior
• Substance abuse issues that may lead to antisocial behavior such as impaired driving or violence
• Sexual disorders such as pedophilia

8.4. What Are the Requirements for the Medical Examination for Canadian PR Applications?

You and your family members need to meet the health requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The examination will be conducted to ensure that your current or anticipated medical conditions do not pose a problem for Canadian Health or Social Services.

Note: Individuals with diseases, medical conditions, or mental health issues requiring hospitalization and continuous medical care are generally considered inadmissible to Canada following the medical examination.

8.5. What Medical Tests Are Required for Canadian Immigration?

Typical medical tests required for Canadian PR applicants include general physical examination of the eyes, nose, heart, lungs, and other body parts; chest X-ray; blood tests for HIV and syphilis; urine tests

Whether you are an international student pursuing higher education or a skilled worker with a qualifying profile, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) welcomes all applicants.

9. What Should You Pay Attention to for the Canadian Immigration Medical Examination?

Here are the medical tests you need to undergo for the Canadian immigration medical examination:

• Physical examination
• Chest X-ray
• Blood tests
• Urine tests

With the information shared about the Canadian immigration medical examination, ImmiPath hopes to be helpful to those seeking experience with the health check process for Canada.

If you have any further questions about the Canadian immigration medical examination, please comment below, and the ImmiPath team will provide enthusiastic support and advice to help you secure your visa and reunite with your family and loved ones in Canada.

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