Who Needs an Upfront Medical Exam?
You have to consider that not everyone is required to complete an upfront medical exam. You will likely need an upfront medical exam in Canada if you:
- Plan to work in healthcare, childcare, or education
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Intend to stay in Canada for more than 6 months
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Have lived in or traveled to certain designated countries for extended periods
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Permanent residency application
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Want to avoid delays in your application processing
A key factor to consider when completing an upfront medical exam is faster processing. By submitting your medical results with your application, IRCC can review your file without pausing to request additional documents.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete an Upfront Medical Exam
If you follow the correct steps, completing an upfront medical exam is straightforward.
1. Find an Approved Panel Physician
Booking your medical exam with a panel physician approved by IRCC, like here at Immigration Physician Ottawa. Regular family doctors cannot perform immigration medical exams; this can lead to additional costs.
2. Book Your Appointment
Contact the clinic directly to specify that you require an upfront immigration medical exam or book online directly.
Be prepared to provide:
- Your passport
- Contact information
- Immigration details (if available)
3. Attending the Medical Exam
The exam typically includes:
- A physical examination
- Chest X-ray
- Blood and urine tests
Most appointments take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the clinic and your medical history.
4. Receive Your eMedical Information Sheet
After the exam, the clinic will provide you with an eMedical information sheet upfront. This document confirms that your results have been submitted electronically to IRCC on your behalf. You do not receive the full medical report, only this confirmation sheet.
5. Upload the Document with Your Application
When submitting your work permit or immigration application, you will be required to upload the eMedical information. Ensuring the information is clear and legible.
Common Challenges Applicants Face
Although the process is generally straightforward, unforeseen issues can occur and may result in delays.
- In busier cities, the appointment availability may be limited, causing delays to the overall application process.
- Additional test/follow-ups, your physician may request additional tests, which would then result in follow-ups.
- Incorrect documentation can lead to delays, so it’s best to ensure all information is accurate before submission.
Requested Medical Exam
These types of medical exams are most commonly requested by IRCC when your application is under review. On some occasions, applicants may take this approach if there is some uncertainty about whether a medical exam is necessary and avoid any additional costs. Your overall processing time may increase the chances of being placed on pause until the requested information has been submitted and accessed by IRCC.
It's important to consider that if your job involves close contact with people or you intend to stay in Canada for an extended period, completion of an upfront medical exam may be more efficient and a strategic option.
Understanding the requirements, preparing your documentation correctly, and booking the medical exam early, you can help avoid delays and move through the application process with ease.
Book your immigration medical exam with Immigration Physician Ottawa. Our experienced panel of physicians ensures your assessment is completed accurately and in full compliance with IRCC requirements, helping to prevent unnecessary delays.
