What is the Next Step After Medical Test for Canada Immigration?

Undergoing a medical examination is crucial for individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada. The medical test assesses applicants' health to ensure they do not pose a public health or safety risk or are unlikely to cause excessive demand on Canada's health or social services. 

After submitting a complete application for permanent residence, applicants are instructed on how to proceed with their medical exam and are advised to wait for further communication from IRCC.

This article provides a detailed look at who needs to undergo the exam, the steps following its completion, the processing involved, and other related considerations.

Who Should Undergo Canada's Immigration Medical Exam?

Individuals applying for permanent residence in Canada must undergo medical exams, including international students, family-class immigrants, and others wishing to settle in Canada.

International students need a medical exam if they plan to study for more than six months or have lived in a country with high rates of infectious diseases before arriving in Canada.

Exemptions:

• International students who stay shorter than six months may not need a medical exam.
• Students who haven't lived in high-risk areas recently might be exempt.

Special circumstances:

• If the study program extends beyond six months, a medical exam is required at the extension.
• Students in health-related work must undergo a medical exam regardless of study length.

What is the Next Step After Passing Medical Exam for Canada Immigration

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review your medical exam results for Canadian immigration within 30 days. If everything is in order, IRCC will proceed with the next stages of your application.

Here are the steps in sequential order:

1. Application review by IRCC
2. Application status update
3. Decision on a study permit
4. Preparation for arrival in Canada

Results Processing by IRCC

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plays a crucial role in the immigration process. They review the medical exam results of student visa applicants to ensure that they do not risk public health or cause excessive demand for Canadian services.

Typical timelines for IRCC processing of medical exam results for students are as follows:

• Medical exam review: IRCC will review results and update status in about four weeks.
• Status update: Check within 30 days for processing and completion.
• Overall application processing: Varies based on application volume and complexity.

Potential Further Medical Tests

A student applying for a Canadian study permit might need additional medical tests if the initial examination indicates a health condition that requires further investigation. 

This can happen if the panel physician detects signs of a medical issue affecting public health or safety or if a condition might place excessive demand on Canada's health or social services.

Additional tests that might be required include chest X-rays, blood tests, urine tests, sputum tests, liver function tests, and specialist consultations.

Review for Medical Admissibility

Each applicant's health status must comply with Canada's immigration health standards. 

This step involves a thorough assessment to ascertain that the individual is not dangerous to public health or safety and is not expected to cause excessive demand for health or social services.

Possible Procedural Fairness Letter

Suppose some concerns lead to an application's refusal on medical grounds. In that case, the applicant may receive a Procedural Fairness Letter. 

This communication allows the applicant to provide additional information and address issues identified by the reviewing officer.

Mitigation Plans for Excessive Demand

Applicants deemed potentially creating an "excessive demand" on health or social services may be asked to submit a mitigation plan. 

This plan must detail how the applicant plans to reduce potential costs or service demands without depending on public programs.

Final Decision on Application

Finally, once the above assessments and reviews are complete, IRCC decides the applicant's permanent residency status. 

The outcome can be a confirmation of permanent residence or, in case of inadmissibility, a refusal of the application. 

Canada Immigration Medical Exam Requirements

The medical exam requirements include:

• Physical examination,
• Chest X-ray,
• Blood tests,
• Urine Tests.

Applicants need to be aware that:

• They cannot choose their doctor unless the doctor is an IRCC-authorized panel physician.
• Children under 5 are exempt from chest X-rays; however, a physical examination is still required.

Types of Medical Exams

Applicants must undergo several medical exams to ensure they do not pose a public health risk when obtaining Canadian immigration. 

Physical Examination

In a physical examination, a doctor conducts a general health check, including assessing the applicant's height, weight, eyesight, and hearing. The physician also looks for signs of illness or medical conditions requiring further evaluation.

Chest X-rays

Chest X-rays are mandatory for adults to identify abnormalities in the chest and lungs, such as tuberculosis. Pregnant women and children under 11 are usually exempt unless medically necessary.

Blood Tests

Blood Tests are critical for detecting infectious diseases such as HIV and syphilis. The results provide immigration officials with assurances that the applicant is not a carrier of conditions that could affect public health.

Urine Tests

Lastly, Urine Tests are used to screen for kidney diseases and other medical conditions. These are usually part of the standard medical examination procedure for immigration purposes.

What Is The Next Step After Medical Test For Canada Work Permit?

After a Canadian work permit applicant has completed their medical exam, the process enters a critical evaluation phase. 

Here's what typically happens post-medical examination:

• Review of medical results: IRCC reviews the medical examination results.
• Assessment of eligibility: IRCC checks if the applicant meets work permit requirements.
• Communication from IRCC: Requests for additional information or next steps.
• Issuance of work permit: Finalize the work permit if the exam is passed and eligibility is confirmed.
• Interim authorization requests: Applicants can request interim work authorization via the IRCC Web form.

It's essential for applicants to be patient, check regularly for updates from IRCC, and avoid making travel or work commitments until they receive their work permit.

Canadian Immigration Medical Exam Cost

The cost of immigration medical exams is not standardized and varies greatly depending on the country where the exam is performed. On average, it ranges from CAD 200 to CAD 500.

Typical expenses include:

• Doctor's fees: For the medical exam.
• Special tests: For any additional tests or treatments.
• Specialist consultations: If a specialist's opinion is needed.

Key Takeaways

• Medical exams are mandatory for individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada, including international students and family-class immigrants. Exemptions are possible for international students staying less than six months or those from low-risk areas.
• Once an individual passes their medical exam, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reviews the results, which typically takes a minimum of 30 days.
• Medical exam requirements include a physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood and urine tests.
• Medical exam costs vary by country, ranging from CAD 200 to CAD 500.
• Applicants should remain patient and prepared for requests for additional documents or information from the IRCC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long are Medical Exam Results Valid in Canada?

Medical exam results for students applying for Canadian immigration are generally valid for 12 months from the exam date. The results must still be valid when the student enters Canada.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Visa After Medical?

The time it takes to get a visa after a medical exam varies, but generally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for Health Canada to receive and assess the results. 

What is the Processing Time for Canada PR?

The processing times for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) vary by category. For example, through Express Entry, it generally takes under six months once a complete application is submitted. Other categories may have longer processing times, so it's best to refer to the latest IRCC information for accurate estimates.