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Immigrant Medical Exam (IME) | Exempted During Submission

Immigrant Medical Exam (IME) | Exempted During Submission

Ninan Lawrence Published:
December 06, 2023

Though an article is already published on this matter, we are republishing based on its importance. Starting from October 1st, there is no longer a requirement to undergo an Upfront Medical Examination (UME) before submitting your application for permanent residence through Express Entry.

Although an Immigrant Medical Exam (IME) conducted by a panel physician remains a prerequisite for permanent residence, if you have not previously undergone an IME, you can now upload a blank document in the Express Entry profile when submitting your application. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will subsequently provide instructions on when to proceed with your Upfront Medical Examination (UME/IME). For individuals who have already completed an IME as part of a prior application, such as for work, and are currently residing in Canada, there is no need to undergo another IME when applying for permanent residence.

If you have previously undergone an Immigrant Medical Exam (IME) as part of a past application, such as for study, and you are currently residing in Canada, you might not be required to undergo another IME when applying for permanent residence, according to the statement released by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What is the Immigrant Medical Exam (IME)?

When applying for permanent residence, it is mandatory to undergo an Immigrant Medical Exam (IME). Even if your family members are not accompanying you to Canada, they are required to undergo a medical exam. It is important to note that your doctor cannot conduct the medical exam. Instead, you must visit a doctor from the list of panel physicians approved by IRCC. The panel physician's role is not to make the final decision regarding your medical exam; IRCC holds that authority.

IRCC will not approve a permanent residence application if your health poses a risk to Canada's public health or safety or if it would impose a significant demand on health or social services in the country.

When attending your medical exam appointment, you are required to bring:

  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses if you use them,
  • Any medical reports or test results related to previous or existing medical conditions,
  • A list detailing your current medications,
  • The Medical Report form if you have not undergone an Upfront Medical Exam in the past,
  • Four recent photographs if the panel physician does not utilize E-medical, and
  • To establish proper identification, it is highly advisable to present your passport as the preferred identification document. Alternatively, other accepted identification documents, such as a national identity (ID) card, can also be used.

 

Proof of vaccination can be handy

When attending your medical exam appointment, bring any proof of previous vaccinations, including vaccination against:

  • diphtheria
  • tetanus
  • pertussis
  • polio
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b
  • measles
  • mumps
  • rubella
  • rotavirus
  • hepatitis B
  • COVID-19

Proof of vaccination is not mandatory. If you give consent, the panel physician will.

  • record your vaccine history.
  • share the information with the Panel Physician

The medical examination typically involves completing a medical history questionnaire and inquiring about any past or existing medical conditions. Additionally, a physical examination will be conducted. Depending on your age, chest X-rays and other laboratory tests may be required.

All fees associated with the medical exam must be paid online. Once the results are available, the physician will send them to you along with a document confirming that you underwent a medical examination. It's crucial to note that the validity of your medical exam results is limited to 12 months. If you do not arrive in Canada as a permanent resident within that timeframe, you may be required to undergo another medical examination.

 

Check if you qualify to migrate to Canada. Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s Canada Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.

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