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Medical Test for PR | All You Ever Wanted to Know

Medical Test for PR | All You Ever Wanted to Know

Michael Zimmer Published:
June 17, 2023

The term Upfront Medical Examination [UME] is commonly used in the context of immigration and visa processes. It refers to a medical examination or assessment Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require as part of the visa application process. The purpose of the examination is to assess the applicant’s health and medical condition before granting them entry into Canada.

The initial medical examination usually includes a physical examination performed by a designated panel physician or a registered medical practitioner approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Various tests and screenings, such as blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, and medical history assessments, may be performed during the examination.

 

If you do not have [or have not declared] a critical illness, the Upfront Medical Examination usually consists of these 4 tests:

  • General physical examination performed by a designated panel physician,
  • Blood test,
  • Chest X-ray, and
  • Urine test.

The specific requirements for the initial medical examination vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the type of visa sought. The exam is designed to determine whether the applicant has any communicable diseases or health conditions that could endanger public health or strain Canada’s govt-funded healthcare system.

The results of the initial medical exam are typically documented on a medical certificate or report that is submitted with the visa application [e-Medical]. The medical report is reviewed by immigration officials as part of the overall assessment of the applicant’s eligibility for the visa. In some cases, if a serious health problem is discovered, the visa application may be denied.

 

Follow these steps to complete your upfront medical examination

  1. Find an Authorized Panel Physician: panel physicians are authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to conduct the Upfront Medical Examination (UME) needed for a permanent residency application. Applicants can utilize the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to find a panel doctor in their area.
Once the name of your country of residence is typed in, you will get the list of authorized panel physicians, city-wise. See below.
  1. Schedule an Appointment: to schedule an appointment, contact the authorized panel physician or medical facility. They will provide you with available examination dates and times. When scheduling, make sure to mention the purpose of the examination so that they can allocate enough time and resources.
  2. Prepare Necessary Documents: gather necessary documents or forms to bring to the examination. Identification documents, medical history forms, and most importantly, the invitation letter that you have received from the government of Canada.
  3. Attend the Examination: go to the designated medical facility or the office of the authorized panel physician on the scheduled date and time. Prepare for a thorough examination, which may include physical examinations, blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, or other specialized assessments depending on your health declaration.

Is it advisable to defer your Upfront Medical Examination?

Well, it completely depends on your travel plans. What you must bear in mind is this. In the final stage of your application, you need to submit your (as well as family members, as applicable) passport at the Canada Visa Application Center (CVAC) for PR visa stamping. The visa you get is called ‘Immigrant Visa’. The Immigrant visa is a ‘Single Entry’ visa, meaning, you can use this visa one time only.

It is using the Immigrant Visa, that you land in Canada as a permanent resident. And, the expiry date of this visa will be exactly 1 year from the date of your (as well as family members, as applicable) date of the Upfront Medical Examination. So, as a thumb rule, if you think you will need more time in your home country before you leave for Canada, it may be good if you [judiciously] defer the test date. However, and most importantly, you must ensure that this does not cause any delay in the submission of your e-APR, as well as the accuracy and integrity of information it contains.

 

Contact us today to know 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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