Express Entry Applicants No Longer need undergoing Upfront Medical Examination As of 1 October

Effective from October 1st, there is no longer a requirement for an upfront medical examination when applying for PR Visa through the Express Entry immigration system of Canada. However, it's key to note that an immigrant medical exam (IME) conducted by an authorized panel physician remains a compulsory requirement for permanent residency.

If you haven't formerly undergone an IME, you now have the option to submit an empty document in the EE profile Builder's upload field when submitting your application. Afterwards, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will provide you with instructions regarding when to schedule your medical examination.

In the case where you have already completed an IME as part of a prior application, i.e. for work or study, and you are presently staying in Canada, there is no need to undergo another IME when applying for permanent residence.

Regarding the Immigrant Medical Exam (IME)

When seeking PR, undergoing an IME is a compulsory requirement. Furthermore, family members, even if they are not planning to accompany you to Canada, must also undergo a medical examination.

It's essential to note that your personal physician cannot perform the medical exam. Rather, you must visit a physician from the list of panel physicians who have been approved by IRCC.

It's important to understand that the panel physician does not have the final say on the result of your medical examination. The final decision rests with IRCC. The IRCC may reject your Permanent Resident (PR) Visa application if your health poses a risk to public health or safety in Canada or if it could place an extreme burden on Canadian health or social services.

Key requirements for a medical exam

When you go to your appointment for the medical exam, you need to bring:

• Proper identification
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses, if you wear them
• Any medical reports or test results that you have for any previous or existing medical conditions
• A list of your current medications
• The Medical Report form, if you do not get an upfront medical exam
• 4 recent photographs, if the panel physician does not use medical

The ME typically includes several constituents. Firstly, you will be required to complete a inclusive medical history questionnaire, inquiring about both past and current medical conditions. Following this, a physical examination will be organized. Moreover, based on your age, you may be asked to undergo chest x-rays and other laboratory tests.

It's key to note that all fees associated with the ME must be paid on-site. Once the results are acquired, the physician will forward them to you and furnish you with a document certifying that you have successfully completed the medical examination.

Please be aware that your ME results hold validity for a duration of 12 months only. If you do not become a PR of Canada within this timeframe, you may be required to undergo another examination.

Also read-

Canada opens first ever Express Entry draw for Agriculture and agri-food occupations (2023-1)

Express Entry draw for French-Language proficiency candidates opened on 27 Sep 2023

Alberta conducts a draw for AAIP- Express Entry stream on 26 September 2023

Ontario opens a draw for OINP- HCP stream- invites 1,696 candidates

Canada invites 3,000 all-category Candidates in new Express Entry draw on 26 Sep 2023

To get trusted assistance to move to Canada in 2023 on PR Visa, you may contact Visas Avenue Canadian Visa Advisor and Consultant on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar