The New Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRRC) data show that Canada welcomed 15,925 new immigrants in 2020. If you’re seeking temporary or permanent residence in the “Land of Maple Leaf,” you need a complete medical examination. However, the IRRC recommends that an approved panel of medical facilities carry out some tests. 

IRRC facilitates the immigrants’ arrival, protects refugees, and programs newcomers to help settle in Canada. The agency also issues travel documents, like passports, to Canadians and grants citizenship. Furthermore, they have visa offices around the world to process applications of people outside the country.

What Is Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?

The IME is a key part of the immigration process when applying for permanent residency, work in laboratory or clinical fields, and long-term visits to Canada. Whether you will stay for a short or more extended period, you need to know how it works.

You can find any doctor approved by the IRRC to provide the medical exam anywhere across the globe, like Asia, Europe, America, Canada, etc. Patients living in Mississauga, Toronto, and other nearby areas can seek Immigration medical Brampton physicians in Canada.

Preparing for the IME

Documentation

Contact your panel physician early on to know the requirements and learn more about other important details. The list below are the requirements needed for the IME:

• A list of medications you’re currently taking
• At least 1 government-issued document with your picture and signature (passport, national ID, a Canadian’s driver’s license if you’re taking the exam in Canada)
• Any test results or reports of any previous or existing medical conditions you have
• IRCC-issued Medical Report form (IMM 1017E) if you’re not getting an upfront medical exam.
• 4 recent photographs if the panel physician doesn’t use eMedical. Ensure to ask your panel physician before your appointment if this is the case.

Other things you may bring include:

• Eyeglasses and contact lenses, if you wear them.
• Proof of vaccination for COVID-19, if you have one.

Before Appointment

Always keep your government-issued identification on hand since you must present it more than once, depending on the diagnostic tests required. Before your appointment, make sure that you’re physically and medically prepared. Consider these tips below:

• Be in good shape or see a doctor ahead of time, especially if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure. 
• Prepare to answer questions as honestly as possible according to your knowledge.
• Avoid alcohol at least 72 hours before your exam.
• Limit your caffeine intake (coffee and tea).
• Eat healthy meals for at least one week before the exam, including avoiding sugary food.
• If you’re currently taking painkillers, call your doctor and ask if you can avoid them before your exam appointment.
• Get enough sleep.
• Avoid smoking and other recreational drugs at least a few days before your examination.
• Arrive at the designated examination area at least 30 minutes early and ensure that you’re well-groomed.

What to Expect

Many probably ask about “Canada Immigration medical exam what to expect.” 

Upon arrival, you will present your identification before answering a medical history questionnaire. Ensure that you tell important details about any previous or current medical conditions you have. The processing of your medical exam will take longer if you don’t. 

On your physical exam, they will perform the following:

• Weighing
• Measuring your height
• Checking your vision and hearing
• Taking your blood pressure
• Feeling your pulse
• Listening to your heart and lungs
• Feeling your abdomen
• Checking how your limbs move
• Looking at your skin
• Other possible tests depending on your age

Know Your Rights

Keep in mind that you have a few rights during the IME process. Firstly, You can bring someone or a chaperone who can remain in the room with you and the panel physician. Also, you can stop the exam at any point during the exam so you could ask questions you may have. 

They won’t examine your genitals or rectal area because these aren’t required for the immigration test. However, the physician may need to examine your breasts and explain why and how the examination is being done.