Before being granted a Canadian visa, all individuals seeking permanent residency must undergo a medical examination conducted by an authorized medical practitioner. Even those individuals seeking temporary entry into Canada may be required to take a health examination. Unfortunately, failure to meet the health requirements or having an existing medical condition could result in being declared medically inadmissible to Canada, as it may pose a risk to public health or cause an unreasonable burden on Canada’s publicly funded health and social services. If you have failed your medical test, then this means you are medically inadmissible to come to Canada due to health issues. In this article, we would show you what to do if you fail your medical test when immigrating to Canada and other useful information.
What Is a Medical Examination?
Individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada, either on a permanent or temporary basis, are usually required to undergo a medical examination conducted by a doctor approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). These medical tests may include X-rays, urine tests, and blood tests, and may also require the submission of medical records, including those related to mental health. The Canadian government will evaluate the results of the physical examination and medical records to determine whether the individual is medically admissible to Canada. The CIC website has a tool to assist individuals in locating a physician in their country who is certified by the Canadian government to conduct one of the required medical tests.
If you are having a medical examination for the purpose of Canadian immigration, you should know that the doctor may take note of the following:
- A review of your medical history and immunization records
- An assessment of your physical and mental health to ensure you are fit.
- Screening for drug and alcohol use
- Health tests to detect various diseases and illnesses.
What Medical Conditions Disqualify You from Immigrating to Canada?
It is important to note that certain diseases are not allowed in Canada, some of them are:
- untreated syphilis
- active pulmonary tuberculosis
- organic brain disorders or paranoid states linked to violent behaviour
- substance abuse issues that can cause anti-social behaviour such as impaired driving or violence
- sexual disorders such as paedophilia
- impulsive sociopathic behavioural conditions
A list of conditions where medical inadmissibility can be overcome include among others:
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Cardiac Disease
- Diabetes
- Cancers
- Autoimmune Disease, i.e.: HIV, Lupus
- Learning Disabilities to Pervasive Development Disorders requiring special education
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Hepatitis B and C and Liver Disease
- Blood Disorders
- Tuberculosis
- Brain Disorders
- Rare Diseases and Conditions
- Total Knee Replacement
What to Do if You Fail a Medical Test when Immigrating to Canada?
As earlier noted, failing a medical test results in medical inadmissibility. In the case where a person with a health condition fails a medical test and their application for permanent residency is rejected, they will receive a Procedural Fairness Letter from the CIC. This letter serves as an opportunity for the individual to review their health records and identify any factors that Canada considers medically inadmissible, with the goal of resolving these issues promptly.
Receiving this letter provides an advantage to the applicant, as they can take steps to address any concerns before being officially denied entry. If you have received a Procedural Fairness Letter, it is recommended to seek the guidance of an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer to receive the best possible advice and assistance in pursuing your Canadian visa or permanent residency application. Thus, the best you can do if you feel you were wrongly declared medically inadmissible is to explore all legal options by proving that your medical costs will not exceed the average medical expenses of Canadians, or that there are significant humanitarian and compassionate factors that should merit an exemption. This can be done by submitting a response to a procedural fairness letter from the government before the application is refused, or by initiating a judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada if the decision seems illogical.
How to Prepare for Your Medical Tests to Avoid Failing when Immigrating to Canada
Usually, it is up to the officials to decide whether you pass the medical exam or fail it. However, you can put measures to increase your chances of success. Please note that the doctor carrying out the exam must be one of the physicians on the panel as approved by IRCC as only such doctors can offer a Health Certificate.
Firstly, it is important to understand that you may be tested on different areas of your health to ensure that you are fit to immigrate to Canada. Prepare your medical history including any pre-existing conditions or illnesses, as well as any medications you are currently taking. Also, maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive drinking. It would also be helpful if you are honest during the medical examination and provide accurate information about your medical history and any current health issues.
Also, when you are coming for your appointment, make sure you bring a government-issued identity card, eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable), any medical reports for previous health conditions, your current medications etc.
Does Smoking Affect Canada Immigration Medical Tests?
It is salient to note that smoking is not a medical issue but may result in medical issues that can cause you to be deemed medically inadmissible to enter Canada. During the medical examination, a physician may assess your overall health, including your lung capacity and respiratory health. The tests that they may take may also reflect whether you smoke or not. If your smoking history is deemed to pose a significant health risk, it could potentially impact your eligibility for Canadian immigration. However, on a general note, smoking does not affect your medical examination for Canadian immigration.
What Do They Check when you Complete Your Medical Test
During the exam, the physician would do the following:
- weigh you
- measure your height
- check your hearing and vision
- take your blood pressure
- feel your pulse
- listen to your heart and lungs
- feel your abdomen
- check how your limbs move
- look at your skin
Also, the physician may perform chest X-rays and laboratory tests either at the clinic or in a laboratory. Such tests are routine and any unusual results will be discussed with you by the doctor. Based on the findings of your medical examination, you may need further testing by a specialist. To ensure that your medical examination is processed without any delays, it is important to do this promptly.
After your exam, the doctor would send your results to the officials and you’d be given a document as proof that you have completed the exam. Note that your medical exam results are only valid for 12 months.
Is Diabetes a Problem for Canadian Immigration?
No, diabetes is not considered a ground for medical inadmissibility as it can’t be transferred from one person to another. Thus, it does not pose a threat to public safety. However, diabetes may be considered a burden on Canada’s publicly funded health and social services. However, to reach this conclusion, the physician may have to consider some factors such as high blood sugar, high BMI, family history of diabetes, heart disorders, pancreatic disorders history, and treatment among other relevant information. If your condition is still within normal limits and can be controlled, then it would not be a problem for your immigration.
Conclusion
Have you failed your medical test and you are deemed medically inadmissible to come to Canada? Don’t worry, you can still do it again and pass successfully with the right information at your fingertips and proper measures in place. Fortunately, this article has provided you with all the information you may need on passing your medical exam for Canadian immigration. Following the tips in this article would help you succeed in your medical exam!