Before receiving a Canadian visa, anyone applying for permanent residency must pass a medical examination conducted by an authorized medical professional. Even temporary visitors to Canada may be required to undergo this health examination.
Unfortunately, if you do not meet the health standards or have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be deemed medically inadmissible to Canada.
This means you could be denied entry due to health concerns that might pose a public health risk or place an undue burden on Canada’s publicly funded healthcare and social services.
If you’ve failed your medical test, it indicates that you’re medically inadmissible to Canada. This article outlines what steps you can take if you fail your medical test and provides additional helpful information.
What Is a Medical Examination?
When applying to immigrate to Canada, whether permanently or temporarily, you are typically required to undergo a medical examination by a doctor approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). These tests can include X-rays, urine tests, blood tests, and a review of medical records, including those related to mental health. The Canadian government evaluates these results to determine if you are medically admissible to Canada. You can find a certified physician in your country through a tool available on the CIC website.
During your medical examination, the doctor will likely assess the following:
- Review of your medical history and immunization records
- Assessment of your physical and mental health
- Screening for drug and alcohol use
- Tests for various diseases and conditions
What Medical Conditions Could Disqualify You from Immigrating to Canada?
Certain medical conditions can make you medically inadmissible to Canada, including:
- Untreated syphilis
- Active pulmonary tuberculosis
- Organic brain disorders or paranoid states linked to violent behavior
- Substance abuse issues that lead to antisocial behavior, such as impaired driving or violence
- Sexual disorders like pedophilia
- Impulsive sociopathic behavioral conditions
However, there are conditions where medical inadmissibility can be overcome, such as:
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Cardiac Disease
- Diabetes
- Various cancers
- Autoimmune diseases like HIV and Lupus
- Learning disabilities and pervasive developmental 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
If you fail your medical test and are deemed medically inadmissible, you will receive a Procedural Fairness Letter from CIC. This letter allows you to review your health records and identify the issues that led to the inadmissibility, giving you a chance to resolve them before being officially denied entry.
Receiving this letter offers an opportunity to address any concerns. It is advisable to consult an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer to help navigate this process and provide the best possible advice. If you believe you were wrongly declared medically inadmissible, you can explore legal options to prove that your medical costs won’t exceed the average Canadian’s, or that there are significant humanitarian factors that should grant you an exemption. This can be done by responding to the procedural fairness letter or by seeking a judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada if the decision appears unjust.
How to Prepare for Your Medical Tests to Avoid Failing When Immigrating to Canada
While the final decision on your medical exam rests with the officials, you can take steps to improve your chances of passing. Ensure that the doctor conducting the exam is one of the physicians approved by IRCC, as only these doctors can issue a Health Certificate.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Gather your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, illnesses, and current medications.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive drinking.
- Be honest during the medical examination and provide accurate information about your medical history and any current health issues.
When attending your appointment, bring the following:
- A government-issued ID
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses if applicable
- Medical reports for previous health conditions
- Your current medications
Does Smoking Affect Canada Immigration Medical Tests?
Smoking itself is not considered a medical issue that would lead to inadmissibility, but it can result in health problems that might. During your medical exam, the physician may assess your overall health, including lung capacity and respiratory health. If your smoking history is deemed to pose a significant health risk, it could potentially impact your eligibility for immigration. However, smoking generally does not affect your medical examination for Canadian immigration.
What to Expect During Your Medical Test
During the exam, the physician will likely:
- 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 your limb movements
- Examine your skin
The doctor may also perform chest X-rays and laboratory tests. If any unusual results are found, the doctor will discuss them with you. Depending on the findings, you may need further testing by a specialist. To avoid delays, it’s important to complete these additional tests promptly.
After the exam, your results will be sent to the officials, and you’ll receive a document proving you’ve completed the exam. Note that your medical exam results are only valid for 12 months.
Is Diabetes a Problem for Canadian Immigration?
Diabetes is not generally considered a reason for medical inadmissibility, as it is not contagious and does not pose a threat to public safety. However, it could be considered a burden on Canada’s publicly funded health services. The physician may evaluate factors such as high blood sugar, high BMI, family history of diabetes, heart disorders, and treatment. If your condition is well-managed, it should not be a problem for your immigration.
Conclusion
Failing a medical test and being deemed medically inadmissible can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you’ve lost your chance to immigrate to Canada. With the right information and preparation, you can address the issues and potentially succeed in a subsequent medical examination. Following the tips provided in this article will help increase your chances of passing your medical exam for Canadian immigration.