Canada‘s educational landscape continues to attract tens of thousands of global learners each year, prompting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to introduce measures aimed at managing the influx. To secure a study permit, prospective students typically undergo a multi-step application process involving a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), an attestation letter from the provincial or territorial government, and submission of their application to IRCC. However, in specific circumstances, additional requirements—including medical examinations—are mandated.
When Is a Medical Exam Required?
Foreign nationals seeking to study in Canada for extended periods should anticipate undergoing a medical examination in the following scenarios:
- If arriving from a designated visa-required country/territory
- For stays exceeding six months
- For individuals pursuing studies in medicine
- Those working in healthcare or fields requiring close interaction with children or the elderly
A Temporary Reprieve: Recent Policies Regarding Medical Exams
From October 7th, 2022, until October 6th, 2024, IRCC enacted a policy allowing select applicants to avoid repeating a medical examination if they had previously passed one within the past five years. Applicants must fulfill all four eligibility criteria to benefit from this exception:
- Applying for either temporary residence or permanent residence, including a study permit
- Currently residing in Canada
- Completing a prior medical examination within the preceding five years
- Indicating a low or no risk to public health or public safety during the initial evaluation
Understanding Medical Exams for Temporary Residence Applicants
According to IRCC, the necessity of a medical examination for temporary residents primarily depends upon the duration of their planned stay in Canada:
- Individuals staying for six months or less do not usually require a medical examination unless they intend to work in certain roles where public health protection is essential.
- Conversely, those remaining in Canada for over six months will need a medical examination if they fall under any of the following categories:
- Lived in or visited specified countries or territories for six consecutive months or more in the year leading up to arrival in Canada
- Intend to work in positions necessitating public health protection while in Canada
- Seeking a parent and grandparent super visa
Types of Medical Exams and Who Can Perform Them
IRCC distinguishes between standard and streamlined medical examinations, with the latter being reserved for exceptional situations such as humanitarian crises. Applicants cannot choose the type of medical examination; instead, IRCC determines which test is appropriate based on the situation. Only panel physicians appointed by IRCC are authorized to conduct these assessments.
Final Decisions Rest With IRCC
It is crucial to note that although doctors carry out the physical evaluations, IRCC retains full authority to determine the outcome of the medical assessment.
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