What is the Medical Exam Process for Refugees in Canada?

In order to better understand the medical exam process for refugees, it is important to first understand who is considered as a refugee claimant. A Refugee claimant or an asylum seeker, is an individual who, upon arrival in Canada, makes a formal claim to Canada Border Service Agency or Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) asking for Canada’s protection.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), all refugees (asylum seekers) must get an Immigration Medical Exam (IME). The IME forms and requirements for refugees are the same as the ones for immigration applicants. Immigration Canada provides refugees with medical instructions and a list of panel physicians. All refugees must get their medical exams done within 30 days following their claim for asylum.

IME is a medical examination conducted by a panel member (Immigration Doctor). Please note, only doctors approved by Immigration Canada can do medical exams for refugees and immigrants. Upon completion of a medical exam, the doctor will send the results directly to Immigration Canada via an electronic system called eMedical.

Unlike for Permanent Residence medical exams where the client is responsible for the cost of the medical exam, Refugee claimants who have been granted protected person status by the Canadian authorities are entitled to health care under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) until they become eligible for provincial heath care coverage. As such their first IME medical examinations is covered under IFHP however a second IME medical exam is not covered under the IFHP. The IFHP’s administrator, Medavie Blue Cross, administers and pays claims for the program. When you visit a medical clinic to undergo your medical exam upon entry to Canada, then you must show one of the following documents to the clinic:

• Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview letter (AOC)
• Interim Federal Health Certificate (IFHC)
• Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD)

Other medical exam procedures and steps for refugee claimants are similar to medical exam steps for Immigration and Permanent Residence. Please refer to our blog on “What Medical Tests Are Required for Canada PR?”

It is very important to choose an experienced and knowledgeable medical team for your refugee medical exam. At Immigration Medical Centre located near   of Mississauga and Oakville, our team of experienced, knowledgeable and friendly medical staff are committed to serve and guide you step by step through your Refugee medical exam. To reach us, please visit our website or call us at 416-822-3326.