Numerous foreign nationals apply for a study permit annually. Here’s all about if one needs a medical exam to study in Canada. 

Studying in Canada is so popular that IRCC introduced a two-year cap on new international students as a measure intended to control the influx of foreign nationals. 

Usually, there are now three steps an applicant should take to obtain a study permit. The process includes acquiring a Letter Of Acceptance from their designated DLI, obtaining an attestation letter from the territory/ province where the DLI is located, & further applying for a study permit from IRCC. 

However, the following four cases will demonstrate if one needs a medical exam to study in Canada. 

  • If a student is coming from a designated visa-required nation
  • In case a student will be in Canada for more than six months
  • If the individual is a medical student 
  • If the student won’t work in healthcare or some other field that brings them in close contact with children/ elderly

Temporary Public Policy 

Until October 6, 2024, IRCC has implemented a medical exam policy that exempts some applicants from completing another medical exam if they have already completed one in the last five years. 

In order to be eligible for this exemption, applicants need to meet all the four conditions mentioned below:

  • The candidate should have applied for either permanent residence or temporary residence study permit
  • The applicant must reside in Canada
  • The applicant should have completed a previous medical exam in the last five years
  • The candidate’s previous medical exam should indicate low to no risk to public health 

Understanding Medical Exams For Temporary Residents 

IRCC notes that there are different processes & policies in place for medical exams depending on whether the candidate is applying for temporary or permanent residence in Canada. 

Who Requires A Medical Exam

For temporary residence applicants, IRCC notes that the need for a medical exam depends on how long the individual needs to stay in Canada. 

Specifically, IRCC indicates that temporary residents who plan to stay in Canada for six months or less do not need a medical exam to study in Canada unless they plan to work in certain jobs where public health should be protected. 

Instances of such jobs include: 

  • Workers in healthcare settings
  • Patient attendants in nursing & geriatric homes
  • Medical students admitted to Canada to attend university
  • Workers in primary/ secondary school settings or workers in child-care settings
  • Workers who give in-home care to children, the disabled & elderly 
  • This condition also applies to agricultural workers who have visited or resided in one of these nations for six months or more in a row in the year before they arrived in Canada. 

On the other hand, temporary residents planning to stay in Canada longer than six months will require a medical exam in case: 

  • The candidate resided in or traveled to one or more of these nations/ territories for six months or more in a row in the year before you came to Canada.
  • They are applying for a parent & grandparent super visa. 
  • While in Canada, they will work in a job in which public health must be protected. 

Types Of Medical Exams 

In order to know who needs a medical exam to study in Canada, one must also know the types of exams. 

IRCC notes that candidates might be subject to a standard medical exam or streamlined medical exam when IRCC describes a simplified medical exam for urgent operational situations, like a humanitarian crisis & in other exceptional situations as determined by IRCC.

Moreover, candidates are unable to request a specific type of medical exam & IRCC will inform them which exam they need to take. 

Who Can Perform A Medical Exam 

Only panel physicians designated by IRCC are licensed to perform the medical exam needed for temporary or permanent residence applicants. In simpler terms, candidates cannot simply have their family doctor perform this exam unless IRCC designates that person.

In addition, it is vital to note that IRCC makes the final decision regarding the candidate’s medical exam.