Immigration is a complicated process for anyone involved, requiring documentation, interviews, testing, and various health examinations. Completing the essential health examinations for immigration includes the medical checks that help the host country ensure that incoming persons pose no threat to public health and are fit to lead a comfortable existence and work in their new surroundings.
Although the basic aim of these medical checks is the same among various countries, the particulars may differ. This article will list the usual components of an immigration health check and detail how the procedure varies in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Why Are Immigration Health Examinations Required?
A medical examination is said to be required so that the governments can:
- Prevent public health problems arising out of infectious diseases
- Manage the potential impact on public healthcare systems
These tests often may influence the visa type you would receive or even whether you are eligible to immigrate, especially regarding serious health conditions.
Common Elements Across Countries
That said, across many nations, immigration health examinations follow a similar process:
- Review of Medical History: Questions concern the individual’s current and past illnesses, surgeries, and medication taken.
- Physical Examination: This refers to general procedures concerning physical check-ups, including blood pressure, height, weight, and general appearance.
- Chest X-ray: This is commonly done to rule out tuberculosis, particularly in applicants over a certain age.
- Blood and Urine Tests: Generally, these tests are done to rule out HIV and syphilis or abnormality of kidney or liver function.
- Vaccination Records: Some countries may want to assess whether a candidate meets specific immunisation requirements.
- Mental Health Evaluation: Should it indeed exist informally, a doctor may observe a sign or two about mental health problems that could render an applicant unfit.
Canada
Canada insists on health examinations for immigration to ensure that applicants are not medically inadmissible. The applicants must not:
- Present hazards to public health or safety
- Overburden Canada’s health or social services
Permanent residents, some sets of work permits (mostly in healthcare or childcare), and long-term visitors are applicants who will need to do a medical exam. A physician belonging to the panel of physicians in Canada is required to do the exam.
Key requirements:
- Valid for 12 months
- Applicants aged 5 years and older will require X-ray and blood tests along with urine tests
- Checked out by an IRCC-approved panel physician
Australia
Australia’s immigration medical checks vary depending on the visa subclass and the candidate’s country of origin. The examination essentially checks if the health conditions of the concerned individual might pose a public health risk or an undue burden on the health facilities.
Generally, in Australia:
- Medical examination would apply to anyone intending to stay for a period longer than 6 months
- Chest X-rays apply to applicants older than 11 years
- Extra tests apply if you are applying to work in healthcare, childcare, or education
For example, any applicant going for a student or skilled migration visa may also face some additional health screening requirements according to their personal and occupational profile. In some cases, people over the age of 15 years will also need to produce results of HIV tests.
United Kingdom
In the UK, requirements for an immigration health check are closely related to the length and purpose of the proposed stay. Persons coming to the UK for more than six months from certain countries are required to provide a tuberculosis (TB) clearance certificate before their visa application can proceed.
UK medical exam requirements may include:
- Tuberculosis test for applicants opting to migrate from high-risk countries
- Additional health screening if applying for roles in health or social care
- No routine full-body medical exam unless specifically required by the visa category
Unlike in Canada and Australia, the UK rarely requires a full physical exam or blood tests, with the exceptions being if the applicant’s country of origin or role presents a particular need.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are applying to live, study or work in Canada, Australia, or the UK, the health examinations for immigration are a must and a highly important step. To ensure your process is smooth and your results will be accepted, it is imperative to work with an experienced and approved panel physician.
For a trusted, professional, and authorised provider of immigration medical exams, contact Sadhu Vaswani Mission Medical Centre today and book your appointment.