All you need to know about the immigration medical exam for Refugees and IFHP coverage. A detailed guide by IME Ontario located in Hamilton
When it comes to seeking asylum in Canada, refugees must undergo an immigration medical exam as part of the application process. This exam is conducted to assess the refugee’s health status and ensure that they do not pose a risk to public health or safety. The exam is a crucial step in the process of seeking asylum, and it is essential that refugees understand what it involves. All refugees are welcome to visit Dr. Ohonbamu at Wellington Medical Clinic or Truwell (Lily) Medical Clinic for their mandatory immigration medical exams.
What does IFHP stand for, and does it cover all fees for the Canadian immigration medical exam?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a government-funded program that provides health coverage to refugees, protected persons, and other individuals who are not yet eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. The program covers the cost of the immigration medical exam, which includes a physical examination and a series of tests to assess the refugees’ health status.. You can find more information on the official IRCC website.
Is the immigration medical exam necessary for all refugees?
The immigration medical exam is mandatory for all refugees who are applying for asylum in Canada, regardless of their country of origin. The exam is designed to identify any health conditions that could affect the refugee’s ability to settle in Canada, such as infectious diseases or mental health issues. To book your appointment, please click here. For any additional information, feel free to contact IME Ontraio.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the immigration medical exam, refugees must have been referred by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Refugees will receive a confirmation letter from the IRCC. Check your eligibility here.
The medical exam usually takes place in the refugee’s country of origin, but in some cases, refugees may be required to undergo the exam in Canada. The exam is conducted by a panel physician who is registered by the IRCC to perform immigration medical exams.
Is IME for refugees different for standard IME, and what does it include?
The immigration medical exam (IME) for refugees is slightly different from the standard IME. The standard IME is conducted for individuals who are seeking to immigrate to Canada, while the IME for refugees is conducted for individuals who are seeking asylum in Canada.
The main difference between the two exams is that the IME for refugees may include additional assessments to identify any health conditions that may have resulted from the refugee’s experiences in their home country or during their journey to Canada. Refugees often have experienced traumatic events or may have been exposed to infectious diseases that are not commonly found in Canada, and the IME for refugees takes these factors into consideration.
he IME for refugees includes a more comprehensive assessment of mental health, as refugees may have experienced significant trauma and may suffer from mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
In addition to the standard components of the IME, such as a physical examination, chest x-ray, and blood and urine tests, the IME for refugees may also include additional tests or assessments to identify any conditions that may require treatment. For example, refugees may be tested for infectious diseases that are prevalent in their home country but not commonly found in Canada.
It is important to note that the IME for refugees is fully covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides health coverage to refugees, protected persons, and other individuals who are not yet eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance.
When should you book your immigration medical exam?
Typically, refugees will be referred for the IME by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after they have submitted their application for asylum in Canada. The IRCC will notify the refugee when to book the exam with a registered panel physician.
It is important to note that refugees should not schedule the IME until they have received instructions from the IRCC to do so. In some cases, refugees may be instructed to undergo the IME before submitting their asylum application, while in other cases, they may be instructed to wait until after their application has been submitted.
Refugees should also be aware that the IME must be completed within a certain timeframe.. The exact time frame may vary depending on the circumstances of the individual case, but generally, refugees are required to complete the IME within 30 days of being referred by the IRCC.
It is important for refugees to schedule their IME as soon as possible after receiving instructions from the IRCC, as delays in scheduling or completing the exam may cause delays in the processing of their asylum application.
What happens after the immigration medical exam at IME Ontario?
Once the immigration medical exam is completed, Dr. Victor Ohonbamu will send the results directly to IRCC. The IRCC will use the results to assess the refugee’s health status and determine if they are admissible to Canada.
Dr. Victor is an IRCC registered panel physician available for immigration medical exams in Hamilton, Ontario
Dr. Victor is an experienced panel physician registered with IRCC to conduct immigration medical exams (IME). As an IRCC registered panel physician, Dr. Victor is knowledgeable and capable of conducting IMEs.
Dr. Victor is located in Hamilton, Ontario, at Wellington Medical Clinic & Truwell (Lily) Medical Clinic. He is available to conduct IMEs for refugees in Canada. He understands that the IME process can be daunting and confusing for many applicants, and he strives to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
During the IME, Dr. Victor will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination, order any necessary laboratory tests and chest x-rays, and provide guidance on any additional tests that may be required based on the individual’s medical history and physical examination. He will also ensure that all necessary forms and documentation are completed and submitted to IRCC promptly and efficiently. For additional information on your immigration medical exam process, please check our blog article.
Ready to book your IME?
If you have migrated to Canada with a refugee status and require an Immigration Medical Exam and are in the Hamilton, Ontario, area, consider booking your appointment with Dr. Victor’s at Wellington Medical Clinic or Truwell (Lily) Medical Clinic.
With his experience and dedication to his patients, you can get your IME conducted with the utmost professionalism and care.