Removing limitations on a work permit because of a missing medical exam
Sometimes you need to go through a medical exam because of the nature of the job you will be doing in Canada. Of course, the officers won’t issue work permits of this nature without a medical exam. However, if you already have your work permit and the medical exam is missing, you must ask IRCC to remove the conditions. Otherwise, you won’t be able to take those jobs. This article focuses on removing limitations on a work permit because of a missing medical exam. Nonetheless, it does not address other constraints. For example, you may not change your employer by removing this limitation.
- Occupations requiring a medical exam
- Removing the medical exam conditions from a work permit
- Let us help!
Occupations that require medical exams
Paragraph 30(1)(a)(ii) of the Immigration Regulations imposes limitations on foreign workers. According to this paragraph, foreign nationals, who work in an occupation in which the protection of public health is essential, require a medical examination. However, it falls short to list those occupations. Here is a list of those occupations:
- workers in health care settings;
- clinical laboratory workers;
- patient attendants in nursing and geriatric homes;
- medical students admitted to Canada to attend university;
- medical electives and physicians on short-term locums;
- workers in primary and secondary school settings and workers in child-care settings;
- domestics;
- workers who give in-home care to children, the elderly and the disabled; and
- daycare employees.
I took this list from the IRCC guidelines for immigration officers. Nonetheless, the list is subject to change.
Removing limitations because of missing a medical exam
You may remove the restrictions. However, the way you handle this issue depends on whether you have already received your work permit or not.
Workers who have received their approval but have not entered Canada yet
If you have received your work permit approval letter, but have not entered Canada yet, take the following steps:
- Refer to a panel physician and get an upfront medical exam.
- Bring your work permit approval letter and the proof of the upfront medical exam to the port of entry.
- A border officer will review the documents and will issue the work permit without limitations.
Of course, beware of medical problems that could cause inadmissibility. Also, stay away from misrepresentation. Keep in mind; the final say is by the border officer.
Workers who are already inside Canada with a valid work permit that has limitations due to a missing medical exam
In this situation, you must apply for a new work permit. However, the process is relatively less complex. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Refer to a panel physician and get an upfront medical exam.
- Fill out the IMM 5710 form, but fill out the details of the work based on the following picture:
- Submit a complete work permit application online with all the required documents.
I add a cover letter for my clients and explain the rationale.
Let us help with the work permit and medical exam issues!
If you are facing limitations on your work permit and intend to remove them, contact us. Of course, the restrictions could be due to a missing medical exam or other issues. Nonetheless, you may fill out our assessment form or book a consultation session.
If you wish to visit or move to Canada, please fill out our free assessment form. We will review it for free, but we will contact you only if we find an opportunity for you. Alternatively, you may book a consultation session. Consultation sessions are not free, but you will receive formal advice from a licenced practitioner.
Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
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