An embarrassing immigration question...

[Canuckgirl97]

Hi future Canadians,

Next year I want to start my Bachelor's Degree in Canada, because I love this country. As a Swiss citizen, I would not need a visa medical exam for a study permit. However, I do need it for permanent residence. My parents will immigrate to Canada next year, and I can get permanent residence. I love Canada...it's my dream. I now read that I have to complete a medical exam for permanent residency. I REALLY hate it. However, I know that I could somehow overcome this day and move on. But I will not expose my most private things...(you know what I mean) to them, not for a second. I would only do that when I'm sick, out of my own decision. I feel that being forced to do it violates my dignity. I love Canada, but I would rather go back to Switzerland before I ever expose myself to a government doctor just to satisfy Canada immigration.

Please tell me they don't do this.
Do they normally do it and did they do it at your medical exam? Are there any strategies to tell them not to (go to another doctor who doesn't do it)? Could you keep your clothes on?

I'm so desperate, all my dreams seem to be destroyed by that.

Thank you

 

[JoacRy]

I don't know this to be a fact but I presume all Medical Exams for Canadian Immigration must be uniform in order for all doctors to perform the medical examination techniques and for applicants to undergo the medical examination procedures.

Unfortunately if you really want to immigrate to Canada, you will need to find a doctor on the IRCC list and you will have to undergo the medical examination procedures they prescribe. Remember don't blame the doctor who is only carrying out his or her job. I won't lie to you there are aspects of the Medical Examination that encroach on the privacy of an individual but that is the process that every applicant must go through to navigate the Canadian immigration process.

 

[axlh17]

I believe they do check for STDs, which might involve having the client expose their private areas. Would having a female doctor doing the exam make you feel more comfortable?

 

[jideomoba]

Hi future Canadians,

Next year I want to start my Bachelor's Degree in Canada, because I love this country. As a Swiss citizen, I would not need a visa medical exam for a study permit. However, I do need it for permanent residence. My parents will immigrate to Canada next year, and I can get permanent residence. I love Canada...it's my dream. I now read that I have to complete a medical exam for permanent residency. I REALLY hate it. However, I know that I could somehow overcome this day and move on. But I will not expose my most private things...(you know what I mean) to them, not for a second. I would only do that when I'm sick, out of my own decision. I feel that being forced to do it violates my dignity. I love Canada, but I would rather go back to Switzerland before I ever expose myself to a government doctor just to satisfy Canada immigration.

Please tell me they don't do this.
Do they normally do it and did they do it at your medical exam? Are there any strategies to tell them not to (go to another doctor who doesn't do it)? Could you keep your clothes on?

I'm so desperate, all my dreams seem to be destroyed by that.

Thank you

Don't fret. You are mistaken in your assumption. None of what you imagined happens in the medical exam, the doctors /clinics are not government owned. They are just regular clinics that are authorized to perform the immigration medical (probably because they have good facilities and skills). You will have to remove your top for some tests I.e chest X-ray but not bare it all. So, you wont be in your " birth suit" The rest are just tests (blood and urine) and some questions about your medical past. None of the test is invasive.

Other parameters measured are blood pressure and BMI

Just to assure you that you will not even be as "naked" as you would be if you are to wear a swim trunk.

Go ahead and pursue your Canadian dream.

Cheers!

 

[jideomoba]

I believe they do check for STDs, which might involve having the client expose their private areas. Would having a female doctor doing the exam make you feel more comfortable?

Yes they do check for STDs but not by physical examination as you thought. These things would be check using the blood and urine samples you provided.

 

[bellaluna]

Hi future Canadians,

Next year I want to start my Bachelor's Degree in Canada, because I love this country. As a Swiss citizen, I would not need a visa medical exam for a study permit. However, I do need it for permanent residence. My parents will immigrate to Canada next year, and I can get permanent residence. I love Canada...it's my dream. I now read that I have to complete a medical exam for permanent residency. I REALLY hate it. However, I know that I could somehow overcome this day and move on. But I will not expose my most private things...(you know what I mean) to them, not for a second. I would only do that when I'm sick, out of my own decision. I feel that being forced to do it violates my dignity. I love Canada, but I would rather go back to Switzerland before I ever expose myself to a government doctor just to satisfy Canada immigration.

Please tell me they don't do this.
Do they normally do it and did they do it at your medical exam? Are there any strategies to tell them not to (go to another doctor who doesn't do it)? Could you keep your clothes on?

I'm so desperate, all my dreams seem to be destroyed by that.

Thank you

I guess it may depend from clinic to clinic, but I had a robe on for the entire time, and was always given privacy to dress...even the physical inspection took barely a second by the examining physician. If you have a real condition (gymnophobia), you may be able to disclose your reservations and they can accommodate you.

 

[Canuckgirl97]

So in the answers, it looks like it depends. If the doctor would want to do it, can I say no and leave and then go to another doctor (who maybe wouldn't do it)? Or is it only valid the first time?

 

[bellaluna]

You shouldn't be exempted from any tests, but if you're uncomfortable, just say so. Any good physician would try to work with you.
Theoretically, you can take as many medical exams as you want, but I believe the results are linked with your passport number.

 

[rajibsam]

So in the answers, it looks like it depends. If the doctor would want to do it, can I say no and leave and then go to another doctor (who maybe wouldn't do it)? Or is it only valid the first time?

Medical test isn't invasive, so don't worry about it. They will take urine and blood samples, ask question about your medical history (tb, surgery, etc), measure bp and eye test. If they want any further test (which usually isn't include and are based on ones medical condition), they will let you know. But take these test as your regular check up which will only benefit you to identify any issue.

 

[prcand]

yes, it really depends... some doctors would not make you remove your underwear/bottoms. but some take a peak at your thing (and ask you to cough).

So in the answers, it looks like it depends. If the doctor would want to do it, can I say no and leave and then go to another doctor (who maybe wouldn't do it)? Or is it only valid the first time?

 

[Canuckgirl97]

Ok thanks, can anyone tell me the name of a government-approved doctor in Canada or Switzerland/Germany/Austria who does not do it (if you went and your personal experience was that they didn't do it, could you give me the contact details of them?)

 

[canuck_in_uk]

So in the answers, it looks like it depends. If the doctor would want to do it, can I say no and leave and then go to another doctor (who maybe wouldn't do it)? Or is it only valid the first time?

CIC does not require women to undergo invasive gynecological exams to immigrate.

See here for a detailed explanation of the medical exam http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/dmp-handbook/.

 

[bellaluna]

(and ask you to cough).

Hernias are more common for guys. I don't think Canuck Girl will have to do this.

 

[newcecapplicant]

CanuckGurl - I remember having to do a medical exam and the doctor did take a look at my privates. Since this was the first time for me, I remember it very clearly - and it took no more than a split second.
He left, and I was like... its done?
Doc says, Yes, you may get dressed. So a couple of weeks later I get the result and I'm all clear

 

[Canuckgirl97]

I will go and do it as far as I can personally accept it. A"split second", as one of you said, is not acceptable for me. It's not only about the duration, it's about justification and I don't see how it's 100% justified to do that simply for immigration. We're not aliens, we have the same body as Canadians. So why do it.

I know that if you want to come to my country or generally Europe, you wouldn't even need a medical exam. But thank you anyway for your answers!