Panel Doctors - nearest location in SA is 7 hours away and difficult to get to

[Beaup]

Hi there -

We have received AIP for an inland Spousal PR ... and despite having submitted a letter of declaration forfeiting rights for non-accompanying children, have been told they reauire medicals. So we are getting them - it is being handled through Pretoria as the two boys live in SA. The challenge is ... The list of Panel Doctors is limited and they live in a small town - to get to Cape Town would require two flights or a minimum 7 hour drive.

Is there any point in asking for a more local doctor to do the medicals? Has anyone experienced this?

Many thanks to this forum for their support -

 

[scylla]

Unfortunately there's no point. You have to use a panel doctor.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Unfortunately there's no point. You have to use a panel doctor.

Actually if they can demonstrate exceptional circumstances to the VO, then the medical can be performed by a non panel physician. From OP 15

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may not be in a position to access a Panel Physician. CIC may temporarily authorize a non-Panel Physician to perform an immigration medical examination. Requests must be submitted to NHQ-Medical-Dispensation@cic.gc.ca by the CIC Call Centre if the applicant is in Canada or by the visa officer if the applicant is outside Canada.

 

[Beaup]

Hi PMM and thank you for your expertise - i am so grateful.

By any chance do you know if 'distance' has been accepted as a special circumstance before? The two individuals requiring medicals are non-accompanying dependents and I don't think that it is fair to expect them to travel alone for 7 hours in South Africa - nor would I expect my husband's ex-wife to take them. It would involve time off work, off school etc.

I welcome your thoughts - the last thing I want to do is delay things further as we are nearing the two year mark since applying.

Many thanks!