Medical Exam Confusion

[faysterne]

I just found out that the requirements for the medical exam have changed (actually they changed a while ago) and now the applicant needs to see a Panel Physician instead of just filling out the old IMM 1017 form. However, I've been reading different threads and it sounds like some people are sending in their applications first and then sending the medical exam results later. Is this possible? Is it a good or bad idea?

The thing is that we are in Mexico and the closest Panel Physician is a 3-hour flight away from us. However, we are going on a trip in October to Mazatlan, which will bring us much closer to Mexico City (which is where the closest Panel Physician is), but I really don't want to wait another couple months before sending in our application. Any thoughts?

 

[zardoz]

This is what it says in the guide.

Medical requirements

To become permanent residents, you and all your dependent children must complete a medical examination.

If your dependent child is a minor of whom you have joint or sole custody, that child is considered a dependant. The child will have to undergo a medical examination even if he lives with the other parent and will not be joining you in Canada.

Important information.Members of your family who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents do not need to pass a medical examination.

Medical instructions

You must undergo an upfront medical examination by contacting a Panel Physician.

Note: When medical results are submitted up-front, routine cases benefit from faster processing since we do not have to request them at a later date. If you choose to have an upfront medical exam, you must submit proof that you completed the medical examination with your application. Failure to do so may result in processing delays.

It's also item 15 of your country specific checklist...

 

[ksimental]

My husband is in Mazatlan. He went to Monterrey for his medical because it's closer than Mexico City. The medical has to be done before sending in your application.
The only thing you don't have to include with your application is the PGR. They will request it when your file gets to Mexico City.

 

[faysterne]

Thanks so much for your answers. Just one more questions: what's a PGR?

 

[ksimental]

Procuraduria General de la Republica.
It's the federal criminal background check. It's like the RCMP here or FBI in the U.S.