Is DOT for active TB really needed for Study Permit?

[abcdefghijk]

Hello, I'm an international student planning to come to Canada in Sep 2025. I had my medical exam in June 2025 and there were abnormalities in my chest X-ray. The panel physician asked me to do a sputum test, which came out positive. She said that I have active TB and told me that I have to undergo medication for 6 months using the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), which is where I take the TB medication in front of a medical officer every morning before breakfast, and they will fill out an attendance book to show to IRCC that I took my medication daily. She told me that it had to be carried out in that exact hospital where I did my medical exam with the panel physician. My problem is that the hospital is very far away from my house and it is simply not possible for me to go there every morning to complete this DOT. I would like to ask, is it possible for me to take this DOT in a different hospital that is not part of the appointed hospital by IRCC for medical exams? One that is closer to my home. I will still do my sputum tests and chest x-rays mid-medication in the appointed hospital, just not the DOT there. If this is possible and suppose I completed my medication, what proof does IRCC need to ensure that I am free from TB and get my study permit approved? Because I've heard news that those who undergo DOT not in the appointed hospital will have the IRCC telling them to do sputum tests and chest x-rays several times, like in the 3rd month and 6th month after they completed their TB treatment to get their permits approved. I have deferred my admissions offer for a year and I hope I don't have to defer it any longer. Thank you.

 

[canuck78]

Hello, I'm an international student planning to come to Canada in Sep 2025. I had my medical exam in June 2025 and there were abnormalities in my chest X-ray. The panel physician asked me to do a sputum test, which came out positive. She said that I have active TB and told me that I have to undergo medication for 6 months using the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), which is where I take the TB medication in front of a medical officer every morning before breakfast, and they will fill out an attendance book to show to IRCC that I took my medication daily. She told me that it had to be carried out in that exact hospital where I did my medical exam with the panel physician. My problem is that the hospital is very far away from my house and it is simply not possible for me to go there every morning to complete this DOT. I would like to ask, is it possible for me to take this DOT in a different hospital that is not part of the appointed hospital by IRCC for medical exams? One that is closer to my home. I will still do my sputum tests and chest x-rays mid-medication in the appointed hospital, just not the DOT there. If this is possible and suppose I completed my medication, what proof does IRCC need to ensure that I am free from TB and get my study permit approved? Because I've heard news that those who undergo DOT not in the appointed hospital will have the IRCC telling them to do sputum tests and chest x-rays several times, like in the 3rd month and 6th month after they completed their TB treatment to get their permits approved. I have deferred my admissions offer for a year and I hope I don't have to defer it any longer. Thank you.

Yes you can do treatment elsewhere. You will have to repeat chest X-ray and sputum culture after treatment to ensure TB has been cured. If there are still concerns you can be asked to do further testing.

 

[abcdefghijk]

Yes you can do treatment elsewhere. You will have to repeat chest X-ray and sputum culture after treatment to ensure TB has been cured. If there are still concerns you can be asked to do further testing.

Hello, thank you for your reply. When does this repetition of chest X-ray and sputum culture usually happen? Is it directly after the 6-month treatment or 3 months after I finished my treatment? Also, is the DOT really necessary? Does the IRCC really need it? Is there a standard for what information should be included in the attendance book for the DOT?

 

[canuck78]

Hello, thank you for your reply. When does this repetition of chest X-ray and sputum culture usually happen? Is it directly after the 6-month treatment or 3 months after I finished my treatment? Also, is the DOT really necessary? Does the IRCC really need it? Is there a standard for what information should be included in the attendance book for the DOT?

Will happen after the 6 month treatment. In terms of DOT not sure. Given that it is not available in all countries I don’t think so but would clarify with IRCC.