Applicants in Canada exempt from Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
On October 12, 2022, IRCC implemented a temporary public policy that exempts some applicants who are already in Canada from submitting an immigration medical examination (IME). The announcement was made to help eligible foreign nationals quickly obtain temporary or permanent resident status.
The Minister of Immigration said that simplifying this process will impact approximately 180,000 clients. It will also help clients by saving them time and money on the medical examination process and reducing wait times on their applications.
Table of contents
About the new temporary public policy
The temporary public policy, which will remain in effect until October 6, 2024, applies to foreign nationals who:
- have a new or pending application for permanent or temporary residence or a permanent resident visa, made from within Canada;
- have completed an immigration medical exam within the last 5 years and posed no risk to public health or safety. Or reported to public health authorities for monitoring, as required.
Also, foreign nationals who are accompanying a family member may be eligible under this policy. Of course, they need to meet the criteria listed above. In addition, applicants who qualify for this measure must provide the unique medical identifier number from their previous medical exam when submitting an application.
Please note that applicants who are not eligible under this policy are required to undergo an IME as per usual. IRCC will contact individuals who are not eligible for the exemption to discuss next steps.
What is an Immigration Medical Examination
When you immigrate to Canada, you must have an Immigration Medical Examination (IME). The rationale is to ensure that an applicant is not inadmissible to Canada for health reasons. Panel physicians are a group of IRCC-licensed doctors that conduct these IMEs. Read the following article for more information on medical examination in Canada:
What is an Upfront Immigration Medical Examination
You usually receive an IME letter and then visit a panel physician. However, in certain circumstances, panel physicians may run IMEs without an IME letter. We call such IMEs upfront. Of course, you may read the following article for more information:
Let us help!
If you are facing medical inadmissibility to Canada, fill out the following form. Please book a consultation session with Al Parsai for questions about Immigration Medical Examinations or other matters. Moreover, Al also offers mentorship sessions for licensed practitioners. Alternatively, you may fill out our assessment form.
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