IRCC has extended its temporary public policy that allows certain foreign nationals already in Canada to be exempt from completing a new Immigration Medical Examination (IME) until October 5, 2029. Applicants may qualify for an exemption if they completed an IME within the last five years and were previously assessed as posing a low or no public health/public safety risk. This change could reduce processing steps and costs for eligible applicants applying for permanent or temporary residence
For those who still require a medical exam, IRCC reminds applicants that exams must be completed through an approved panel physician and that family members may also need medical exams, even if they are not accompanying the principal applicant to Canada. Applicants should wait for IRCC instructions before booking an exam (unless specifically permitted otherwise), bring proper identification and relevant medical documentation, and be prepared to cover all associated costs. Failure to comply with medical examination requirements can lead to application delays or refusals.
Key Update: Medical Exam Exemption Extended Until 2029
One of the most significant updates is the extension of the temporary public policy that exempts certain foreign nationals in Canada from the requirement to undergo another immigration medical examination. The exemption has been extended until October 5, 2029.
Applicants may qualify for this exemption if they:
- Are applying for permanent or temporary residence in Canada.
- Completed a previous immigration medical exam within the last five years.
- Received a low-risk or no-risk assessment for public health and public safety during that previous examination.
Eligible applicants should include their previous IME number or unique medical identifier in their new application
Permanent Residence Applicants Should Still Expect Medical Requirements
For most permanent residence applications, a medical examination remains a mandatory part of the process. IRCC also reminds applicants that family members may be required to complete medical exams even if they are not accompanying the principal applicant to Canada.
Medical examinations must be performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician. Applicants cannot use their personal family doctor for this requirement. Final medical admissibility decisions are made by IRCC, not the examining physician.
New and Streamlined Medical Examination Processes
IRCC currently uses two types of immigration medical examinations:
- Standard Medical Exam
- Streamlined Medical Exam
The streamlined process may be used in urgent humanitarian situations or other exceptional circumstances identified by IRCC. Applicants cannot choose which type of exam they receive; IRCC will determine the appropriate process during application processing
Important Application Considerations
Applicants should wait for IRCC instructions before scheduling a medical exam unless otherwise directed by the department. In most permanent residence streams, applicants must complete their medical examination within 30 days of receiving IRCC instructions. Failure to do so could result in delays or refusal of the application.
Applicants are encouraged to bring:
- Valid identification (passport preferred)
- Medical records relating to existing health conditions
- A list of current medications
- Vaccination records, if available
- Any forms issued by IRCC for their medical examination appointment.
Costs Remain the Applicant’s Responsibility
Medical examination fees are not covered by IRCC and must be paid directly by the applicant. Costs may include:
- Panel physician fees
- Laboratory testing
- Radiology services
- Specialist consultations, if required
These fees are generally non-refundable, even if the immigration application is later refused. Certain refugee and asylum claimants may qualify for fee exemptions under separate federal health programs.
Why This Matters
The extension of the medical exam exemption policy offers meaningful flexibility for eligible applicants already in Canada, reducing both costs and administrative burden. At the same time, IRCC continues to emphasize compliance with medical examination requirements as an important element of permanent residence processing. Applicants and employers supporting foreign workers should review eligibility carefully to determine whether exemptions apply and ensure all medical requirements are met within prescribed timelines.