Streamlined Immigration Medical Examination Requirements Extended for Eligible Applicants

Ottawa, October 4, 2024 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a temporary public policy that allows certain low-risk, in-Canada foreign nationals to bypass additional immigration medical examinations (IMEs) as part of their applications. This extension aims to expedite processing times while maintaining Canada’s health and safety standards.

Background

Due to an increasing number of immigration applications, IRCC has implemented various measures to speed up processing and reduce backlogs. One such area identified for efficiency is the Immigration Medical Examination process. By waiving the requirement for an additional IME for certain low-risk applicants, IRCC can reduce the workload without compromising public health or the integrity of the immigration system.

Foreign nationals residing in Canada or those who have spent significant time in the country and have undergone an IME, including a physical exam, within the past five years, may be exempt from undergoing a new IME when submitting an application from within Canada. This policy applies to applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Public Policy Considerations

IRCC remains committed to its ambitious immigration goals and to maintaining a competitive environment for both permanent and temporary residents. This extension of the public policy is part of a broader effort to improve processing times, reduce application inventories, and prevent future backlogs. These measures are designed to instill confidence in Canada’s immigration system while addressing critical labor market shortages.

This streamlined IME process is one of several initiatives aimed at facilitating efficient processing, reducing client touchpoints, and improving the overall immigration experience. It builds on previous policies to expedite applications for certain in-Canada students and workers.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible foreign nationals must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant resides in Canada and has made an application under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
• The applicant has completed an IME, including a physical examination, within the last five years.
  • If the application is submitted after the policy takes effect, the IME must have been completed within five years before the new application submission date.
  • If the application was submitted before the policy took effect, the IME must have been completed within five years before the policy’s effective date.
• The IME results must show:
  • M1: No health risk to public safety.
  • M3: No excessive demand on health services, unless specified otherwise.
  • M2 or M2/3: Potential risk, but the applicant has complied with medical surveillance requirements.

Additionally, family members accompanying the principal applicant for permanent residence must also meet these conditions to be exempt.

Exemptions

The policy allows IRCC officers to waive the IME requirement under certain sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations, including:

• Paragraph 16(2)(b) of the IRPA, which requires foreign nationals to undergo a medical exam.
• Specific requirements under the Regulations related to holding a valid medical certificate within the last 12 months.

Timeline

The policy, which came into effect on October 5, 2022, will remain active until October 5, 2029, but may be revoked at any time without notice. Any applications submitted during this period will be processed under this temporary policy.

Impact and Future Assessment

In its first two years, the policy benefited over 286,000 clients. Extending it to 2029 will allow further assessment of its operational outcomes, while IRCC continues to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor health risks.

Applicants who do not qualify for the exemption will need to undergo a standard IME, and IRCC will provide further instructions for these individuals.

This extension supports IRCC’s ongoing efforts to streamline immigration processes, provide faster services, and address Canada’s labor market needs while maintaining public health standards.