Medical checks are an important part of Canada’s immigration system. They protect public health and help ensure that newcomers entering the country are healthy and safe. In November 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduced changes to the list of countries that require an Immigration Medical Exam for temporary residence applications.

This update has added four regions to the list and removed six. The change matters because it affects people planning to travel, study, work, or stay in Canada for an extended period. If you have visited or lived in certain countries for six consecutive months before coming to Canada, your application may now require an Immigration Medical Exam. This blog explains what has changed, who is affected, and how to prepare.

What Changed in the Immigration Medical Exam List

The update took effect on November 3, 2025. Anyone who submits an application on or after this date will be subject to the revised rules. Applications already submitted before the effective date will not be affected.

Countries Added

Applicants from these regions must now complete an Immigration Medical Exam:

Countries Removed

Applicants from these regions are no longer required to complete an IME:

The list already includes many other countries where a medical exam is mandatory, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Brazil, and several others.

Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam

You must complete an Immigration Medical Exam if any of the following apply to you:

• You plan to stay in Canada for more than six months, and you have lived in or traveled to specific countries for six continuous months within the year before arriving
• You are applying for a parent or grandparent super visa
• You intend to work in a field where protecting public health is essential

Examples of Jobs Where an IME Is Required

• Health care workers
• Laboratory and clinical staff
• Nursing home and elder care staff
• Child care workers, including day nursery roles
• In-home caregivers
• Teachers in primary or secondary schools
• Agricultural workers who have lived in select countries

If you are staying in Canada for less than six months and your role does not involve direct contact with vulnerable populations, you may not require an IME.

How to Complete the Immigration Medical Exam

There are two types of medical assessments:
• Standard medical exam
• Streamlined medical exam

IRCC will send clear instructions once you submit your application. You will then select a panel physician from the approved list on the government website. Appointments are booked directly with the clinic.

Possible Exemption

You may be exempt from completing a new IME if:
• You currently live in Canada
• You applied for temporary or permanent residence
• You completed an IME within the last five years
• Your previous IME results showed no public health risk

This exemption is valid under a temporary policy until October 2029.

Immigration Medical Exam Requirements Moving Forward

These updates to the Immigration Medical Exam requirements are designed to maintain strong public health standards while making sure that Canada continues to be a safe and welcoming place for newcomers. If you are planning to apply for a work permit, study permit, visitor visa, or super visa, it is important to check whether your travel history requires an IME. Preparing early can help avoid processing delays and support a smooth transition into Canada. To seek guidance and immigration assistance, reach out to experts at ImmigCanada!