IRCC has updated its instructions on the immigration medical exam exemption available to certain foreign nationals already living in Canada. The clarification confirms that physical presence in Canada remains an important eligibility condition under the temporary public policy.
The temporary public policy allows eligible in-Canada applicants to avoid completing another Immigration Medical Examination (IME) when they have completed a qualifying medical examination within the previous five years. The measure has been extended until October 5, 2029.
What Changed in the IRCC Medical Exam Instructions?
On September 22, 2026, IRCC updated its operational instructions concerning the temporary public policy that exempts certain foreign nationals in Canada from another IME.
The clarification is particularly relevant to applicants whose immigration application is being processed from inside Canada.
Under the updated guidance, eligible applicants who already completed an IME within the five years before submitting their new application can provide the relevant IME number or Unique Medical Identifier (UMI) instead of completing another examination.
This does not mean that every applicant in Canada is automatically exempt.
The exemption depends on specific conditions.
Who Can Qualify for the Immigration Medical Exam Exemption?
IRCC states that an applicant may qualify if all applicable conditions are met.
These include:
- The person has applied, or is applying, for permanent residence or temporary residence.
- The person already lives in Canada.
- The person completed their previous IME within the last five years.
- The previous IME indicated a low risk or no risk to public health or public safety.
Applicants who meet the requirements can provide information from their previous medical examination rather than automatically completing a new one.
The public policy also covers certain accompanying family members in Canada when the applicable conditions are satisfied.
Physical Presence in Canada Matters
One of the most important points for applicants is that the policy is designed for eligible foreign nationals who are already in Canada.
IRCC’s public policy specifies physical presence in Canada as part of the eligibility conditions for the applicable exemption.
This means applicants should not assume that having previously completed a Canadian immigration medical examination is enough to qualify.
For someone who has left Canada and is applying from outside the country, the in-Canada exemption should not simply be applied based on the age of their previous medical examination.
What Happens If An Applicant is Not Eligible?
Applicants who do not meet the temporary public policy conditions must follow the normal medical examination requirements applicable to their immigration application.
IRCC states that applicants who are not eligible for the exemption are required to undergo an IME under the usual health-screening procedures.
Depending on the application, IRCC may provide medical instructions after reviewing the application, or applicants may be able to complete an upfront medical examination where permitted.
A medical examination must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician. An applicant’s regular doctor cannot perform the immigration medical examination.
How Long Will the Medical Exam Exemption Remain Available?
The temporary public policy was originally introduced in 2022 and has been extended until October 5, 2029.
IRCC says the measure may be revoked at any time without prior notice.
Therefore, applicants should always check the current IRCC instructions when preparing an application rather than relying on older information.
What Should Express Entry Applicants Know?
The updated instructions are relevant to applications covered by IRCC’s medical examination procedures, including permanent residence applications processed through programs such as Express Entry.
However, an applicant should not assume that having an old IME automatically removes the medical requirement.
The relevant questions include:
- Are you physically in Canada?
- When was your previous IME completed?
- Does IRCC have a record of that examination?
- Did the examination meet the applicable public-health assessment requirements?
- Does your current application fall within the scope of the public policy?
Applicants should provide the previous IME or UMI number when the exemption applies.
Does This Change Canada’s Medical Admissibility Rules?
No.
The temporary policy is designed to exempt qualifying applicants from repeating an immigration medical examination under specified circumstances. It does not remove Canada’s broader medical admissibility framework.
The policy was introduced as an operational measure intended to reduce unnecessary repeat examinations for eligible applicants who had already undergone recent medical screening.
Applicants who do not qualify continue to be subject to the applicable medical examination requirements.
What Should Applicants Do Before Submitting An Application?
Anyone applying for Permanent Residence or temporary residence from inside Canada should check their previous medical examination records before submitting the application.
If an applicant qualifies for the exemption, having the correct IME or UMI number available can help ensure that the previous examination is properly identified.
Applicants should also avoid assuming that a medical exam completed more than five years ago will qualify.
For people preparing an Express Entry or other immigration application, ImmigCanada immigration consulting services can help review application requirements with a Certified Canadian immigration consultant Eivy Joy Quito.
FAQs About the Immigration Medical Exam Exemption
Certain foreign nationals who are already living in Canada and have completed a qualifying IME within the previous five years may be exempt from another examination. They must meet all applicable conditions under the temporary public policy.
The temporary public policy is currently scheduled to remain in effect until October 5, 2029. IRCC states that it may be revoked earlier without prior notice.
The policy applies to eligible foreign nationals who are physically in Canada. Applicants outside Canada should follow the standard medical examination instructions applicable to their application.
If eligible, the applicant can provide the IME number or Unique Medical Identifier from their previous medical examination.
No. Applicants must meet all applicable conditions. The previous IME must also have the required public-health assessment.
Yes. IRCC states that the policy can apply to eligible applicants for temporary residence as well as permanent residence.
No. It provides an exemption from repeating an IME for qualifying applicants. It does not eliminate Canada’s broader medical admissibility requirements.