• by Career Wings

Immigration Expert Explains: Canada Updates Immigration Medical Exam Requirements for Temporary Residents

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the list of countries whose citizens or residents must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) when applying for temporary residence in Canada. This update comes into effect November 3, 2025, and impacts anyone who has lived in or traveled to certain countries for six consecutive months in the year before their arrival.

These changes are important for individuals planning to come to Canada for work, study, or family visits, as it affects the medical requirements for their temporary residence application.

What Has Changed?

IRCC has added four countries to the IME requirement and removed six.

Important: Applications submitted before November 3, 2025 will not be affected.

Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?

Temporary residents must complete an IME if any of the following apply:

1. Stay in Canada longer than six months and have lived in or traveled to IME-required countries for six consecutive months in the previous year.
2. Applying for a Parent or Grandparent Super Visa.
3. Planning to work in a public health-sensitive occupation, regardless of travel history.

Jobs that Require an IME

• Healthcare professionals, lab workers, and clinical staff
• Patient attendants in nursing or geriatric homes
• Medical students, locum physicians, or short-term medical workers
• School staff or childcare workers
• Domestic workers, in-home caregivers for children, elderly, or disabled persons
• Daycare employees
• Agricultural workers who meet the six-month travel/residency criteria

If your stay is less than six months and you will not work in a public-facing role, an IME is generally not required.

Types of Immigration Medical Exams

There are two types of IMEs:

1. Standard Medical Exam
2. Streamlined Medical Exam

Applicants must select an IRCC-approved panel physician in their country of residence to schedule their IME. Once your application is submitted, IRCC provides detailed instructions on booking your appointment, including which type of IME is required.

Exemptions

Under the current temporary public policy (until October 5, 2029), some applicants may be exempt from an IME if they:

• Are applying or have applied for permanent or temporary residence
• Currently reside in Canada
• Completed an IME in the last five years (for work or study permits)
• Previously posed little to no risk to public health or safety

Final Advice from Poonam Thakur, RCIC-IRB

Staying updated with IME requirements is essential for smooth and successful temporary residence applications. Completing the IME correctly prevents delays or refusals and ensures your travel and work plans in Canada proceed without complications.

At Career Wings Immigration, we provide step-by-step guidance on medical exam requirements, temporary residence applications, and all IRCC processes to make your journey to Canada stress-free and successful.

Contact Career Wings Immigration

Career Wings Immigration Consulting Inc.
👩‍💼 Poonam Thakur, RCIC-IRB — Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant
📧 info@careerwingsimmigration.com
🌐 www.careerwingsimmigration.com
📞 +1-778-881-6000
📍 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
📸 Instagram: @careerwingsimmigration

Let Career Wings Immigration guide you through all IRCC requirements, including Immigration Medical Exams, to make your temporary residence journey smooth and hassle-free.