• by MyWorld Immigration

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

By Harminder Singh Saini, RCIC–IRB | MyWorld Immigration Services Ltd.
Published: November 2025

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the list of countries whose residents or citizens are required to complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) when applying for temporary residence. These changes take effect November 3, 2025 and apply to anyone who has lived in or traveled to certain countries for six consecutive months in the year preceding their arrival in Canada.

These updates are particularly relevant for individuals planning to come to Canada for work, study, or family visits, as they affect whether a medical examination is required for temporary residence applications.

What Has Changed?

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

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

Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?

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

1. Planning to 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 or in-home caregivers for children, elderly, or disabled persons
• Daycare employees
• Agricultural workers who meet the six-month travel/residency criteria

Note: 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. Once the application is submitted, IRCC provides detailed instructions, including which type of exam is required.

Exemptions

Under current policy (effective 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

Expert Advice from Harminder Singh Saini, RCIC–IRB

Staying informed about IME requirements is essential for a smooth and successful temporary residence application. Completing the IME correctly ensures that your plans to travel, work, or study in Canada proceed without delays or complications.

At MyWorld Immigration Services Ltd., we provide step-by-step guidance on medical exam requirements, temporary residence applications, and all IRCC procedures to make your immigration process efficient and stress-free.

Contact MyWorld Immigration Services Ltd.

Harminder Singh Saini, RCIC–IRB — Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant
Email: info@myworldimmigration.com
Website: www.myworldimmigration.com
WhatsApp: +1-672-399-0000
Instagram: @myworldimmigration

MyWorld Immigration Services Ltd. — Expert guidance for all IRCC requirements, including Immigration Medical Exams, to make your temporary residence journey in Canada smooth and hassle-free.