Temporary public policy to exempt certain foreign nationals from the immigration medical examination requirement

Date Announced:

October 5, 2022

Active Period:

Until October 6, 2024

Overview:

In response to steady and growing inventories of immigration applications across various lines of business, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is undertaking a broad suite of activities designed to expedite processing and shrink inventories. This will improve service for clients and help Canada maximize the labour market and economic benefits offered through a robust immigration system.

In support of this suite of activities, the Immigration Medical Examination process has been identified as an area where operational efficiencies can also be gained through temporary measures without introducing significant public health or program integrity risks. This may be particularly true for foreign nationals residing in Canada or who have spent a significant period of time recently in Canada who have been assessed as low risk to public health via a previous Immigration Medical Examination, that included a physical exam, within the past five years. Certain clients may be eligible for an exemption from the Immigration Medical Examination requirement when making an application from within Canada. This exemption would apply where the foreign national meets the conditions below.

Departments and Agencies:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Type of Administrative Action:

  • Guidelines and rule changes

    • Immigration Category:

    Temporary residents

    Keywords:

    IME, immigration medical exam, in-Canada foreign nationals

    Source Document(s):

    https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/exempt-ime-2022.html

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