Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its list of countries and territories whose citizens are required to complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) for temporary residence applications. This revision adds four countries and removes six, taking effect on November 3, 2025.

As a result, applicants who have lived in or traveled to any of the newly added countries for six consecutive months within the past year must complete an IME before applying for temporary residence in Canada, including work, study, or visitor visas. Applicants from the removed countries and regions will no longer be subject to this requirement. Applications submitted before November 3 will not be affected.

1. Updated IME List

According to IRCC, more than 100 countries and territories remain on the IME-required list, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, China, and India.

2. Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?

Temporary residence applicants must undergo an IME if they meet any of the following conditions:

• Plan to stay in Canada for more than six months and have lived in or traveled to a designated country or territory for six consecutive months within the past year;
• Are applying for a Parent or Grandparent Super Visa; or
• Intend to work in an occupation involving public health protection (e.g., healthcare, education, caregiving).

Occupations requiring an IME include, but are not limited to:

• Healthcare professionals and laboratory workers;
• Employees in nursing or geriatric homes;
• Medical students, clinical trainees, and short-term locum physicians;
• Teachers and staff in primary/secondary schools and childcare settings;
• Domestic workers and caregivers for children, seniors, or persons with disabilities;
• Daycare and early childhood center employees;
• Agricultural workers who have lived in or traveled to designated countries for six months or more within the past year.

If you plan to stay in Canada for less than six months and your job does not involve close contact with the public, you are generally not required to complete an IME.

3. IME Process

There are two types of Immigration Medical Exams:

1. Standard IME
2. Streamlined IME

Applicants can review IRCC’s list of panel physicians, select their country or territory, and directly contact a designated physician to schedule the exam.

After submitting an application, IRCC will provide instructions on when and how to complete the IME, including the required type of medical exam.

4. IME Exemption Policy (Valid Until October 5, 2029)

Under the current temporary public policy, applicants may be exempt from completing a new IME if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Currently reside in Canada;
• Are applying for permanent residence or temporary residence;
• Completed an IME within the past five years (for example, for a work or study permit); and
• Their previous IME results indicated little to no risk to public health or safety.

IRCC stated that this policy update aims to strengthen Canada’s health screening process by focusing on risk-based assessment. The department reminds applicants to confirm whether their country or occupation requires an IME before submitting their application to avoid delays in processing.