Canada has announced a major change in the rules for those foreigners applying for permanent residence. Foreign nationals who have filled up their Express Entry profile have been asked to submit proof of immigration medical exams (IMEs) upfront. Earlier, they had to wait for instructions from the IRCC to submit the IMEs.
Immigration Medical Exams Made Compulsory
Staring August 21, if a foreigner receives an Invitations to Apply, for Canada PR, they will be required to submit evidence of medial examination, along with that of family members, if required.
Meanwhile, Canada has extended the temporary public policy for immigration medical exams (IMEs) until October 5, 2029. The temporary public policy exempts certain low-risk, in-Canada, foreign nationals from submitting an immigration medical examination (IME) as part of their application when their previous IME has expired.
The test reports from only panel physicians approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be accepted. If a specific panel physician is not available when making an appointment, then an alternate Panel Physician or authorized replacement might be suggested to you by the clinic.
You must pay all fees related to the medical exam when you’re there, including the fee for the doctor or radiologist, any special tests, investigations or treatment needed, any specialists you need to see.
For non Express Entry applications, you will have to submit medical proof later.
After you submit your complete application for permanent residence, IRCC will send you instructions on how to get your medical exam done. This also applies to foreigners who are being sponsored as a spouse, partner or child.
If you completed an IME within 5 years of submitting your new application, include the IME number (or the unique medical identifier number) from your previous IME in your current application.
Reasons you may be exempt
You may be exempt from completing another IME if you meet all of these conditions:
You applied or are applying for either permanent residence or temporary residence
You already live in Canada
You completed your previous IME in the last 5 years
Your previous IME indicated a low risk or no risk to public health or public safety