Canada Updates IME Rules for Temporary Residents – Nov 2025

Canada Updates Immigration Medical Exam Requirements for Temporary Residents: New Countries Added and Removed

If you’re planning to come to Canada on a temporary basis—whether to work, study, or visit—you’ll want to stay up to date with the latest requirements. As of November 3, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is revising its list of countries and territories whose citizens must undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before entering Canada temporarily.

This change could affect your application if you’ve lived in or travelled to any of the updated countries for six consecutive months in the year before your planned arrival. But don’t worry—we’re here to break it all down for you in a friendly, easy-to-follow way.

Key Highlights

• Four new countries are added to IRCC’s IME-required list: Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
• Six countries are removed from the list and no longer require an IME: Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Latvia, Lithuania, and Taiwan.
• Changes take effect November 3, 2025. Applications submitted before this date are not affected.
• You need an IME if you plan to stay in Canada for over six months and have lived in or travelled to listed countries.
• Certain occupations, like healthcare and childcare, require an IME regardless of travel history.
• Exemptions may apply if you’ve completed an IME in the past five years under specific conditions.

What’s Changing with Canada’s IME Requirements?

IRCC regularly updates the list of countries that require an Immigration Medical Exam for temporary resident applicants. This is part of Canada’s effort to protect public health while balancing efficient immigration processes.

Effective November 3, 2025, here’s what’s changing:

If you’re from one of the four added countries, you’ll now be required to complete an IME before being approved for temporary residence in Canada. If you’re from one of the six removed countries, that requirement no longer applies—good news!

Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?

Not every temporary resident applicant needs an IME, but here’s when it’s required:

• You’re staying in Canada for six months or longer and have lived in or travelled to a listed country for at least six consecutive months in the past year.
• You’re applying for a Parent or Grandparent Super Visa.
• You plan to work in an occupation that requires public health protection, such as healthcare or education.

Even if you’re only planning a short stay in Canada, if your job puts you in direct contact with vulnerable populations, you’ll still need an IME. These jobs include:

• Healthcare professionals and clinical lab workers
• Medical students or short-term locum physicians
• Attendants in nursing or geriatric homes
• Primary and secondary school workers
• Childcare providers and day nursery workers
• In-home caregivers for seniors, children, or people with disabilities
• Agricultural workers from high-risk countries

If you don’t fall into these categories and your stay in Canada is short-term (less than six months), you likely won’t need an IME.

Planning Ahead: Timing and Application Considerations

This update officially applies to applications submitted on or after November 3, 2025. So if you’re planning to apply before that date, the current rules still apply. After that point, your eligibility will be based on the newly updated list.

And remember—this rule doesn’t just apply to your citizenship. It also matters where you’ve lived or travelled to for six or more consecutive months within the year before coming to Canada. Keep that in mind as you review your travel history.

How to Complete an Immigration Medical Exam

There are two types of IMEs in Canada:

• Standard Medical Exam: The traditional, full medical assessment.
• Streamlined Medical Exam: A simplified version for certain applicants and situations.

Once you submit your application, IRCC will send instructions about when and how to complete your exam. You’ll need to select a panel physician—only doctors authorized by IRCC can perform these exams. You can find the list of panel physicians organized by country or territory on the IRCC website.

It’s important to book your appointment only after you receive instructions from IRCC, as your medical results must be linked correctly to your application.

Exemptions from IME Requirements

Under a temporary public policy that remains in effect until October 5, 2029, some applicants may be exempt from completing a new IME. You may qualify for an exemption if:

• You currently live in Canada
• You’re applying for either permanent residence or temporary residence
• You’ve already completed an IME within the last five years
• Your previous medical results showed no significant public health or safety risk

If you meet all these criteria, you might not need to undergo a new IME—saving you both time and money. But make sure to verify with IRCC based on your specific case.

Why IMEs Matter for Temporary Residents

Immigration Medical Exams aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re a key part of Canada’s strategy for protecting public health and ensuring the safety of both newcomers and the communities they join. By screening for infectious diseases and other health concerns, IMEs help maintain high public health standards across the country.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to come to Canada as a temporary resident, it’s a smart idea to check whether your country now falls under the IME requirement. Staying informed can help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth application process.

And if you’re going through a provincial immigration stream like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), knowing whether an IME is needed can help you plan your timeline more effectively.

Need help navigating the immigration process? Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter and check out our other helpful guides on immigration requirements, pathways, and tips for success.

Check out our full library of immigration resources or contact us for more personalized support.