IRCC Revises Medical Exam Rules for Temporary Residents: Here’s What Applicants Should Know

Travelers and workers planning to come to Canada should take note of new medical screening requirements. IRCC updates the list of countries requiring medical examinations for temporary residence applications, effective November 3, 2025. The changes made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reflect the government’s goal of aligning immigration health policies with current global health data.

Four countries – Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela- now fall under the mandatory Immigration Medical Exam (IME) list, while six others have been removed. These updates are part of IRCC’s ongoing effort to ensure public health safety while keeping immigration efficient and transparent.

Key Changes to the Medical Exam List

The most significant change involves adjusting which countries require an IME for applicants staying in Canada for more than six months. The latest list is based on health risk assessments done in coordination with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Here’s a summary of what’s new:

Applicants who have lived in or traveled to any of the newly added countries for six consecutive months in the past year must complete a medical exam before receiving temporary status in Canada.

Who Must Complete a Medical Exam?

IRCC’s medical exam policy applies to specific groups, regardless of nationality, if they meet certain criteria. You must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) if:

• You plan to stay in Canada longer than six months and have lived or traveled in a listed country.
• You are applying for a Parent or Grandparent Super Visa.
• You will work in a healthcare, childcare, or other public health-sensitive occupation.

Even if your country has been removed from the list, applicants in health-related jobs must still undergo medical screening. This ensures that Canada protects both residents and visitors from potential public health risks.

What Applicants Should Expect

Medical exams must be completed with a panel physician approved by IRCC, either in your home country or in Canada. The exam typically includes:

• A review of your medical history.
• A physical examination.
• Blood and urine tests (for applicants aged 15 or older).
• Chest X-rays (if required).

Processing times can vary, but completing the exam early helps avoid application delays. IRCC also confirmed that applications submitted before November 3, 2025, will not be affected by the new requirements.

Why IRCC Made These Changes

These updates aim to ensure that Canada’s health screening process reflects modern public health realities. Diseases that were once considered high-risk in certain regions may now be less prevalent, while other areas require closer monitoring due to changing conditions.

By adjusting the list regularly, IRCC ensures that medical exam requirements are data-driven and fair, reducing unnecessary exams while focusing on areas where they matter most.

Practical Tips for Applicants

To make the process smoother:

• Check the latest list of countries before submitting your application.
• Book your exam early with an approved panel physician.
• Keep a copy of your exam results and confirmation letter for your records.

If your stay is short (less than six months) and your country is not listed, you generally do not need an IME, unless you will work in public health or child care.

Staying Prepared for Canada’s Updated Health Requirements

As IRCC updates the list of countries requiring medical examinations for temporary residence applications, staying informed is essential for all applicants. These changes reflect Canada’s commitment to protecting public health while ensuring immigration procedures remain fair and transparent. Whether you’re applying for a work permit, study visa, or family visit, checking the updated medical exam list before applying can save time and prevent unnecessary delays.