Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised its list of countries whose citizens are required to undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) when applying for temporary residence. The update includes the addition of four countries and the removal of six from the list, signaling a recalibration of health risk assessments related to international travel and immigration.
According to Maple News, the changes mean that temporary residence applicants from the newly added countries will now be required to complete a medical examination as part of their application process. Conversely, individuals from the six countries that have been removed will no longer need to fulfill this requirement, streamlining their path to temporary residence in Canada.
An IRCC spokesperson stated that these updates are based on recent assessments conducted in collaboration with Health Canada. These assessments consider a range of factors, including the public health risk posed by infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
While IRCC has not publicly disclosed the names of all the countries involved in this latest update, changes of this nature typically reflect shifting epidemiological patterns and are reviewed on a regular basis to align with Canada’s public health objectives.
The IME is a standard procedure designed to ensure that individuals entering Canada temporarily do not pose a health risk to the broader population and will not place excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system. Depending on the category of temporary residence being applied for—such as work, study, or extended visitor visas—different medical requirements may apply.
Applicants required to complete the IME must do so through a panel physician approved by IRCC. The medical exam includes a physical examination, a chest X-ray, and blood tests, among other assessments, depending on the applicant’s age and the type of visa requested.
These regulatory updates are part of Canada’s broader efforts to maintain balanced immigration policies that support economic and social development while safeguarding public health.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments in Canadian immigration policy and provide timely updates for applicants, professionals, and stakeholders across the globe.