Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has renewed the temporary public policy that allows certain low-risk foreign nationals in Canada to avoid an additional Immigration Medical Examination (IME).
Originally implemented two years ago, this policy has already assisted over 286,000 applicants and is now extended until October 5, 2029.
The continuation of this policy aims to streamline application procedures, ensuring quicker processing times for eligible foreign nationals while upholding rigorous public health standards.
Eligibility Requirements for the Extended Policy
Who Qualifies?
The extension of this policy will apply to foreign nationals in Canada who fulfill these criteria:
- They have a new or pending application for either permanent or temporary residence, or for a permanent resident visa.
- They have completed an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) within the last five years, even if it has since expired.
- They do not pose any public health or safety risks and have adhered to public health monitoring guidelines when necessary.
Advantages of the Policy
This policy allows eligible applicants to bypass an additional medical examination, helping to prevent unnecessary delays in their immigration processes.
Additionally, it lessens the strain on Canada’s healthcare system by decreasing the number of medical exams needed for low-risk individuals.
Who Requires an IME?
Not all foreign nationals are eligible for this exemption. Those who do not meet the outlined criteria must still complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) as part of the usual health screening process.
IRCC will reach out directly to these individuals to provide guidance on the required steps.
Why Was the Policy Extended?
This temporary public policy was initially introduced to help IRCC manage immigration applications more effectively during the pandemic.
Due to its success in facilitating the process for over 286,000 foreign nationals, the extension allows the Canadian government additional time to evaluate its operational advantages and effects on public health.
Furthermore, the extended policy enables IRCC to work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to keep track of ongoing public health concerns.
This approach ensures that while immigration processes are streamlined, public health continues to be a primary focus.
