Canada Medical-Exam Reuse: Who May Qualify for the In-Canada Exemption

Corrected and checked October 19, 2026. The earlier version attributed a clarification to September 22, 2026 without a primary citation establishing that date. This update explains the current official policy without presenting it as a new October rule. The original publication date and URL remain.

A conditional exemption

IRCC describes an exemption from another immigration medical examination (IME) for certain applicants living in Canada. Its current summary requires a permanent- or temporary-residence application, residence in Canada, a previous IME within five years, and qualifying results indicating low or no risk to public health or safety.

A previous examination alone does not establish eligibility. The detailed public policy contains additional conditions, including treatment of accompanying family members and the medical assessment. Check that policy for the applicable circumstances.

Previous examination details

IRCC instructs applicants who completed an IME within five years of submitting a new application to include the earlier IME number or unique medical identifier. The exemption should not be assumed merely because a medical examination has expired. Applicants who are not eligible must follow IRCC’s instructions for another examination.

Dates and limits

The underlying policy began October 5, 2022. The amended policy is dated September 27, 2024, and IRCC’s extension notice was published October 4, 2024. The stated expiry is October 5, 2029, but the policy can be revoked earlier without notice. It is not a promise of exemption, approval or faster processing for an individual.

Official sources

IRCC: medical exams for visitors, students and workers; amended in-Canada IME exemption policy; October 4, 2024 extension notice. General information; verify the current instructions before acting.