New and latest Rules on Canada Immigration about the Medical Exam (IME) Rules: India Remains on the Mandatory List

Effective November 3, 2025, four countries, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela, have been added to the IME-required list, while six other countries have been removed.

While the latest update changes requirements for some regions,India continues to remain on Canada’s list of countries where IME is mandatory for most temporary residence applicants, including students, workers, and long-term visitors.

The revised rules form part of Canada’s ongoing effort to ensure public health safety and maintain integrity within the immigration system.

What does this latest news mean for Indian Applicants

For the new applicants who want to apply for a visa for study, work, or permanent residency. The applicant has to undergo the Medical exams to enable their visa process. 

This includes applicants who

• Plan to stay in Canada for six months or longer;
   

• Are applying for a Parent or Grandparent Super Visa; or
   

• Intend to work in healthcare, childcare, teaching, or any public-facing profession where contact with people is frequent.

Why Canada Requires IMEs for Certain Countries

• Public health data on communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis;
   

• Population density
   

• Migration and travel patterns
   

• Historical medical data
   

Since India has a large and mobile population, IRCC continues to classify it as a country that requires medical screening for temporary residents.

This is not unique to India; over 100 countries, including China, Bangladesh, Brazil, Algeria, and Cambodia, remain under the same policy.

When and How Indian Applicants Should Complete the IME

Before submitting a visa application (upfront medical) or after receiving medical instructions from IRCC.

Here’s how the IME is done for Indian Applicants-

1. Find a Panel Physician:
   IMEs can only be conducted by IRCC-approved panel physicians. In India, such doctors are available in all major cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
    

2. Book an Appointment:
    

3. Undergo the Medical Exam:
    

The panel physician will upload your IME results electronically through IRCC’s eMedical system, and give you an information sheet as proof of completion.

What is the validity of the IME conducted?

Your medical results are typically valid for 12 months from the date of the exam. If your visa processing extends beyond that period, you may be asked to complete a new medical exam.

Temporary Exemption Policy Until 2029

You may not need a new IME if:

• You currently reside in Canada.
   

• You are applying (or have applied) for temporary or permanent residence;
   

• You completed an IME within the last five years (for example, for a study or work permit); and
   

• Your previous results showed no public health or safety risk.

Processing and Impact

IRCC clarified that applications submitted before November 3, 2025, will not be affected by these new country changes.
All applications submitted on or after that date will follow the updated IME list.

For Indian applicants, medical exam completion remains a key step in the visa approval process. Delaying or skipping the IME can result in application holds or refusals, as medical clearance is mandatory for most long-term Canadian visas.

What Indian Students and Professionals Should Do Now

•  Schedule your IME early
• Use only IRCC-approved doctors
• Keep your eMedical Information Sheet
• Avoid common errors

How Aptech Visa Can Help Indian Applicants

Aptech Visa provides complete guidance to help you meet every IRCC requirement, including medical exam compliance.

Our services include:

• Pre-application consultation
   

• Helping you find IRCC-approved panel physicians nearest to you and guiding you through the documentation process.
   

• Visa documentation and filing
   

• Application tracking and updates
   

With a track record of thousands of successful Canada visa approvals, Aptech Visa ensures that your application is accurate, compliant, and stress-free.

Canada’s updated IME rules assure the country’s commitment to public health and responsible immigration. For Indian applicants, the message is clear: the medical exam remains a mandatory step, and completing it correctly can make the difference between a smooth approval and a delayed file.

“Stay informed, stay prepared, and let Aptech Visa be your trusted partner in achieving your Canadian dream.”

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