Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its operational instructions to clarify eligibility criteria under the temporary public policy (TPP) exempting select in-Canada applicants from completing an Immigration Medical Examination (IME). Operating until October 5, 2029, the policy permits applicants residing in Canada who completed an IME within the five years prior to submitting their application to provide their previous IME or Unique Medical Identifier (UMI) number rather than retaking the exam. Physical presence in Canada remains mandatory to qualify for the TPP exemption, whereas overseas applicants must follow standard medical screening procedures.

What IRCC Changed

The update, published on September 22, 2026, revises the note box about the TPP in the Medical examination confirmation section of IRCC’s instructions on applications for permanent residence programs subject to the Express Entry completeness check. The revised note states that the applicant must be residing in Canada to be eligible for the TPP, and that if the applicant resides outside Canada, officers are to follow the normal process.

Who Is Eligible for the IME Exemption

Under the amended temporary public policy, a foreign national in Canada may be exempt from the IME requirement if they:

• have made an application under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and indicated a Canadian residence on the application;
• completed an IME within the five years before the new application is submitted; and
• had their most recent IME assessed as M1, M3, M2 or M2/3, provided the M3, M2 or M2/3 assessment is not marked “TR only” or “EDE only”.

Accompanying family members can also benefit from the exemption if they meet the same requirements.

What Express Entry Applicants Need to Include

For Express Entry, the medical examination confirmation is required up front and must be valid at the time of application. Applicants must include either their UMI number or their IME number in their electronic application for permanent residence (e-APR), along with a copy of either the information printout sheet or the IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form. In-Canada applicants who qualify for the TPP are instructed to include the IME number (or UMI number) from their previous IME in their current application.

IRCC’s instructions also note that applications received on or after October 21, 2025, without an IME may be rejected.

Key Dates

Item	Date
TPP came into effect	October 5, 2022
TPP expires	October 5, 2029
IRCC clarified TPP eligibility	September 22, 2026

For general information on medical exams for permanent residence, see IRCC’s page on the medical examination for permanent residence applicants.

Learn More with LPEN

Earlier this year, LPEN held Medical Inadmissibilities 2026 and Express Entry Applications 2026, two courses for immigration professionals handling medical requirements and Express Entry files. Visit the course pages to learn more.