Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the temporary public policy regarding Immigration Medical Examination till 5th of October 2029. They have noticed a growing backlog and want to improve services for everyone. Hence, IRCC is focusing on making the Immigration Medical Examination (IME) process more efficient.
IRCC wants to welcome more permanent residents and attract temporary residents. By reducing the backlog, they aim to make the immigration process smoother and quicker.
What Changes Are Happening?
IRCC plans to make it easier for some applicants to skip the IME if they meet specific conditions. This is especially true for foreign nationals who live in Canada or have spent time here recently and are considered low-risk for health issues.
Who Can Skip the Medical Exam?
To be eligible for this exemption, applicants must:
- Live in Canada: They must apply for immigration while living in Canada.
- Previous IME: They need to have completed an IME that included a physical exam within the last five years.
- Health Assessment: Their last medical test must show that they do not pose a risk to public health.
Family members of the main applicant may also qualify if they meet similar criteria.
What Does the Exemption Include?
The temporary policy allows IRCC to grant exemptions from certain rules, like:
- The requirement to undergo a new IME.
- The need to have a medical certificate from the last test taken within the past 5 years.
When Does This Start and End?
This policy began on October 5, 2022, and will last until October 5, 2029. Applications submitted during this time will follow the new rules.
IRCC aims to improve the immigration process while keeping health and safety in mind. By simplifying the IME process, they want to reduce wait times and make things easier for applicants.
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