A List of Countries

The following countries are now required to perform IMEs: Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Meanwhile, the list of countries that are no longer subject to IMEs consists of Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Latvia, Lithuania, and Taiwan.

The policy in question pertains to those applying who have resided in or passed through any of the specified countries for a period of six consecutive months during the year prior to their entry into Canada. Those who have submitted their application before the new list is put into effect will not be affected.

Applicant’s and Advisor’s Perspective

• An applicant for temporary residence coming from a country just added to the list will now have to include medical examinations in their plans, thus possibly elongating and increasing their expenses.
• On the other hand, applicants coming from the countries that have been removed from the list will no longer be required to undergo medical examination, thus simplifying the whole process.
• It is likely that an applicant working in the health, education, or child care sectors would still need to undertake an IME test irrespective of their nationality.
• Because IME regulations are based on travel history, applicants can be subjected to the rule even if their stay in the newly included countries is very short.

Effect on Indian Applicants

This decision signifies that Indian nationals and those from other countries need to keep track of IRCC’s medical exam list, as it changes quite often. If India is the main country of the applicant, then an IME will be required. It is emphasized for Indian students or workers who have recently lived in or passed through countries affected by the recently changed list, as they might have to comply with the more stringent documentation requirements.

Wrap Up & Call for Action

These changes demonstrate that immigration compliance is not simply a matter of producing required documents — health related checks are quickly becoming a determining factor in permanent and temporary residence applications processing.

At Abhinav Immigration Services, our clients won’t miss the target because of the evolving requirements — they will be guided with precision and efficiency. Therefore, it is better to contact Abhinav today so that your medical papers and travel history are absolutely in order before you submit your application.