I’m excited to share some significant news that could simplify the immigration process for many of our clients. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced a temporary public policy that exempts certain foreign nationals in Canada from the immigration medical examination requirement. This change, effective from October 5, 2022, to October 5, 2029, is part of a broader initiative to expedite processing and reduce application inventories.

Who Benefits from This Change?

This policy primarily benefits foreign nationals who:

1. Have made an application under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with a Canadian residence indicated.
2. Have undergone an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) with a physical examination within the past five years.
3. Received a favourable medical assessment code (M1, M3, or certain M2/M2-3) in their most recent IME.

Key Points of the New Policy

• Streamlined Process: Eligible applicants can skip the requirement for a new medical examination, potentially saving time and resources.
• Risk Management: The policy aims to balance processing efficiency with public health considerations.
• Limited Duration: Although the policy is set to last until 2029, it can be revoked at any time without prior notice.

What This Means for You

If you’re currently in Canada and planning to apply for permanent residence or extend your stay:

1. Check if you’ve had an IME within the last five years.
2. Review your last medical assessment code.
3. If you meet the criteria, you may be exempt from submitting a new medical examination.

Implications for Immigration Strategies

This policy change opens up new strategies for timing your applications. If you’re considering applying for permanent residence or extending your stay in Canada, now might be an opportune time to do so, especially if you’ve had a recent medical examination.

Stay Informed

As with all immigration matters, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest policies. While this change is beneficial for many, it’s important to note that:

• The policy may be revoked at any time.
• Not all applicants will qualify for the exemption.
• Specific conditions apply, especially for family members accompanying a principal applicant.

Conclusion

This new policy represents a significant step toward streamlining Canada’s immigration process. It’s a welcome change that could benefit many clients by reducing processing times and simplifying application procedures.

As always, we recommend consulting with a qualified immigration professional to understand how these changes apply to your specific situation. Our team is here to help you navigate these new opportunities and ensure your immigration journey is as smooth as possible.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about how this policy might affect your immigration plans!

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