Am I required to complete an immigration medical exam (IME) to get a Co-op work permit?

In some cases, there may be restrictions on the type of job you can hold unless you complete and pass an immigration medical exam (IME) as part of your work permit application. Examples of occupations include workers in the health services fields, teachers in primary or secondary schools or other teachers of small children. 

If you wish to work in agricultural occupations, a medical exam will be needed if you have visited or lived in a designated country for six months or more. 

If a medical exam is required, it must be conducted by a designated Panel Physician. For detailed information about IME, please visit IRCC website here.

Medical exam results are valid for 12 months. If you have already passed an IME which remains valid, or will not be working in the occupations outlined on the IRCC website, you do not require a medical exam.

NOTE: On October 12, 2022, IRCC announced a temporary public policy exempting some in-Canada applicants from submitting an IME as part of their application when their previous IME has expired. This exemption applies to applicants who live in Canada and are applying for temporary residence (e.g. study permit, work permit) or permanent residence and is in place until October 6, 2024. To benefit from this exemption applicants must have completed an IME on or after October 6, 2017, and IRCC found your medical exam to indicate a low risk or no risk to public health or public safety. More information can be found here.