IRCC clarifies medical-exam, protected-person biometrics and minor-student rules

Three clarifications, not three new immigration programs

IRCC published three material program-delivery updates on September 22, 2026. They address medical-exam evidence in Express Entry, biometric processing for protected persons applying for work permits from inside Canada, and custodianship evidence for minor study-permit applicants.

The notices refine how existing rules are administered. They do not create new immigration streams or guarantee approval, but each can change the documents an applicant should submit or the action an officer should take.

Express Entry applicants may rely on a qualifying prior medical exam

IRCC clarified who may use the temporary public policy that exempts certain in-Canada applicants from completing another immigration medical examination. The policy remains in effect until October 5, 2029. A person must have indicated a Canadian residence and completed a qualifying IME within the applicable five-year period; the previous result must have an eligible medical coding and, where required, the person must have complied with medical-surveillance reporting.

An Express Entry applicant who completed an IME in the five years before applying should include the IME or unique medical identifier from that exam. If the applicant does not qualify for the temporary policy, IRCC should issue instructions for a new medical examination. For Express Entry applications received on or after October 21, 2025, missing required medical information can lead to rejection at the completeness check.

Protected persons applying in Canada are exempt from routine work-permit biometrics

IRCC corrected its instructions for people with protected status under subsection A95(2), including certain Convention refugees, persons in need of protection and people whose positive pre-removal risk assessment confers protection. When they apply for a work permit from inside Canada, they are exempt from the mandatory biometric collection requirement under paragraph R12.2(1)(d).

If a biometric fee was paid, the instructions say it must be refunded whether or not biometrics were collected, because the request was made in error. If a biometric instruction letter was issued but the person has not yet provided biometrics, the officer should tell the applicant that collection is not required. IRCC can still require biometrics under section A16 when they are needed to establish identity or compliance.

Minor students travelling with one parent should provide the other parent’s consent

IRCC added guidance for recording custodian information from form IMM 5646 and clarified the evidence expected when a minor travels with only one parent. A custodianship declaration is not required when at least one parent accompanies the child for the full period of study. However, if only one parent accompanies the child, officers should request a signed consent letter or travel authorization from the non-accompanying parent when it was not included with the application.

For an unaccompanied child under 17 at the time of application, a custodian in Canada remains required, supported by notarized declarations from the parent or guardian abroad and the custodian in Canada. For applicants aged 17 up to the age of majority in the province or territory, custodianship remains discretionary and is assessed case by case.

Practical filing points

Eligibility and documentary requirements remain fact-specific. Applicants should use the linked IRCC instructions for the category that applies to their case.

• Express Entry applicants relying on an earlier medical exam should identify the prior IME or UMI and confirm that the exam and medical coding meet the temporary policy.
• Protected persons who received a work-permit biometric request in error should follow the corrected IRCC instructions and keep proof of any fee paid.
• Families of minor students should distinguish a custodian from a parent or legal guardian and include the consent evidence that matches the child’s travel arrangement.