Three clarifications, not three new programs
IRCC published three program delivery updates on September 22, 2026. They cover medical exam evidence in Express Entry, biometrics for protected persons who apply for work permits from inside Canada, and custodianship evidence for minor study permit applicants.
The updates refine how existing rules are applied. They do not create new immigration streams or guarantee approval, but each can change the documents an applicant should submit.
Express Entry applicants may rely on a qualifying earlier medical exam
IRCC clarified who may use the temporary public policy that exempts certain applicants in Canada from another immigration medical exam (IME). The policy remains in effect until October 5, 2029. It applies to an applicant who is residing in Canada and completed an IME in the five years before submitting the Express Entry application. The applicant must include that IME number, or the unique medical identifier (UMI), in the current application. Applicants who live outside Canada follow the normal process.
For Express Entry applications received on or after October 21, 2025, an application without the required medical confirmation may be rejected at the completeness check. The principal applicant, the spouse or common-law partner and all dependent children, including those who are not accompanying, must provide this confirmation.
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). When they apply for a work permit from inside Canada, they are exempt from the mandatory biometrics requirement under paragraph R12.2(1)(d).
If a biometrics fee was paid, it is to be refunded whether or not biometrics were collected, because the request was made in error. If a biometric instruction letter was already issued and the person has not yet given biometrics, the officer is to tell the applicant that collection is not required. An officer can still require biometrics under A16 when they are needed to establish identity or to verify compliance with the Act.
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 whole period of study.
- If only one parent accompanies the child, officers are to ask for a signed consent letter or travel authorization from the parent who is not travelling, if it was not included with the application.
- For an unaccompanied child under 17 at the time of application, a custodian in Canada is required, supported by a notarized declaration from the parent or guardian abroad and a declaration from the custodian in Canada.
- For applicants aged 17 up to the age of majority in the province or territory, officers decide case by case whether a custodian is needed. Level of study, independence and how easily the parents can be reached are among the factors.
Practical filing points
- Express Entry applicants who rely on an earlier medical exam should identify the earlier IME number or UMI and confirm that they live in Canada and that the exam is within the five-year period.
- Protected persons who received a work permit biometrics request in error should follow IRCC's corrected 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.
Official sources
- IRCC: Program delivery updates
- IRCC: Medical examination confirmation (update)
- IRCC: Express Entry completeness check, medical examination confirmation
- IRCC: Protected status and biometrics (update)
- IRCC: Persons with protected status under A95(2), work permits
- IRCC: Minor students and custodianship (update)
- IRCC: Study permits, guidelines on minor children