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What is an IME number and do you need one for your SDS medical exam?

Canada • Study Permit • study 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • IME (Immigration Medical Examination) number

    An 8-digit number identifying your specific medical profile, generated when a new medical exam is required.

Step-by-Step

For SDS (Student Direct Stream) applicants confused about what an IME number is:

  1. Know that IME stands for Immigration Medical Examination. It's a unique 8-digit number assigned to a specific medical exam and used to identify your medical profile for that exam.

  2. You typically need a new IME number when your previous medical exam has expired or when IRCC specifically requests a new medical exam — for example, if your last exam was done in a different country and is no longer valid.

  3. You generally cannot proceed with a new medical exam without an IME number, since panel physicians use it to link your results back to your immigration application.


How you obtain an IME number can depend on whether IRCC generates it for you automatically or whether you need to request it via your online account — check your application's current status and any instructions in your IRCC account before booking a medical exam.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Tip: An IME number is specific to one medical exam — if your prior exam expired, you'll generally need a fresh IME number before booking a new one.
  • Do: Check your IRCC account for medical exam instructions before contacting a panel physician, since they'll need your IME number to proceed.

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