For SDS (Student Direct Stream) applicants confused about what an IME number is:
- 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.
- 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IRCC specifically requests a new medical exam — for example, if your last exam was done in a different country and is no longer valid.
- 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.