Starting August 21, 2025, all applicants for permanent residence under Canada’s Express Entry system must complete their immigration medical exams before submitting their applications.
Table of Contents
What Is Changing
Previously, applicants submitted their Express Entry applications first and then waited for instructions from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on when and where to take the medical exam.
From August 21 onward:
- Medical tests must be completed in advance.
- Only Express Entry pathways are affected.
- Applications submitted before August 21, 2025, remain under the old system.
- Other permanent residence streams, such as family sponsorship or refugee claims, are not impacted.
Why the Change Matters
IRCC is making this adjustment to reduce delays and accelerate decision-making. Having medical results ready at the time of application means:
- Faster processing timelines
- Fewer application hold-ups
- An additional cost and requirement to plan for
Who Needs a Medical Exam
- The principal applicant under Express Entry
- All dependents listed in the application (even if they do not plan to move to Canada immediately)
Everyone included must be deemed medically admissible.
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Who Is Exempt
Applicants inside Canada who completed an IRCC-approved medical exam in the past five years for work or study may not need a new one.
- You must provide your Immigration Medical Exam (IME) number or medical identifier.
- IRCC will confirm if the exam is still valid. If not, a new one will be required.
Grounds for Medical Refusal
An application may be denied if:
- The applicant poses a public health risk (e.g., untreated tuberculosis or contagious diseases).
- The applicant’s condition is expected to create excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system (over CAD $27,162 per year).
Not all chronic conditions result in refusal. For example, applicants with well-managed diabetes who follow treatment plans may still be admissible.
What Happens During the Exam
Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can conduct the Immigration Medical Exam (IME). Applicants can expect:
- Review of medical history and current conditions
- Full physical exam (lungs, heart, eyes, etc.)
- Chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening
- Blood and urine tests
- Mental health assessment
- Verification of vaccination records
You must bring:
- A government-issued ID (preferably a passport)
- Previous medical records and prescriptions
- A list of current medications
- Proof of vaccination
- Four recent passport-sized photos
How to Book Your Medical Exam
- Visit the IRCC Panel Physician List
- Select your country and city
- Contact a panel doctor and schedule your exam
- Complete the exam before submitting your Express Entry application
Conclusion
This new requirement makes the Express Entry process more efficient by front-loading medical exams. While it adds an extra step, applicants benefit from fewer delays and clearer timelines.
If you plan to apply after August 21, 2025, ensure your Immigration Medical Exam is included in your preparation checklist.
