Dear future neighbour,
Canada has made an important change to its immigration process. If you’re applying for permanent residence through Express Entry, you now need to complete a medical exam before you even submit your application.
This update took effect on August 21, 2025, and it’s one of the most significant adjustments to the Express Entry system in recent years.
Key Change in the Application Process
Previously, the system was more relaxed. Applicants would receive instructions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after submitting their application, and only then would they schedule their medical exam.
Now, the process is flipped:
- Before applying, every applicant and their family members (even those not coming to Canada right away) must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) with an IRCC-approved doctor.
- Applicants must upload proof of the medical exam as part of their Express Entry application.
Applications submitted before August 21, 2025 are not affected by this new rule.
Why Did IRCC Make This Change?
IRCC says the goal is to make the process faster and more predictable.
- Less uncertainty: By checking medical admissibility early, applicants can avoid last-minute refusals after spending months in the system.
- Efficiency: Having medical results upfront helps IRCC officers process applications more quickly.
- Reduced backlogs: With exams completed ahead of time, fewer applications get delayed due to missing health checks.
In short, Canada wants to avoid situations where someone is approved in every other respect but then fails the medical exam at the very end.
How the Medical Exam Works
The IME is not something you can do with any family doctor. It must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Here’s what to expect:
- Find a panel physician: IRCC has an online list of doctors worldwide who are authorized to conduct these exams.
- Bring your documents: Passport or government-issued ID, medical history, medication list, and any vaccination records.
- Tests included: A physical exam, chest X-ray, and blood and urine tests. Children may be exempt from some tests.
- Cost: Usually between CAD $140–280 per person, depending on the clinic and country.
- Result validity: Medical exam results are valid for 12 months.
The doctor will give you a document confirming you took the exam. You must upload this proof when submitting your Express Entry application.
Medical Exam Checklist for Express Entry Applicants
Here’s a simple guide to make sure you’re ready:
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Book Your Appointment Early
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Use IRCC’s official list to find an approved panel physician near you.
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Prepare Your Documents
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Passport or government-issued ID.
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Medical records and list of current medications.
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Vaccination history (if available).
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Glasses or contact lenses (if you use them).
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During the Exam
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Expect a physical exam, X-rays, and lab tests.
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Children may have fewer tests.
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Pay the Fees
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Costs are typically CAD $140–280 per person.
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Paid directly to the doctor/clinic.
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Get Proof of Exam
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The doctor provides an Information Sheet or eMedical document.
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Keep it safe.
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Upload With Your Application
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Attach the exam proof when you submit your PR application.
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Without it, your application will be considered incomplete.
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Check Validity
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Results last for 12 months.
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If your application isn’t finalized before expiry, IRCC may ask you to redo the exam.
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If you had an IME within the last five years in Canada, you may not need a new one. Provide your IME number and IRCC will confirm.
Things Applicants Should Keep in Mind
- Timing is important: If your exam expires before IRCC makes a decision, you may be asked to take another one. Try to time it close to when you expect an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Family members count too: Even if your spouse or child isn’t moving to Canada right now, they must also take the medical exam.
- Some exemptions exist: If you already completed an IME in Canada within the past five years, you may be able to reuse it by providing your IME number.
- Access to doctors: In some countries, IRCC panel physicians are limited, which can create waiting times and extra travel costs. Applicants should plan early.
Quick Comparison
| When You Applied | Do You Need Upfront Medical? | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Before Aug 21, 2025 | No | You’ll be instructed later by IRCC |
| On/After Aug 21, 2025 | Yes | Must include proof when submitting your PR application |
This new requirement means that medical exams are no longer something to worry about at the end of the process, they are now a first step.
For applicants, this change could feel like more work upfront, but in the long run it should make things faster, clearer, and more reliable. By doing the medical exam early, you’ll know right away if you’re medically admissible to Canada and avoid wasting time or money on an application that could be refused later.
Need help with your Canadian immigration process?
Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.
Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com