STANDARD IMMIGRATION MEDICAL EXAM – IRCC ANNOUNCEMENT, OCTOBER 16, 2025

We at SICON would like to inform our valued clients and partners that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidelines and procedures for the Standard Immigration Medical Exam (IME).
Below are the key points you should know to better prepare your immigration application.

🧾 Key Highlights

1. Who needs to take the medical exam?
   If you are applying for permanent residence in Canada, you and all your family members – even those who are not accompanying you – may be required to undergo a medical exam to ensure admissibility on health grounds.

For the Express Entry program: starting August 21, 2025, the medical exam (IME) must be completed before you submit your application if you apply on or after that date.

2. What does the process involve?
   You must visit a panel physician approved by IRCC. Your regular family doctor cannot perform the exam.

The exam includes: a review of your medical history, physical examination (height, weight, hearing, vision, heart, lungs, etc.), and may include a chest X-ray, blood tests, or urine tests depending on your age and region.

Medical results are valid for 12 months from the date of the exam.

3. Major updates to note
   Previously, applicants could submit their Express Entry application and wait for IRCC to request the medical exam. Now, for applications submitted on or after August 21, 2025, the IME must be done upfront.

If you are already in Canada and completed an IME within the last five years, and your case is considered low risk (no threat to public health or safety), your previous medical results may still be valid.

This new requirement currently applies only to Express Entry streams, not all permanent residence categories.

4. Consequences of non-compliance
   If you submit your Express Entry application without completing the IME as required, your application may face delays or even refusal.

If your medical results expire (over 12 months old), you will need to redo the exam — adding cost and time to your process.

✅ According to SICON, you should:

• If you are preparing an Express Entry application or plan to apply soon, book your panel physician appointment immediately after receiving your ITA (Invitation to Apply).

• Check whether you or any family member completed an IME within the past five years; if so, keep the IME number or medical identifier handy.

• Keep all documentation: proof of medical exam, receipts, IME number, and physician confirmation.

• Time your exam strategically: since results are valid for 12 months, avoid doing it too early so it won’t expire before IRCC’s decision.

• Work closely with your licensed immigration consultant (like SICON) to ensure your medical documentation supports, not delays, your case.

If you are preparing your immigration file or have questions about medical admissibility for Canada, contact SICON today for accurate and timely guidance.