EXPRESS ENTRY NOW REQUIRES UPFRONT MEDICAL EXAM WHEN SUBMITTING PR APPLICATION

📅 Effective Date: August 21, 2025

🔍 Key Update:
IRCC has confirmed a new requirement for all applications submitted under the Express Entry system:
👉 Applicants must submit their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) results together with their Permanent Residence (PR) application.

This means the previous “facilitation period”—which allowed applicants to complete the medical exam after submitting the PR application—has officially ended.

🚫 Critical Notice:
Starting October 21, 2025, any Express Entry PR application submitted without an upfront medical exam may be refused during the completeness check stage.

IRCC has updated its internal processing guidelines to ensure consistent application of this new policy by immigration officers.

💡 What This Means for Applicants:
You must schedule and complete your medical exam with an IRCC-designated panel physician before submitting your PR application.

If you have recently received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or are preparing your PR submission, do not delay your medical exam.

Failure to include a valid IME result will no longer be considered a correctable omission—your application may be returned or refused outright.

✅ Recommendations from SICON Immigration:
If you are preparing to submit your PR application under Express Entry:

• Check your ITA deadline and book your medical exam as soon as possible.

• Ensure your IME document is valid and that all personal details match your PR application.

• Consult with a licensed immigration consultant to confirm your submission meets the latest IRCC requirements.

📞 Contact SICON Immigration
Our team of experienced professionals is ready to guide you through the updated process, helping you avoid costly rejections, unnecessary delays, and wasted effort.