Canada Requires Medical Exam Before Submitting Express Entry Application

Starting August 21, 2025, all applicants for permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry, along with their accompanying and non-accompanying family members, must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their PR application.

📌 Key Changes:

• Previously, you submitted your PR application first and IRCC would then issue medical instructions. From now on, you must complete the IME in advance and submit the results with your application.

• Applications submitted before August 21, 2025, will not be affected.

• Other PR streams (PNP outside Express Entry, family sponsorship, refugee claims, etc.) remain unchanged.

📋 Who Is Affected and Exceptions:

• All family members included in the application (accompanying or not) must meet the health requirements for immigration.

• Medical admissibility is a determining factor for PR. Chronic conditions such as diabetes must be well controlled; if the estimated cost of treatment exceeds CAD 27,162 per year, the application may be refused for medical reasons.

• Applicants already in Canada who completed an IME within the past 5 years (e.g. for a work or study permit) may reuse their IME number or medical identifier. If the previous exam is not valid, IRCC will request a new one.

• First-time IME applicants: You must book an appointment with an IRCC-designated panel physician after receiving your ITA but before submitting your PR application.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• IME results are valid for 12 months. Taking the exam too early could mean it expires before IRCC finalizes your application.

• If there is no panel physician in your area, you must contact IRCC for instructions.

💵 Costs & Process:

• Exams must be conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

• Fees range from CAD 140 to CAD 280 per person, excluding additional tests or specialist referrals if required.

• Bring: passport/national ID, 4 recent photos, medical records, current prescriptions, vaccination history, and previous medical exam results (if available).

💡 SICON’s Advice:

• Don’t wait until the deadline to book your medical exam, especially in regions with limited panel physicians.

• Prepare complete medical documentation to minimize the risk of refusal.

• Seek professional advice early to determine the best timing for your IME and avoid expired results.

📍 Contact SICON for full guidance on the new medical exam requirements and the entire Express Entry process.