Express Entry Applicants Will Soon Need Upfront Medical Exams
Starting August 21, 2025, applicants for permanent residence through Express Entry will be required to complete an immigration medical exam (IME) before submitting their application, according to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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What’s Changing?
Currently, Express Entry applicants submit their full application and wait for IRCC to issue instructions regarding the medical exam. Under the new policy, applicants must complete the IME in advance and include proof when submitting their application.
- Effective Date: August 21, 2025
- Applies To: Express Entry permanent residence applicants
- Does Not Apply To:
- Express Entry applications submitted before August 21, 2025
- Non-Express Entry permanent residence applications
Medical Admissibility Requirements
To be eligible for permanent residence, the principal applicant and all family members (accompanying or not) must be medically admissible to Canada.
Individuals may be found medically inadmissible if:
- Their condition is likely to cause an excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services, defined as costs exceeding $27,162 per year (three times the national per capita healthcare cost).
- They pose a risk to public health, such as carrying certain infectious diseases.
Tip: Managing chronic health conditions (like diabetes) and providing documentation showing stability and treatment can help reduce the risk of inadmissibility.
About Immigration Medical Exams (IMEs)
IRCC requires that all medical exams be performed by IRCC-approved panel physicians.
To Schedule an IME:
- Visit IRCC’s list of approved panel physicians.
- Choose your country or territory.
- Contact a physician directly to book an appointment.
Cost:
- Typically ranges from $140 to $280 per person
- Applicants must pay all associated costs, including:
- Fees for the doctor or radiologist
- Additional tests or treatments
- Specialist referrals (if required)
What an IME May Include:
- Review of previous medical history (surgeries, illnesses, treatments)
- Full physical exam (heart, lungs, eyes, etc.)
- X-rays (e.g., for Tuberculosis screening)
- Blood and urine tests
- Mental health assessment
- Review of immunization records
Bring to Your Appointment:
- Government-issued ID (passport or national ID)
- Four recent photographs
- List of current medications
- Medical reports for existing conditions
- Proof of past vaccinations
Reusing a Previous IME (For Applicants in Canada)
If you’ve had an IME within the last five years (e.g., for a work or study permit), you can provide your IME number or Unique Medical Identifier (UMI) with your application. If IRCC cannot use the prior results, they will issue instructions for a new medical exam.
