IRCC requires upfront medical exams for Express Entry PR, i.e., Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will soon need applicants for permanent residence through Express Entry to complete a medical exam before submitting their application.
This updated rule will take effect on August 21, 2025, as noted on IRCC’s official website.
Previously, applicants would send in their complete application and then wait for IRCC to issue instructions for any required medical examinations.
Applications submitted before August 21, 2025 will not be affected by this update. The new rule also does not apply to permanent residence applications made outside the Express Entry system.
About Medical Admissibility
The principal applicant and all family members listed on a permanent residence application must meet Canada’s medical admissibility requirements.
This applies to family members whether or not they plan to accompany the main applicant to Canada.
The most common reason a person may be found medically inadmissible is if their condition is likely to place an excessive demand on Canadian health or social services. Under current rules, this means healthcare costs are projected to be over three times the national average per capita, which is currently $27,162 per year.
Providing proof that chronic conditions such as diabetes are under control and being treated can help applicants avoid inadmissibility.
A person may also be refused if they pose a danger to public health, for example, if they have certain contagious diseases.
How Immigration Medical Exams Work?
IRCC requires upfront medical exams for Express Entry PR. Immigration Medical Exams (IMEs) must be completed by physicians approved by IRCC, known as panel physicians.
To book an IME:
- Check IRCC’s online list of panel physicians.
- Select your country or territory.
- Contact the physician directly to schedule an appointment.
Typical costs range from $140 to $280 per person. Applicants must also pay for all related expenses, which may include:
- Physician or radiologist fees
- Special tests or treatments
- Specialist consultations
An IME may involve:
- A review of previous medical history (including surgeries, treatments, and chronic illnesses)
- A physical exam of the body, eyes, heart, lungs, and other systems
- Chest X-rays (e.g., to screen for tuberculosis)
- Blood and urine tests
- Mental health evaluation
- Review of immunization records
Applicants should bring:
- A list of current medications
- Reports or results for any pre-existing conditions
- Proof of vaccinations
- Identification (passport or national ID)
- Four recent photographs
When A Previous IME May Be Used?
Applicants already in Canada who completed an IME within the last five years, for example, for a work or study permit can provide their IME number or Unique Medical Identifier (UMI) when submitting their Express Entry application.
Those who were previously assessed as low risk or no risk to public health may be exempt from doing another exam.
If IRCC determines that previous IME results are not valid, the applicant will receive instructions to complete a new medical examination before their application can proceed.
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