Canada Changes Express Entry Medical Exam Rules

A New Era for Immigration Medical Exams

In a significant update to its immigration policies, Canada has introduced a mandatory upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) for all Express Entry applicants. This change, effective August 21, 2025, marks a departure from the previous process where applicants could submit their application first and then await instructions for the medical exam. The new rule is designed to streamline the immigration process and reduce delays.

Who Does the New Rule Apply To?

The IME requirement applies to all Express Entry applicants, including every family member listed on the application. This applies regardless of whether the family members plan to accompany the principal applicant to Canada. The rule is specific to the Express Entry pathway and does not affect other permanent residence programs.

Timing and Process

Applicants must schedule and complete the IME with an IRCC-approved panel physician after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) but before submitting their permanent residence application. Proof of the completed IME must be uploaded directly into the Express Entry Profile Builder as part of the application.

Exceptions for Those in Canada

If the principal applicant or any family member is already in Canada and has completed an IME within the past five years (e.g., for a work or study permit), they may reuse their existing results. They must provide their IME number or unique medical identifier with their application. If IRCC cannot use the previous results, further instructions will be provided.

First-Time Applicants

Those applying for permanent residence through Express Entry for the first time must contact a panel physician and complete the medical exam after receiving their ITA. The exam must be completed prior to submitting the PR application, with proof uploaded alongside the submission.

Why This Change Matters

This policy aims to accelerate processing times and streamline decision-making by allowing medical admissibility to be assessed earlier in the process. By evaluating medical results upfront, visa officers can make more efficient and informed decisions, reducing administrative delays.

Understanding Medical Admissibility

Medical admissibility is a critical component of Canada’s immigration system. All applicants and family members, including those not accompanying the principal applicant, must meet medical admissibility requirements. Failure to do so can result in inadmissibility if a health condition is deemed likely to cause excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services.

Key Considerations

Medical inadmissibility occurs when an applicant’s health condition is expected to cost more than three times the average per capita healthcare expenses (currently $27,162 per year). Stable, well-managed chronic conditions, such as treated diabetes, are less likely to result in inadmissibility. However, contagious diseases that pose a public health risk may still lead to denial of entry.

Transition for Existing Applications

Applications submitted before August 21, 2025, will follow the previous process, where applicants wait for instructions from IRCC to complete their IME. Only applications submitted on or after the effective date will be subject to the new requirements.

A Step-by-Step Guide

For Express Entry applicants under the new rules:

• Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
• If you have had an IME in the last five years as a temporary resident in Canada, provide your IME number; if not, book and complete the IME with a panel physician.
• Upload proof of a completed IME with your PR application via the Express Entry Profile Builder.
• Wait for further instructions only if IRCC cannot use your prior IME results.

Looking Ahead

This policy underscores the importance of medical admissibility in Canada’s immigration system. By requiring upfront IMEs, the government aims to manage public health risks and resource demands while ensuring a more efficient immigration process for applicants.

For more details on this policy and its implications, visit Immigration.ca.

Medical Admissibility: What Applicants Need to Know

Understanding Medical Inadmissibility

Medical inadmissibility is determined if an applicant’s health condition is likely to cause excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services. This is defined as expected costs exceeding three times the average per capita healthcare expenses, which is currently set at $27,162 per year.

Examples of Medical Conditions

Chronic conditions that are stable and well-managed, such as treated diabetes, are less likely to result in inadmissibility. However, contagious diseases that could pose a risk to public health may still lead to denial of entry.

Impact on Applicants

This new policy is designed to streamline the immigration process by assessing medical admissibility earlier. This change aims to reduce delays and ensure that visa officers have all necessary information upfront, leading to faster processing times and more efficient decision-making.

Benefits for Applicants and Canada

By requiring the IME upfront, applicants can avoid delays in their application process. Canada benefits by managing public health risks and ensuring that the healthcare system is not overburdened by excessive demands.

Preparing for the IME

Applicants should ensure they complete the IME with an IRCC-approved panel physician after receiving their ITA. They must upload the proof of completion into the Express Entry Profile Builder as part of their application.

For more detailed information on medical admissibility and the new IME requirements, visit Immigration.ca.

Conclusion

Canada’s new Express Entry medical exam rules mark a significant shift in how immigration medical exams are handled. By requiring an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) for all Express Entry applicants, the government aims to streamline the process, reduce delays, and ensure medical admissibility is assessed earlier. This change benefits both applicants and Canada by facilitating faster processing times and managing public health risks. The policy, effective August 21, 2025, applies to all Express Entry applicants and their family members, with exceptions for those who have completed an IME in Canada within the past five years. Understanding and complying with these new requirements is crucial for a smooth immigration journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to complete the upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?

All Express Entry applicants and their family members, including those not accompanying the principal applicant, must complete the IME.

When should I complete the IME?

You must complete the IME after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and before submitting your permanent residence application.

I’m already in Canada. Do I need to complete a new IME?

If you or any family member has completed an IME in Canada within the past five years, you may reuse the results. Provide your IME number or unique medical identifier with your application.

What happens if I don’t complete the IME before submitting my application?

Your application may be delayed or refused if you fail to provide proof of a completed IME as required.

What documents do I need to provide for the IME?

You must upload proof of a completed IME into the Express Entry Profile Builder as part of your application.

Who is considered a panel physician?

A panel physician is a doctor approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to conduct immigration medical exams. You must complete the IME with an IRCC-approved panel physician.