Starting August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will once again require applicants under the Express Entry permanent residence (PR) system to complete their Immigration Medical Examination (IME) before submitting an application.
This marks the end of the deferred medical exam policy introduced in October 2023, which allowed applicants to submit PR applications first and provide medical results later.
Key Updates on the New Medical Exam Rules
- Effective Date: August 21, 2025
- Who Is Affected: All Express Entry applicants, including both accompanying and non-accompanying dependents
- Major Change: Medical exams must be completed prior to PR application submission
- Purpose: To speed up application processing and ensure earlier health admissibility checks
Who Must Complete an IME?
The following individuals are required to undergo an upfront IME:
- Principal Applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- All accompanying family members – spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children.
- Non-accompanying dependents, who must also undergo the exam for admissibility purposes.
Exemptions – When a New IME May Not Be Required
You may not need to redo your medical exam if:
- You are already in Canada and completed an IME within the past 5 years for a work permit, study permit, or PR application.
- Your previous IME is still valid and accessible to IRCC.
In such cases, you can provide your IME number (UMI). However, if IRCC determines your past IME is expired or unusable, a new exam will still be required.
What Does the Medical Exam Involve?
Exams must be conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician. A typical IME includes:
- Physical check-up (weight, height, blood pressure, vision, etc.)
- Blood and urine tests
- Chest X-ray (commonly for TB screening)
- Review of medical history and current conditions
Validity: Results are valid for 12 months. If your PR case is not finalized within that period, you may need another exam.
Documents You’ll Need for Your IME
Prepare the following before your appointment:
- Valid passport or government-issued ID
- Glasses/contact lenses (if applicable)
- Previous medical reports or prescriptions
- List of current medications
- Four recent photos (if the clinic does not use eMedical)
- IMM 1017E Medical Report Form (if provided by IRCC)
Cost of the Immigration Medical Exam
Fees vary depending on country and clinic but generally range from USD $100–500, covering:
- Physician consultation
- Laboratory testing
- Radiology (X-rays)
- Specialist referrals if required
If No Panel Physician Is Available
If there are no IRCC-approved doctors near you:
- Write a Letter of Explanation describing your situation.
- Submit it with your PR application through IRCC’s online web form.
IRCC will then review your case and advise next steps.
Why the Change?
- 2023–2025 policy: Applicants could defer IMEs to prevent premature expiry of results.
- 2025 policy shift: IRCC confirms that upfront IMEs will reduce processing backlogs, speed up decisions, and allow earlier health admissibility screening.
Tips for a Smooth Medical Exam Process
- Book early – appointments fill quickly in high-demand areas.
- Bring all required documents to avoid delays.
- Check validity – ensure your exam won’t expire before your PR is finalized.
- Use only IRCC-approved panel physicians – other doctors’ exams will not be accepted.
From August 21, 2025, anyone applying for permanent residence under Express Entry must complete and submit an Immigration Medical Examination upfront. By preparing early and using an IRCC-approved panel physician, applicants can avoid delays and improve their chances of a smooth application process.
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