New Medical Requirements for Express Entry Applicants

October 11 2025

New Medical Requirements for Express Entry Applicants

Canada has introduced critical changes to the Express Entry application process! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now requires candidates to complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting a Permanent Residence (PR) application, instead of after. This change impacts international students, foreign workers, and others pursuing Canadian immigration, making early compliance a crucial step in the application process. Understanding and preparing for these new medical requirements for Express Entry is essential for anyone navigating Canadian immigration.

Understanding the Core Policy Shift: Upfront Medical Exams Are Now Mandatory

Canada express entry system has implemented a significant policy change effective August 21, 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now requires all Permanent Residence (PR) applicants to submit proof of a completed Immigration medical exam for Express Entry (IME) at the time of application. Previously, medical exams were requested after submission, but failing to comply with this new pre-application requirement will result in applications being marked incomplete or refused.

The Shift from Reactive to Proactive: What Changed and When

In the old process, applicants submitted their PR application first and waited for IRCC to request a medical exam. Under the new rules, starting August 21, 2025, proof of an upfront IME is mandatory at the moment of Express Entry submission. This shift makes the application process more proactive, placing greater responsibility on candidates to prepare in advance and avoid refusal.

Direct Consequences: Why This Change Impacts Your PR Application’s Success

Applications without proof of an IME will no longer move forward. Instead, they will be returned as incomplete or outright refused. Given the competitive and time sensitive nature of Express Entry, this can cost applicants months of effort, delay their immigration plans, and create unnecessary administrative and financial burdens.

Who Needs an IME and How to Determine if You’re Exempt

The new rule broadly applies to all Express Entry PR applicants, but IRCC has defined narrow exemption criteria. Understanding whether you must complete a new IME or can rely on a previous one is critical for compliance.

General Requirement: All New Express Entry Applicants

Every new PR applicant through Express Entry after August 21, 2025 must complete an upfront IME. This rule applies across all Express Entry streams.

Detailed Exemption Criteria: Can You Leverage an Older Medical Exam?

You may be exempt if you meet all three of the following conditions in Express Entry medical requirements:

An IME was accomplished within the last five years.
Your previous IME results indicated no risk or low risk to Canadian public health and safety.
You currently live in Canada.

If even one of these conditions is not met, a new medical exam is required.

Your Family Matters: IME Requirements for All Immediate Family Members

IME compliance extends to all immediate family members, including spouse or common-law partner, dependent children and even non-accompanying dependents. This ensures IRCC can assess public health and safety risks for the entire family unit.

Your Step-by-Step Action Plan: Successfully Completing Your Immigration Medical Exam

Initial Eligibility Check: Before You Book Your Medical Exam

Confirm your competitiveness under Express Entry by checking your CRS score, education, work experience and language results. IRCC advises completing an IME only once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to avoid unnecessary expense.

Locating and Booking Your IRCC-Approved Panel Physician

You must use an IRCC-approved panel physician. The official IRCC website provides a searchable list to find clinics worldwide. Book early, as appointments may be limited, and prepare the required documents in advance.

How Your Immigration Medical Exam Will Proceed

A panel physician will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may order basic tests (such as bloodwork, urine or X-rays). Results are submitted directly through IRCC’s medical system, reducing applicant paperwork.

Navigating IME Results Validity and Potential for Re-examination

IME results are valid for 12 months. If your PR application is not finalized within that time, you may be required to redo the exam. Due to the new medical requirements for Express Entry, applicants should plan strategically to avoid unnecessary delays and costs.

Attaching Your IME Proof to Your Express Entry Application

After the exam, you will receive either an IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form or an information printout. Upload this document to the Express Entry Profile Builder as part of your online submission. Ensure scanned copies are clear and readable.

Costs, Timelines, and Strategic Planning for Your IME

The Financial Investment: What to Budget for Your Medical Exam

The cost of an IME typically ranges from $200 -$400, depending on location and physician. Additional tests or specialist consultations may add to the expense, so applicants should budget accordingly.

Maximizing Efficiency: Strategic Timing for Booking Your IME

Since IME validity is limited to 12 months, timing is crucial. IRCC recommends waiting until after an ITA is issued, but acting quickly once eligible ensures you remain within the required window.

The Cost of Delay: How Missing a Medical Can Jeopardize Your Application

Missing this requirement risks having your application refused, costing months of waiting and potentially missing an intake window. Careful planning prevents wasted effort and resources.

Leveraging Previous Medical Exams and Troubleshooting Issues

Utilizing a Recent IME Under Exemption Criteria

Applicants who qualify for exemption must upload supporting proof such as an IMM 1017B form, IME number or information printout from their previous exam. If documents are misplaced, they may be requested from the original panel physician.

What If Your Previous IME Results Are Deemed Insufficient by IRCC?

If IRCC determines your old results are not usable, they will provide instructions for completing a new IME. While this may add cost and time, it ensures applicants remain compliant and their applications can proceed.

Staying Compliant and Enhancing Your Chances for Permanent Residence

Navigating Canadian immigration requires precision, especially with new medical requirements reshaping the express entry medical requirements. To maximize success in new medical requirements for Express Entry, applicants should follow every compliance step, prepare documents in advance and seek professional guidance when needed. Partnering with experts like Berakah Elite Education Pvt Ltd, recognized among the Best Study Abroad Consultants in India, can simplify the process, reduce risk of error, and give applicants a strategic advantage in achieving Permanent Residence.

Author : Rani Thomas

I’m Rani Thomas, founder and CEO of Berakah Elite Education. With over 30 years in the United States and decades of experience in finance and operations at Lawson Travels, I launched Berakah to guide students in India through the process of studying abroad, combining structured support with a personal commitment to service.