Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will start accepting upfront medicals from all express entry applicants for permanent residence application from August 21, 2025. This means applicants have to submit immigration medical exam (IME) before they submit application.
This is a new and important update which replaces the previous process where immigration medical exams were only completed after receiving IRCC instructions. From August 21, 2025 applicants need upfront medical exams in Express Entry.
Who Needs a Medical Exam for PR in Canada?
Under Canadian Immigration law, the principal applicant in the permanent residence application and all family members whether they are accompanying or not must be medically admissible.
Immigration medical exams are mandatory by IRCC to ensure applicants do not pose a public health risk plus ensure that applicants after coming to Canada not place excessive demand on Canadian healthcare services.
If the applicant fails the immigration medical then they deemed ineligible for permanent residence application. It’s better to be treated before taking IME if you have some serious illness.
New Express Entry Rule — Effective August 21, 2025
The new rule is effective on those applicants who will submit Express Entry PR application on and after August 21, 2025. These applicants must complete their IME before they apply moreover the exam must be performed by an IRCC approved panel physician.
Proof of the completed IME must be included in your Express Entry PR application package. You can visit the IRCC website here for your local IRCC approved panel physician.
What is The Medical Admissibility Criteria in Canada?
Canada has a amount based medical admissibility criteria where applicants are refused based on how much they will cost to Canadian healthcare system plus the type of condition.
Conditions such as possessing danger to public health such as communicable dieses e.g. AIDS . For the amount, the treatment needs are expected to cost more than $27,162 per year (three times Canada’s average per capita health cost).
Possible Exemptions For People inside Canada
You don’t need immigration medical if you have completed an IME within the last 5 years for a Canadian work or study permit. Most of in land applicants qualify for this exemption but if its more than 5 years from your last IME then you need new upfront medical.
What is the Cost of Immigration Medical?
Typical range: $140–$280 per person, depending on location and required tests. Costs include: physical examination, X rays( chest scan for TB),Blood and urine tests. IME not needed if you have IME done in last 5 years but needed if its more than 5 years old.
You can leverage your Medical Care to offset some of the IME fees. If you are in Canada you must be having Medicare if not contact your provincial government for the application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happens if I apply before August 21, 2025?
A: You follow the old process — IRCC will instruct you when to take the exam.
Q: How long is a medical exam valid for?
A: Typically 12 months from the date of the exam.
Q: Can I choose any doctor for my exam?
A: No. Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can perform the exam.
