Canada is making a significant change to the Express Entry application process for permanent residence. Starting August 21, 2025, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require applicants to complete their medical exams before submitting their application. This change is aimed at making the process faster and more streamlined for eligible applicants.
Previously, applicants would first submit their complete permanent residence application and then wait for IRCC’s instructions to undergo a medical exam. Now, this step will happen upfront—ensuring medical admissibility is confirmed earlier in the process.
It’s important to note that this update only applies to Express Entry applications. Permanent residence applications submitted before August 21, 2025, as well as non-Express Entry PR applications, will not be affected by this change.
Medical Admissibility Requirements
To qualify for permanent residency in Canada, the principal applicant and their family members—whether they are accompanying the applicant to Canada or not—must be medically admissible.
An applicant can be deemed medically inadmissible if:
- Their condition is likely to cause an excessive demand on Canada’s public health services. The limit is currently set at three times the national average per capita healthcare cost, which is $27,162 per year.
- They pose a danger to public health, for example, if they have certain infectious diseases.
For individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, providing proof that the condition is well-managed, stable, and under control can help reduce the risk of being found inadmissible.
About Immigration Medical Exams (IMEs)
Medical exams for Canadian immigration must be completed with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Steps to schedule an IME:
- Visit the IRCC website and check the list of panel physicians for your country or territory.
- Contact a selected physician directly to book your appointment.
Cost of Immigration Medical Exam:
- Generally ranges from $140 to $280 per person.
- Applicants must pay for:
- The attending doctor or radiologist fee.
- Special tests, investigations, or treatments.
- Any specialist consultations.
What an IME may include:
- Review of previous medical history (surgeries, treatments, chronic illnesses).
- Full-body physical examination (eyes, heart, lungs, etc.).
- X-rays (commonly chest x-rays to check for Tuberculosis).
- Blood and urine tests.
- Mental health assessments.
- Immunization record verification.
Documents to bring for your IME:
- List of current medications.
- Reports or results of previous/existing medical conditions.
- Proof of vaccinations.
- Valid ID (passport or national identity card).
- Four recent photographs.
Reusing Previous Medical Exam Results
If you are applying for permanent residency from within Canada and have undergone a medical exam in the last five years—for example, for a work or study permit—you may not need to complete another IME. You can provide your IME number or unique medical identifier when submitting your PR application.
However, IRCC will determine if your previous results are still valid. If they are not, you will be informed and required to complete a new exam.
Expert Guidance for Your Express Entry Journey
For those planning to apply through Canada Express Entry, navigating new requirements like upfront medical exams can be challenging. That’s where expert guidance can make a difference. SWEC, a trusted name in study abroad and immigration services, is here to help you prepare your application with complete accuracy. With offices in Ahmedabad and Surat, SWEC’s team of Canada Express Entry & Immigration Experts ensures you understand every step—from medical exam requirements to final application submission—making your journey to Canada smoother and more stress-free.
