Starting August 21, 2025, all individuals applying for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system will be required to undergo a medical examination before submitting their application.
The change was announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and will affect only new Express Entry applications submitted on or after the specified date.
Currently, Express Entry applicants can submit their permanent residence applications first and then wait for IRCC to provide instructions on when and how to complete the medical exam. Under the new rule, the medical exam must be conducted in advance, with the results included in the application from the outset.
Applications submitted before August 21, 2025, will not be affected by this change. Also, other permanent residence programs outside of Express Entry will continue to follow the current process.
Why Medical Exams Are Required?
All permanent residence applicants, including their family members, must meet Canada’s medical admissibility standards. This requirement applies regardless of whether family members are accompanying the main applicant to Canada.
A person can be found medically inadmissible if:
- Their health condition is expected to cause excessive demand on Canada’s public health services (defined as more than $27,162 per year, or three times the national average cost of healthcare).
- They have a condition that could pose a danger to public health, such as certain infectious diseases.
For people with chronic conditions like diabetes, providing proof that their condition is well-managed and under control can help avoid medical inadmissibility.
How the Medical Exam Works?
Medical exams must be done by a panel physician approved by IRCC. Applicants can find an approved doctor by checking IRCC’s official list by country or territory and then contacting the doctor directly.
The cost of an immigration medical exam (IME) usually ranges from $140 to $280 per person. Applicants are responsible for all related expenses, including:
- Doctor or radiologist fees
- Special tests or treatments
- Specialist visits
An IME may include:
- A review of medical history (past surgeries, treatments, or illnesses)
- A full physical examination (checking eyes, heart, lungs, etc.)
- X-rays, such as chest scans for tuberculosis
- Blood and urine tests
- A mental health assessment
- Checking vaccination records
When taking the exam, applicants should bring the following documents: identification (such as a passport or national ID), four recent photographs, a list of current medications, medical reports for any existing conditions, and proof of vaccinations.
Previous Medical Exams
Applicants already in Canada who have undergone a medical examination within the last five years, for example, as part of a work permit or study permit application, can provide their IME number or unique medical identifier in their application. If those results can’t be reused, IRCC will inform the applicant to complete a new exam.
What does this mean for Express Entry Applicants?
This new rule means Express Entry candidates will need to plan and complete their medical exams before starting the final application process. While it may require more preparation, it could also speed up application processing since IRCC will already have the medical results at the time of submission.
