Express Entry New Medical Requirement

Starting August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made upfront Immigration Medical Exams (IMEs) mandatory for all Express Entry applicants.

If you’re applying to come to Canada through an Express Entry program, the new requirement of submitting IMEs along with your application helps speed up the application process and makes things easier for both you and IRCC.

What Is an Immigration Medical Exam?

The upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) is a procedural health check that the Canadian government requires to ensure that you and anyone accompanying you are healthy enough to live in Canada.

With the new requirement starting August 21, 2025, you must now get a medical exam done before applying for permanent residence through Express Entry. This is a change from the previous process, where the exam was completed after applying. Now, you must complete the medical exam upfront and include the results with your Express Entry application. This helps immigration officers process your application faster and address any health concerns early on.

When Should I Get the Medical Exam?

Before you submit your Express Entry application, you need to book an appointment with a panel physician listed on IRCC’s website. Once you complete the exam, you must include and upload your results with your application. If you fail to include your medical exam results, your application might be delayed or even returned.

Why Is the Medical Exam Important?

The medical exam is important because it helps IRCC decide if you can come to Canada. You may fail the medical exam under the following circumstances:

1. You have a disease or condition that could make other people in Canada sick.
2. You have a health condition that would cost Canada a lot of money, such as a long-term or expensive treatment.

If either of these circumstances apply to your situation, IRCC may refuse your application.

Who Doesn’t Need a New Medical Exam?

You may not need a new medical exam if you have previously completed one within the past 5 years for a Canadian visa or permit and you were deemed low risk. In that case, you may be allowed to reuse those results. However, it’s important to know that it’s ultimately up to IRCC to decide if your old exam is still valid. If not, they will ask you to get a new one.

Why Does This Matter?

Canada’s main concern is protecting its citizens and avoiding high healthcare costs. That’s why it’s important to pass a medical exam before being allowed into the country. This is a policy that all applicants must follow.

Contact Us

If you’re planning to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry, contact us at Canadim today by filling out our free general assessment below. We can help guide you through the process and assist you in submitting both your application and your medical exam results.