Canada to Mandate Medical Exams Before Express Entry Applications from August 2025

Canada is set to revise its Express Entry application process. Starting August 21, 2025, all applicants must complete a medical exam before submitting their permanent residency application. This new rule aims to streamline the process and reduce delays.

Changes to Medical Exams for Express Entry

Beginning August 21, 2025, anyone seeking permanent residence through Express Entry must have their immigration medical exam completed before applying. This marks a significant change from the previous procedure. Previously, applicants would submit their applications and wait for instructions from the IRCC regarding their medical exams. Now, applicants must have their medical results ready upfront.

This requirement specifically impacts Express Entry applications. Submissions made before August 21 remain unaffected, as do other PR pathways like family sponsorships or refugee claims.

Importance of This Change

The IRCC is implementing this change to accelerate decision-making. By requiring medical results at the outset, the process aims to reduce delays and potentially speed up overall processing times. However, this means applicants will have one more requirement to fulfill and an additional expense to budget for.

Who Needs a Medical Exam?

If you are the primary applicant for Express Entry, you and your family members must undergo an approved Immigration Medical Exam (IME). This applies even if some dependents will not move to Canada immediately. The key rule is that everyone included in the application must be medically admissible.

Who’s Exempt from the Medical Exam?

Exemptions are limited. If you are applying from within Canada and have had an IRCC-approved medical exam in the last five years for a study or work permit, you may not need another exam. You will need to provide your previous IME number for IRCC to assess its validity. If your previous exam is deemed insufficient, IRCC will inform you that a new exam is necessary.

Grounds for Medical Denial

Certain medical conditions can lead to the refusal of permanent residency in Canada due to public health risks or excessive healthcare costs. The two main concerns are:

• Public Health Risks: This includes untreated infectious diseases like tuberculosis that could jeopardize Canada’s public health.
• Excessive Demand on the Healthcare System: If your health condition is expected to incur costs exceeding three times Canada’s annual per capita health spending—currently around $27,162—you may be denied. This includes expenses for treatments, medications, or long-term care. However, well-managed chronic conditions, like controlled diabetes, might still qualify for admission.

Cost of the Medical Exam

The fees for medical exams vary by location and clinic, typically ranging from 140 to 280 CAD per person. This amount covers the doctor’s fee, lab work, x-rays, and any necessary referrals. Remember, this cost is out-of-pocket and not reimbursed by IRCC.

How to Schedule Your Exam

To book your medical exam, follow these steps:

• Visit the IRCC Panel Physician list
• Select your country and city.
• Contact a panel physician to arrange your IME.
• Complete the exam before submitting your PR application.

Conclusion

The new requirement for upfront medical exams means that Express Entry applicants must be more organized than ever. Although this adds another step to the process, it ultimately aims to minimize surprises later on. If you plan to apply after August 21, make sure to include the IME in your early preparations. Don’t leave it until the last moment!