Canada to Require Medical Exams for PR through Express Entry Starting August 21
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Starting August 21, 2025, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require all applicants for permanent residence through Express Entry to complete an upfront immigration medical exam (IME) before submitting their application.
Who Will and Will Not be Affected?
Affected
All Express Entry permanent residence applicants submitting their application on or after August 21, 2025.
Not Affected
- Applications submitted before August 21, 2025
- Non-Express Entry permanent residence applications.
Key Dates You Must Remember
- New rule effective by August 21, 2025
- Applications before this date are to follow the current process (medical exam after IRCC request)
Previously, applicants were able to submit a complete application for permanent residency first and then wait for IRCC to provide instructions for any medical exams. This step is now mandatory before completing the application.
Also Read: August 2025 Canada Express Entry Draw Predictions & CRS Score Trends
The Medical Admissibility
All principal applicants for permanent residence – including all family members, whether accompanying or not – must be medically admissible to Canada. Grounds for medical inadmissibility are:
- Extreme demand on public health services: This is defined as a projected annual cost exceeding three times Canada’s average per capita healthcare cost, currently $27,162 per year.
- Danger to public health: For example, carrying certain infectious diseases.
Note: Proving that chronic conditions (such as diabetes) are stable, well-controlled, and under treatment can help prevent medical inadmissibility.
Also Read: Canada Increases Funds to Immigrate through AIP in 2025
Immigration Medical Exam (IME) Requirements
To schedule an IME, applicants must use an IRCC approved panel physician:
How to Schedule?
- Check IRCC’s panel physicians list by country or territory.
- Contact a physician directly to book an appointment.
Costs: Ranges around 140 to 280 USD per person, apart from this, any additional required tests, specialist visits, or treatments.
The IME may include:
- Review of medical history (surgeries, treatments, chronic illnesses, etc.)
- Physical examination (heart, lungs, eyes, etc.)
- Chest X-ray (for conditions like Tuberculosis)
- Blood and urine tests
- Mental health assessment
- Immunization record check
Documents to Bring to Your IME:
- Valid ID – passport or national ID card
- Four recent photographs
- Current medication list
- Medical reports for existing conditions
- Vaccination proof
Also Read: Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program Now Open for 2025
All the applicants in Canada who completed an IME in the last five years (read: for a work or study permit) may submit their previous IME number or unique medical identifier. If IRCC cannot use the previous results, it will provide instructions to undergo a new IME.
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To ensure a smooth and seamless application process through AIP, consider seeking guidance from experienced and trusted immigration consultants like GetGIS. Our expert team’s tailor-made assistance through the visa process and job search ensures you receive the right immigration support catering to your specific Canada PR requirements.
