IRCC Removes Upfront Medical Exams for Express Entry

Starting October 1, 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) no longer requires Express Entry applicants and their family members to submit upfront Immigration Medical Exams (IME).

A game-changing update effective from October 1, 2023: Do Express Entry applicants and their family members still need to provide an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) when submitting their applications?"

The answer is No. Under this new IRCC policy, applicants will receive instructions to attach proof of their upfront medical exam within their Profile Builder after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), eliminating the upfront requirement.

If you've previously undergone an IME for another application, you can include it in your current submission using the same upload slot, providing the IME or UMI number from your most recent examination.

Alternatively,

• If you haven't had an IME before, you can upload a blank document in the same slot.
• You will then be guided on how to complete the medical exam if necessary.

Also Read: What Medical Tests Are Required For Canadian Immigration in 2023

What is IME?

To obtain Canadian permanent or temporary residency, you must complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) to ensure you meet the medical admissibility criteria set by Canada's immigration authorities. IMEs are led by a group of medical professionals licensed by the IRCC.

There are two types of immigration medical exams in Canada, the Upfront Immigration Medical Exam and the Standard Immigration Medical Exam

• An upfront medical exam is recommended for those who haven't initiated an application in the eMedical system.
• Typically, individuals receive an IME letter and then visit a panel physician for the required medical assessment.
• However, in some cases, panel doctors may conduct the examination even without an IME letter, essentially merging it with an upfront medical checkup.

Streamline Your Express Entry Medical Requirements with GetGIS

In conclusion, the recent update from IRCC to eliminate the upfront Immigration Medical Exam requirement for Express Entry applicants is a significant step toward simplifying the immigration process. Aspiring immigrants to Canada can look forward to a smoother journey, ensuring that their health assessment aligns with their immigration plans. GetGIS Immigration Consultants offer invaluable support, making the immigration process more accessible and straightforward for applicants.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between IME and UMI?

• IME number: This is an 8-digit identifier unique to a specific Immigration Medical Exam (IME). If you've undergone an IME previously, you can locate your IME number on the IRCC online portal.

• UMI number: The Unique Medical Identifier (UMI) number is a distinct identifier provided during an Upfront Medical Exam.

2. How can I check my Canadian Emedical status?

Simply access your application status tracker or log in to your secure IRCC account to check the status of your results.

3. What are the reasons that might lead to my permanent resident application being denied?

Your permanent resident application could be denied if your health condition poses a danger to Canada's public health or safety or if it would excessively strain Canada's healthcare or social services system.

4. How long are IME results valid?

IME results remain valid for 12 months. If you do not arrive in Canada as a permanent resident within this period, you may be required to undergo another medical examination.

5. Is the Immigration Medical Examination (IME) mandatory for all applicants seeking permanent residency in Canada?

While the IME is a standard requirement, not all applicants are subject to it. The necessity of an IME depends on factors such as the applicant's home country, the type of visa they are applying for, and their individual circumstances.