New Medical Exam Requirement Now in Effect for Express Entry PR Applicants
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Starting from August 21, 2025, all new applicants for Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system must now complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their applications (unless exempted).
Previously, the medical tests for Canada PR were only needed to be submitted after the applicants submitted their PR applications and received a request from IRCC to apply for PR.
What are the Exemptions to the New IME Requirements?
Candidates might be eligible for an exemption for IME, given that they meet all the following conditions:
- Completed an IME within the last 5 years
- Their IME results showed that they posed no or low risk to Canadian public health and safety
- Applicant is already residing in Canada
Important Guidelines for IMEs for Canada PR Applicants in 2025-26
- IRCC has advised candidates to complete an IME only after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- IME results are valid for 12 months or 1 year from the date of examination
- Applicants and all the immediate family members, including spouse, partner, dependent children, and dependent children of dependents, must undergo the exam
- IME can only be performed by IRCC-approved panel physicians who use the eMedical system to send results directly to IRCC.
Explore: Canada to Require Medical Exams for Express Entry Applicants Starting Aug 21
How to Submit IME Results for Your Canada PR Application?
After you are done with your medical tests for the Canada PR exam, you will receive either:
- An Information Printout Sheet, or
- An IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form
One of the documents needs to be uploaded to your Express Entry Profile Builder as proof of completion
Read Next: Canada to Make Biometrics Mandatory for Citizenship Applications in 2026-27
How Can You Use Your Previous IME Report?
Applicants who meet the IME exemption criteria can reuse their old IME results by uploading:
- An Information Printout Sheet
- IMM 1017B form, or
- Their IME number (unique identifier)
*In case IRCC later finds that prior IME results cannot be reused, applicants will be instructed to undergo a new examination.
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If you are planning to apply for the Canada PR process from India, expert guidance can ensure your application is compliant and error-free. With GetGIS expert assistance, you can effectively navigate the medical exam requirements and the Canada PR process.
