Express Entry Update: Upfront Medical Exams Now Required

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will reinstate the requirement for upfront medical exams for all permanent residence applications submitted through the Express Entry system. This policy change takes effect on August 21, 2025. Previously, applicants were instructed to wait for IRCC's instructions before completing their medical examination after submitting their application. This new requirement does not affect applications submitted before the August 21 deadline or permanent residence applications outside of the Express Entry system.

Medical Admissibility and Exams

All principal applicants and their family members must be deemed medically admissible to Canada, even if the family members are not accompanying the applicant. A person may be considered medically inadmissible if their health condition is a danger to public health or public safety. More commonly, a foreign national may be found inadmissible if their condition is expected to place an "excessive demand" on Canada's public health and social services. This is defined as a cost exceeding three times the national average per capita cost of healthcare, which is set at $27,162 per year. For individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, demonstrating that the condition is being managed and is stable can help to mitigate the risk of being found medically inadmissible.

Completing the Immigration Medical Exam (IME)

To complete an IME, applicants must schedule an appointment with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Applicants can find a list of these physicians on the IRCC website by selecting their country or territory. . The cost of the exam typically ranges from $140 to $280 per person, and applicants are responsible for all associated fees, including special tests and specialist visits.

An IME can include:

• A physical examination of the entire body.
• A review of the applicant's medical history.
• Chest x-rays (to check for Tuberculosis).
• Blood and urine tests.
• Mental health assessments.
• A check of vaccination records.

When attending the appointment, applicants should bring a list of their current medications, any medical reports for existing conditions, proof of vaccinations, identification, and four recent photographs. Applicants already in Canada who have undergone an IME within the last five years for a study or work permit may provide their unique medical identifier when they apply for permanent residence. If the results are determined to be unusable, IRCC will provide instructions for a new exam.

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To know more and apply or immigration to Canada this year, you may get in touch with our trusted and seasoned Canada migration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar