Canada’s Express Entry to Demand Upfront Medical as of Aug 21
By Express Entry Updates, , , ,

On August 12, 2025, Canada announced an important update to its Express Entry system, set to take effect on August 21, 2025. This change requires all applicants for permanent residency (PR) through Express Entry, as well as their family members, to complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application.

Express Entry is Canada’s main immigration pathway for skilled workers aiming to obtain PR. This freshly introduced requirement marks a big shift from the prior process, where applicants had to wait for guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding their medical exams.

This article will help you understand these new requirements, their significance for potential immigrants, and how you can prepare for them. We aim to ensure you’re well-equipped in your journey toward living and working in Canada.

What’s Changing: Upfront Immigration Medical Exams for Express Entry

Starting August 21, 2025, all Express Entry applicants who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) must have completed an IME before submitting their application for PR. You’ll need to upload proof of your completed exam into your Express Entry profile when you apply.

This new requirement applies to the primary applicant and all their family members, even those who won’t be coming to Canada with them. The intent behind this change is to make the processing times faster by evaluating medical admissibility earlier, which in turn, will help reduce delays.

Key Details of the New Policy

  • Effective Date: If you are applying before August 21, 2025, you can follow the existing process, which allows you to complete the IME after following IRCC’s instructions.
  • Who It Affects: This applies to all Express Entry applicants and their family members, including those not accompanying the applicant to Canada.
  • Exceptions: Applicants already in Canada who completed an IME in the last five years may use those results if they provide the IME number or unique medical identifier with their application. If their results are not valid, IRCC will guide them further.
  • New Applicants: Those who haven’t completed an IME must schedule and undergo the exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician after receiving an ITA but before applying for PR.
  • Proof Requirement: You must upload proof of your IME in your Express Entry profile when submitting your application.

The introduction of upfront IMEs emphasizes the importance of medical admissibility in Canada’s immigration framework, allowing for faster processing and clearer decision-making.

What Does the Immigration Medical Exam Involve?

It’s essential to note that the IME is not your usual check-up. Conducted by approved panel physicians, it follows specific guidelines and can include:

  • Physical Assessment: A general health evaluation.
  • Blood and Urine Tests: To check for infectious diseases.
  • Chest X-Rays: Commonly required for adults to check for tuberculosis.
  • Medical History Review: Full disclosure of health conditions and medications is needed.
  • Vaccination Records: While not mandatory, any vaccination history can be recorded if the applicant consents.

The results of the IME are valid for 12 months, making timing essential. If your application isn’t finalized within that period, you may need to redo the exam.

Who Does This Change Affect?

This new IME requirement will specifically impact Express Entry applicants receiving an ITA post-August 21, 2025. Other permanent residency pathways, like Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or family sponsorships, remain unaffected unless otherwise indicated by IRCC.

Scenarios Based on Applicant Status:

  1. Applicants in Canada with a Recent IME:
    • If you had an IME within the last five years for work or study permits, you can submit your IME number in your application.
  2. Applicants Who Have Never Had an IME:
    • You’ll need to schedule one with a panel physician after receiving an ITA but before submitting your application.
  3. Family Members:
    • All family members must complete an IME, including those not coming to Canada. Valid IME numbers can be provided accordingly.

This new policy marks a significant change in Canada’s immigration process, promising quicker processing and greater transparency. While it may feel an added hurdle, early preparation and efficient scheduling will aid you in navigating these changes seamlessly.

If you’re considering applying through Express Entry, now is a great time to review your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, gather required documents, and stay updated with IRCC announcements.

Need help or just curious?

Ask your question in the comments. Someone else may be wondering the same thing.

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