New Medical Exam Rules for PR Visa Applicants in Canada
Big changes are coming to the way Canada handles medical exams for those looking to apply for permanent residence (PR) through the Express Entry system. Starting August 21, 2025, all Express Entry applicants will be required to complete a medical examination before they submit their PR application. This new rule aims to streamline the process and speed up application timelines, making it easier to transition into life in Canada.
Who Will Be Affected?
- Express Entry applicants: You’ll need to complete your medical exam upfront before applying.
- Other PR applicants: No changes here! You’ll still receive instructions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after you submit your application and must complete the exam within 30 days.
- Applications submitted before August 21, 2025: These will not be affected by the new requirements.
What is an Immigration Medical Exam?
The Immigration Medical Exam (IME) must be performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician. The costs typically range from $140 to $280 per person, which may vary if you require specialist consultations or additional testing.
The exam usually includes:
- A thorough medical history review.
- A full-body physical examination covering all essential areas, including respiratory and cardiovascular health.
- X-rays, particularly for checking conditions like Tuberculosis.
- Blood and urine assays.
- Mental health assessments.
- A review of your vaccination record.
All applicants, including family members—whether they’re accompanying you or not—must meet Canada’s medical admissibility standards. This means they shouldn’t pose a public health risk or create excessive demand on the healthcare system, which is defined as costing over $27,162 annually.
Next Steps for PR Applicants
If you’re planning on applying, it’s a good idea to schedule your IME in advance with a physician listed on the IRCC website. If you’ve had a medical exam in the past five years for another type of visa, like a work permit or study permit, you might be allowed to reuse those results with your IME number, pending IRCC approval.
Make sure you bring the necessary documents for your appointment. This includes your ID, photographs, vaccination records, any recent medical reports, and a list of current medications. Being prepared will help ensure that your examination goes smoothly and is one less thing to worry about during your application process.
How This Affects Job Seekers and Immigrants
If you’re an international job seeker interested in obtaining a work permit or permanent residency, understanding these medical requirements is essential. Whether you’re looking for jobs that provide visa sponsorship or exploring pathways for permanent residency, staying on top of medical exam prerequisites can save you time and help you plan effectively.
Our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, focuses specifically on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants. So, as you prepare to move, remember that you can find opportunities that align with your goals while providing necessary support.
It’s exciting to think about starting a new chapter in Canada, and staying informed about the changes in immigration processes can help make your transition smoother. If you have any questions or thoughts about the medical exam requirements or your plans to move to Canada, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect.
Tell us what you’re thinking.
Drop your thoughts or questions below. We read every comment and reply when we can.
