New Medical Report Rules for Canada Immigration

By Visa Jobs CanadaAugust 19, 2025August 19, 2025Express Entry UpdatesCanada news, Canadian immigration, medical report rules, visa sponsorship, work permits

Dear H.R.,

It’s great to hear that you’re in the Express Entry pool! I understand that you have some questions about the new changes coming to the medical exam process in Canada. Let me break it down for you.

Starting on August 21, 2025, an important shift will occur regarding the medical examination required for those receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR). Previously, applicants waited for instructions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after applying; however, this new system means you and your family members listed in the application will need to complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting your application.

So, once you receive your ITA, book an appointment with an IRCC-approved panel physician as soon as possible. The proof of your medical exam, such as the IMM 1017B form, must be uploaded alongside your application. This means everyone in your family, whether they are coming with you to Canada or not, will need to have their exams completed and documented.

EXCEPTIONS

If you’re already in Canada and completed a medical exam for a work or study permit within the past five years, you can include your IME number in your application. IRCC will guide you on whether your previous results are acceptable. If a new medical exam is necessary, expect clear instructions on how to proceed.

If you had an exam recently, be sure to keep all relevant documentation handy, as you’ll need it promptly once you receive your ITA. If you haven’t done it yet, it’s wise to look up a panel physician now so that you can schedule an appointment quickly after your invitation. That way, you’ll be ready to meet the requirements and avoid any delays in your application process.

The motivation behind this change is to streamline the processing times for applications and minimize delays that arise from waiting for medical results. It’s also vital for IRCC to assess your medical admissibility earlier on, which can help in avoiding potential denials based on health grounds.

As you prepare for this change, planning ahead is essential to avoid missing any important deadlines post-August 21, 2025. Keep yourself informed, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions about your journey to Canada. Resources are out there to help you navigate this process smoothly!

For job seekers looking to find opportunities in Canada, it’s worth noting that our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, specifically caters to international candidates. You’ll find listings that offer visa sponsorship and can help highlight your skills to potential employers.