Canada Imposes Medical Exam for PR Visa Applicants Starting August 21
Exciting changes are coming for those looking to make Canada their new home! Starting on August 21, 2025, anyone applying for permanent residence (PR) through the Express Entry system will need to complete an immigration medical exam before they can even submit their application. This new requirement, announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is aimed at speeding up the PR application process by ensuring that medical clearances are sorted out right from the start.
Previously, applicants could submit their applications before getting their medical exam done. With this new rule, having medical results upfront means less room for delays later on—though it does introduce an additional step and cost for applicants.
Who Needs to Take the Exam?
It’s important to know that everyone listed on a PR application, including family members who might not be moving immediately, must undergo the immigration medical exam. The IRCC decides whether you will need a regular or streamlined exam, and importantly, only physicians approved by IRCC can perform this medical examination. That means you can’t go to your regular family doctor for it!
If you’re applying under different PR categories, you’ll receive guidelines after you submit your application, and you’ll need to complete your medical exam within 30 days. Similarly, refugee claimants arriving at ports of entry also have 30 days to get this sorted. If you’re already in Canada, a recent medical exam conducted within the last five years can be used, as long as you provide your previous medical identifier number.
The temporary policy will be in place until October 5, 2029, giving everyone plenty of time to adapt to this new requirement.
What Does the Immigration Medical Exam Involve?
Curious about what the exam entails? Here’s what you can expect:
- Review of your medical history and any ongoing conditions
- A full physical examination (checking heart, lungs, eyes, etc.)
- A chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis
- Blood and urine tests
- A mental health assessment
- Verification of your vaccinations
What to Bring
When you attend your exam, make sure you have the following prepared:
- A government-issued ID (a passport is preferred)
- Any previous medical records
- A list of current medications you’re taking
- Proof of your vaccinations
- Four passport-sized photos
As for cost, expect to pay between CAD 140 and CAD 280 per person, which covers the fees for the doctor, lab tests, X-rays, and any specialist referrals if needed. Keep in mind that IRCC does not reimburse these costs, so budgeting for this is essential.
To book your exam, visit the IRCC Panel Physician list, choose your country and city, and schedule your Immigration Medical Exam (IME). Remember, you must complete this exam before you submit your PR application.
It’s also worth noting that applicants with medical conditions that could cost more than three times Canada’s per capita healthcare spending (currently CAD 27,162) might face denial. However, well-managed chronic conditions, like controlled diabetes, might still be accepted, depending on individual circumstances.
These changes could streamline your journey to Canadian PR and ultimately working in Canada. If you’re exploring job opportunities from overseas, you’ll find that every listing on VisaJobsCanada.com includes visa support, making your transition smoother.
What do you think?
Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Canada? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.
