IRCC Adds Medical Exams for Canada PR Visa Applications

By Visa Jobs CanadaAugust 13, 2025Express Entry UpdatesCanadian immigration, Express Entry, medical exams, PR applications, visa sponsorship

Are you considering making Canada your new home? Starting August 21, 2025, there’s an important change for those pursuing permanent residency through the Express Entry system. This change involves upfront immigration medical exams, also known as IMEs, which will be required before you submit your application. Understanding this process is crucial for international job seekers, especially if you’re exploring visa sponsorship opportunities or permanent residency (PR) options in Canada.

What You Need to Know About Medical Admissibility

Conditions such as well-managed diabetes may not automatically lead to inadmissibility, but serious infectious diseases could be a concern. It’s vital to understand these requirements as they can impact your eligibility for PR.

What is an Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?

Immigration Medical Exam is a comprehensive health assessment conducted by IRCC-approved medical professionals. This exam is designed to determine if your health conditions could pose a risk to public health or condition you to make high demands on health services. The costs for an IME usually fall between $140 and $280, depending on the provider and the services included.

The IME may involve various tests and assessments such as:

A review of your medical history, including past surgeries and chronic illnesses
A full-body physical examination, assessing major health aspects such as heart and lung function
X-rays, particularly chest X-rays to screen for tuberculosis
Blood and urine tests
Mental health evaluations
A check of your immunisation records

To prepare for your IME, it’s helpful to bring a list of current medications, any previous medical reports, proof of vaccinations, valid identification, and a few recent photographs.

If you’re already in Canada and have had an IME in the last five years for a study or work permit, you can provide your IME number. However, if IRCC finds that these results aren’t usable, you may need to take a new exam.

This change in procedure means being proactive with your health assessments as you navigate your journey to living and working in Canada. If you’re exploring job opportunities from overseas, you’ll find that every listing on our site, VisaJobsCanada.com, indicates whether the position offers visa sponsorship.

By staying informed and prepared, you’ll enhance your chances of a smooth transition to Canada. Good luck with your application, and remember, there’s a vibrant community waiting to welcome you to this beautiful country!