Effective August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a significant procedural change for Express Entry applicants: all principal applicants and accompanying family members must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) upfront, before submitting their permanent residence (PR) application.
This marks a shift from the previous system, where applicants submitted their PR application first and then waited for IRCC to instruct them on medical requirements. This new upfront requirement applies only to Express Entry applicants applying on or after August 21, 2025. Applications submitted prior to that date, and PR applications under non-Express Entry streams, are not affected.
Why the Change Matters
The upfront medical exam approach is aimed at streamlining processing, minimizing delays, and enabling IRCC to flag medical inadmissibility issues early in the process. A condition that could pose a risk to public health or impose excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system (e.g., costing over CAD 27,162 per year) can now be identified before application review begins.
In addition, this change will help IRCC reduce overall processing times. Previously, applicants were asked to complete their medical exam after submitting their PR application, which added an extra step and often delayed final decisions. By requiring medicals upfront, IRCC eliminates this waiting period and can move directly into reviewing eligibility and admissibility factors, resulting in a faster, more efficient process for many applicants.
A Closer Look: Applicants Inside Canada
For applicants already in Canada, the requirements are as follows:
- If you’ve completed an IME within the last 5 years for another application (e.g., a work or study permit) and the exam deemed you low risk or no risk, you may not need another exam. In that case, simply include your IME number or unique medical identifier (UMI) in your Express Entry application.
- However, IRCC retains the discretion to reject previous results. If they deem your old IME unsuitable, they will instruct you to complete a new medical exam.
For in-Canada applicants, this means that unless your prior IME is accepted, you’ll need to proactively schedule a new exam with a panel physician and include the results when you apply.
Applicants Outside Canada: What You Need to Do
If you’re applying from outside Canada, here’s what’s required:
- Schedule and complete an IME with an IRCC-approved panel physician before submitting your Express Entry PR application.
- Include the IME results (information printout or IMM 1017B form) when filing your application.
Not submitting the IME information upfront may result in delays or the application being returned.
What to Expect During Your Medical Exam
Whether you’re inside or outside Canada, here’s what typically happens:
- Book with an IRCC-listed panel physician via the IRCC directory.
- At the appointment, bring:
- A valid ID (passport or national ID).
- Four recent photographs (if required).
- A list of current medications and any relevant medical reports.
- Proof of vaccinations (optional but helpful).
- The exam may include:
- A physical exam (heart, lungs, general health).
- X-ray (e.g., for tuberculosis screening).
- Blood or lab tests.
- Assessment for conditions that may be inadmissible.
- You’ll receive either an information printout sheet or the official IMM 1017B (Upfront Medical Report form). Retain this and upload it with your Express Entry application.
Important Tips to Remember
- Get the exam soon after receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA), especially if you’re outside Canada, to avoid expiry—results are valid for 12 months.
- If you’ve already done an IME in Canada, prepare and provide your IME number early; but be prepared to retake the exam if IRCC deems it necessary.
- Ensure your IME results are valid and included when submitting your PR application—missing this critical step could lead to delays or refusal.
In Summary
- As of August 21, 2025, upfront medical exams are mandatory for Express Entry PR applicants and their family members.
- In Canada? Provide your recent IME info or get a new exam if required.
- Outside Canada? Schedule an upfront IME and include the results when you apply.
- This change will reduce delays, as IRCC can now review applications without waiting for medical instructions and submissions later in the process.
Ready to Get Started? Saranova Immigration Inc. Can Help!
Navigating these updates can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Saranova Immigration Inc., we can:
- Help you determine whether your previous IME can be reused.
- Assist you in scheduling your medical exam with trusted panel physicians.
- Guide you in properly completing and uploading the IME documentation.
- Ensure your Express Entry application meets IRCC’s new upfront medical requirements from the very start.
Don’t risk delays or missteps—contact Saranova Immigration Inc. today for expert support in your Express Entry journey.
