New Express Entry Rule: IME Now Mandatory Before Applying
New Express Entry Rule Requires Upfront Immigration Medical Exam: What You Need to Know
- As of August 21, Express Entry applicants must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their PR application.
- Some applicants may be exempt if they completed an IME in the last five years and meet specific conditions.
- IME must be completed by all immediate family members, even those not moving to Canada.
- Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can perform an IME.
- Applicants must upload proof of their IME when submitting their application online.
- IME results are typically valid for 12 months.
Starting August 21, 2025, there’s a new step for anyone applying for Canadian permanent residence (PR) through the Express Entry system—you’ll now need to complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) upfront before submitting your application. This is a shift from the previous process, where medical exams were done only after Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requested them.
Let’s break down what this means for you, who qualifies for an exemption, and what steps you’ll need to take to stay on track with your Express Entry journey.
Why This Change Matters for Express Entry Applicants
This update is important because it affects the timing and planning of your PR application. If you’ve recently received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry, you’ll now need to ensure your medical exam is done before you hit “submit” on your application.
The goal here is to streamline the application process and reduce delays later on. But if you’re not prepared, it could cause some hiccups.
Who Has to Complete an IME Before Applying?
Under the new rule, most candidates applying through Express Entry must complete an IME before submitting their PR application. However, there are a few exemptions—and these are based on your recent medical history and where you currently live.
Who’s Exempt From the Upfront IME Rule?
You may not need to do a new IME if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You’ve already completed an IME within the past 5 years.
- Your previous IME showed you pose little to no risk to Canada’s public health and safety.
- You’re currently living in Canada.
If you tick all these boxes, you can use your previous IME results when submitting your PR application. Just make sure to upload one of the following:
- Your IME Number (a unique medical ID assigned to your exam);
- An IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form; or
- An information printout sheet from your previous IME.
It’s important to note that even if you believe you’re exempt, IRCC may still request a new IME after reviewing your application. If that happens, they’ll let you know what to do next.
When Should You Book Your IME?
IRCC recommends you only book your IME if you’ve already received an ITA. That way, you won’t waste time or money if you’re not selected in a draw. Once you have an ITA, it’s time to book your medical exam with a panel physician who’s been approved by IRCC.
Who Can Perform an Immigration Medical Exam?
Not just any doctor can do your IME. You’ll need to visit a designated panel physician approved by IRCC. These doctors are trained to meet Canadian immigration standards and use a secure system called eMedical to send results directly to IRCC.
To find the nearest panel physician, visit the official IRCC tool to search by your location. It’s always a good idea to double-check availability and book early—appointments can fill up quickly, especially in peak application seasons.
What Happens After You Complete Your IME?
Once your exam is finished, the panel physician will give you one of the following documents:
- An IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form; or
- An information printout sheet.
Make sure to keep this document safe. You’ll need to upload it as part of your Express Entry application using the Profile Builder tool. This serves as proof that you’ve completed the exam and helps IRCC process your application faster.
Who Needs to Be Examined? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just You!)
When IRCC says “you,” they actually mean you and all of your immediate family members—even if those family members aren’t coming with you to Canada.
This includes:
- Your spouse or common-law partner
- Your dependent children
- The dependent children of your dependent children
Every person must go through the IME process, and their results will be assessed as part of your PR application. It’s a way for Canada to ensure public health and safety for everyone entering the country.
How Long Is the IME Valid?
Your medical exam results are valid for 12 months from the date they’re completed. So, if your application takes longer than that to process, or if you delay your move to Canada, you may need to do another medical exam down the line.
Already Completed an IME Recently?
If you’ve done an IME in the last five years and are currently living in Canada, you might not need to complete a new one. If you qualify for the exemption, upload your older IME documentation as part of your Express Entry application. Just include:
- Your IME number
- IMM 1017B form; or
- Information printout sheet
IRCC will review your previous results and let you know if a new exam is needed. If they reject the reuse of your prior results, they’ll send instructions on how to complete a new one.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Ahead
This new rule is a big change, but if you’re prepared and know the steps, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Timing is everything—so if you’ve received an ITA and are planning to submit your PR application, make sure to book your IME as soon as possible with an approved panel physician.
Curious about how competitive your Express Entry profile is? Use our handy tool to check your eligibility and calculate your points with the Manitoba PNP calculator or other helpful tools on our site.
Ready to make your Express Entry application stand out? Contact us for expert guidance, or check out our other resources on Express Entry, Canadian immigration medical exams, and how to prepare your PR application.
