Canada Express Entry 2025: New Medical Exam Rules Explained

What to Know About Immigration Medical Exams (IME) for Canada’s Express Entry in 2025

If you’re applying for permanent residence (PR) through Canada’s Express Entry system, there’s an important update you’ll want to know about. Starting August 21, 2025, all Express Entry applicants are required to complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) as part of their application—unless they meet specific exemptions.

This change has raised many questions for newcomers planning their move to Canada. To help you navigate the process, we’ve gathered answers to 10 of the most frequently asked questions about the IME requirement, including who needs one, what the exam includes, how much it costs, and how it affects your application.

Key Highlights

• As of August 21, 2025, most Express Entry applicants must submit an upfront IME with their PR application.
• Only doctors approved by IRCC (panel physicians) can perform these medical exams.
• Medical exam costs vary but typically range between $140–$180 per person in Canada.
• IME results are valid for 12 months and are submitted directly to IRCC by the panel physician.
• Certain conditions may lead to further review but don’t automatically mean denial of your PR application.
• You may be exempt if you’ve already completed an IME within the last 5 years and live in Canada.

Who Must Complete an IME—and Who Is Exempt?

Most people applying for PR through Express Entry must undergo a medical exam, but there are a few exceptions. You may be exempt if:

• You’re already living in Canada;
• You completed an IME within the last five years; and
• Your previous IME determined you posed low or no risk to public health and safety.

If you meet all three criteria, you won’t need to redo your medical exam. Otherwise, an upfront IME is now a required part of your PR application.

What If You Have a Medical Condition?

Having a medical condition doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The key factor is whether your condition:

• Poses a risk to public health or public safety, or
• Would create excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare or social services.

In 2025, the excessive demand cost threshold is set at $135,810 over five years (or $27,162 annually). If the cost of managing your condition is expected to exceed this amount, it may raise concerns with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Some applicants may also be required to undergo medical surveillance after arriving in Canada, such as follow-ups for tuberculosis. But rest assured—many medical conditions are manageable and do not result in inadmissibility.

Can Your Family Doctor Perform the IME?

Nope—your family doctor can’t do this one. Only IRCC-approved panel physicians are authorized to perform immigration medical exams. You’ll need to choose a doctor from IRCC’s list of certified panel physicians.

When booking your appointment, make sure to confirm the physician is recognized by IRCC to avoid delays in processing your application.

How Much Does a Medical Exam Cost?

IME costs can vary depending on your location and the clinic, but here’s a general breakdown for exams in Canada:

• Children (ages 0–14): $140–$150 CAD
• Applicants (ages 15–74): $170–$180 CAD

These fees typically include the doctor’s services, lab work, and radiology tests. Any additional tests or specialist referrals may come with extra costs. Also, if the clinic offers vaccinations, those may be an added charge too. Note that asylum seekers and refugees may have some fees covered.

What Documents Should You Bring?

To make sure your exam goes smoothly, IRCC recommends bringing:

• Your valid ID, such as a passport or national ID card
• Medical Report form (IMM 1017E or IMM 1020E), if IRCC has sent you one
• Four passport-style photos (if the clinic doesn’t use the eMedical system)
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
• Any medical reports or history of past/current conditions
• List of medications you’re currently taking
• Vaccination records (optional but helpful—especially for COVID-19)

What Happens During the Exam?

There are two types of medical exams used in Canadian immigration: the Standard Medical Exam and the Streamlined Medical Exam. Both include identity verification, medical history, and diagnostic tests, but the specific steps may differ slightly.

Standard Medical Exam

During this exam, the clinic staff will:

• Verify your ID and take your photo
• Discuss your medical history and any medications
• Conduct a physical exam: height, weight, vision, hearing, heart, lungs, skin, and limb movement

Depending on your age and health, you may also be asked to complete chest X-rays, urine and blood tests, or see a specialist.

Streamlined Medical Exam

This version also includes identity checks and a medical history questionnaire, along with any required lab tests based on your age. If anything unusual shows up, you may be referred to a specialist.

In both cases, you can request a chaperone and pause the exam at any time to ask questions or express concerns. You have rights during the process, and your comfort matters.

After the Exam: What’s Next?

Once your IME is complete, the panel physician will upload your results directly to IRCC through the secure eMedical system. You’ll be given either an information printout sheet or the IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form.

When submitting your PR application online, you’ll need to upload this document in the designated section of the application portal. Make sure to hold onto a copy for your own records.

How Long Does It Take?

The medical exam itself typically takes between 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how busy the clinic is and whether extra tests are needed. Most panel physicians upload your results to IRCC within 10 days.

However, IRCC’s review of your results is part of your entire PR application, so timelines can vary. It’s a good idea to regularly check your application status in the PR portal to stay updated.

Can You Get Your Results?

Yes, you can ask the clinic for a copy of your medical exam results. But keep in mind that panel physicians won’t send you updates when they submit results to IRCC, and IRCC doesn’t notify applicants when they receive them.

Any medical records and X-rays submitted during the IME become the property of IRCC and won’t be returned. So, if you want a copy, request it at your appointment.

How Long Are IME Results Valid?

Your medical exam results are typically valid for 12 months. If your results expire before IRCC makes a decision on your PR application, you may be asked to complete another IME.

Final Thoughts

Getting your medical exam right is a key step in the Express Entry process. It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but knowing what to expect can make the entire experience much smoother.

If you’re still in the early stages of planning your immigration journey and want to know how strong your Express Entry profile is, be sure to check out our free assessment tool: See how competitive your Express Entry profile is.

And if you’re considering other immigration programs, like the Manitoba PNP, be sure to explore your options to find the best path to permanent residence.

Need help navigating the medical exam process or worried about medical inadmissibility? Don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified immigration consultant for guidance and peace of mind.