Express Entry Update: Medical Exams Required Before PR Submission

Express Entry PR Applicants Will Need Upfront Medical Exams Starting August 2025

• Starting August 21, 2025, all Express Entry permanent residence applicants must complete a medical exam before submitting their application
• This change applies only to Express Entry—other pathways remain unaffected
• Applications submitted before the deadline are not subject to the new rule
• Medical admissibility applies to both the principal applicant and their family members
• Medical exams must be completed by IRCC-approved panel physicians
• Chronic or infectious conditions may impact admissibility, but proper treatment can help

If you’re planning to apply for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry, there’s a big change coming that you’ll want to keep on your radar. Starting August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require all Express Entry applicants to complete an upfront immigration medical exam (IME) before submitting their application.

This is a shift from the current process, where applicants typically wait to receive instructions from IRCC after submitting their application. Let’s walk through what this means, who it affects, and how you can prepare.

Who Does This Change Affect?

This new requirement is specific to individuals applying for permanent residence through Express Entry. If you’re using a different PR pathway—like a provincial nominee program (PNP) outside of Express Entry—then this change doesn’t apply to you. And if you submit your Express Entry application before August 21, 2025, you’re in the clear and can still follow the current process.

But if you’re planning to apply on or after that date, you’ll need to make sure your medical exam is done and ready before you hit “submit.”

Why Is IRCC Making This Change?

IRCC hasn’t released a detailed explanation yet, but the likely goal is to speed up processing times and make it easier to assess admissibility up front. By having your medical exam completed in advance, the visa officer reviewing your application will already have a key piece of the puzzle, which could help reduce delays.

What Is Medical Admissibility & Why It Matters

To be granted permanent residence, both the principal applicant and their immediate family members (whether they’re coming to Canada or not) must meet Canada’s medical admissibility requirements.

There are a few scenarios where someone might be considered medically inadmissible:

• Excessive demand on health or social services: If a person’s medical condition is expected to cost more than three times the average annual per capita health care cost in Canada, they may be denied PR.
• Risk to public health: This includes cases involving infectious diseases that could pose a threat to others.

The good news? Properly treating and managing chronic conditions like diabetes can help applicants avoid a finding of inadmissibility. It’s important to be proactive and transparent with your documentation.

How Immigration Medical Exams Work

Immigration medical exams aren’t your average check-up. You’ll need to book your appointment with a physician approved by IRCC. These doctors, often called “panel physicians,” follow specific guidelines set by the Canadian government and will submit the exam results directly to IRCC.

Depending on your age and health, your exam may include:

• A physical assessment
• Blood and urine tests
• X-rays (usually of the chest)
• Review of your medical history

Once completed, the results are usually valid for 12 months, so timing your exam is crucial. If your results expire before your application is finalized, you may have to redo the process—so plan accordingly!

When Should You Schedule Your Medical Exam?

Since this change doesn’t take effect until August 21, 2025, you don’t need to rush into anything if you’re applying before that. But if you’ll be submitting your application after that date, it’s worth scheduling your appointment ahead of time. Just make sure the results will still be valid when your application is processed.

Planning to Apply Through Express Entry?

If you’re thinking about applying via Express Entry, you’re probably already keeping an eye on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Understanding how competitive your profile is can help you decide when to apply—and now, when to schedule your medical exam too.

And if you’re considering a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), like the Manitoba PNP, this new requirement doesn’t apply unless you’re going through the Express Entry-aligned stream.

Final Thoughts

While this may seem like one more step to manage, it could actually streamline the process in the long run. By front-loading your medical exam, you’ll be helping IRCC process your application more efficiently.

It’s always a good idea to stay informed and prepare in advance. That way, when the time comes to submit your Express Entry application, you’ll be a step ahead of the game.

Need help getting your application ready? Check out our resources and tools to see how competitive your profile is and what you can do to boost your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply.

Contact our team or explore our blog for more tips on navigating Canada’s immigration system.

Let’s make Canada your new home—one step at a time!