Maple News reports that as of August 21, 2023, new applicants for permanent residence (PR) through Canada’s Express Entry system must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application—unless they qualify for a specific exemption.
Previously, applicants were required to undergo the IME only after receiving a request from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) following the submission of their PR application. The new policy shifts the IME to an earlier stage in the process, requiring candidates to obtain it upfront if they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
This change aims to streamline the overall application process and reduce delays associated with medical screening after the application is submitted.
Applicants may be exempt from this new requirement if they meet all of the following conditions: they have completed an IME within the last five years, their previous IME classified them as low or no risk to public health and safety, and they currently reside in Canada.
IRCC emphasizes that IMEs should only be completed after receiving an ITA, not before. Medical exams are valid for 12 months from the examination date.
Importantly, the IME must be completed not only by the principal applicant but also by all immediate family members, including spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, and even non-accompanying dependents.
Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can perform the medical exams. These physicians submit the results directly to IRCC through the eMedical system, ensuring the data is securely and efficiently transmitted.
For individuals pursuing permanent residency through Express Entry, this new requirement means a more proactive preparation approach will now be essential to ensure a timely and complete application.