Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a major update to the medical examination process for Express Entry applicants. Starting August 21, 2025, all individuals applying under the Express Entry system must complete an upfront medical exam prior to submitting their application for permanent residence.
Previously, applicants would wait to receive instructions from IRCC before scheduling their medical exams. Under the new policy, the medical assessment becomes a mandatory pre-application requirement. This move is intended to streamline the processing of Express Entry applications by reducing delays related to post-submission medical checks.
Importantly, this change applies only to Express Entry candidates. Applications submitted before August 21, 2025, will follow the previous process. Other permanent residence pathways, such as those for family sponsorship or provincial nominee programs, will continue using the traditional system, where IRCC issues medical instructions after an initial application review.
For applicants already residing in Canada, the temporary public policy allowing past medical exam results to be reused has been extended until October 5, 2029. Those who completed an immigration medical exam within the last five years may submit their previous results by including their IME (Immigration Medical Exam) number in the new application.
IRCC requires all applicants for permanent residence and their accompanying or non-accompanying family members to undergo medical assessments. The type of exam—standard or streamlined—will be determined by IRCC based on each applicant’s profile. Only panel physicians approved by IRCC can conduct these exams. Family doctors not listed on IRCC’s authorized panel are not eligible.
To complete the exam, applicants should bring valid government-issued ID, prescription glasses or contact lenses if applicable, detailed medical records for any ongoing conditions, a current medication list, and vaccination records if available. Some panel physicians may require photographs, particularly if they do not use IRCC’s eMedical system.
The cost of the immigration medical exam must be covered by the applicant and may include additional fees for laboratory tests or specialist referrals. However, certain individuals such as refugees and asylum seekers may be exempt from paying these charges. Applicants unable to complete the exam due to exceptional circumstances should submit a written explanation to IRCC for review.
This policy change reflects Canada’s continued focus on increasing efficiency in processing Express Entry applications, especially as the country moves toward meeting ambitious immigration targets in the coming years.
Maple News will continue monitoring developments in Canadian immigration policy and keep readers updated on any further changes affecting Express Entry and other immigration streams.