As of August 21, 2025, all applicants for permanent residence through Canada’s Express Entry program must have their immigration medical examination (IME) done before they can file their application. The policy alteration, which has been introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is a dramatic shift from the practice that is in place.
Also Read Canada Introduces New Prepaid Medical Examination for Express Entry PR Applicants
Transition from the Existing Process
Now, the applicants can apply for their permanent residence in advance and then wait for IRCC’s medical instructions later. Starting from the date of effect, the reverse prevails, which is that medical results must be there and part of the application package.
The reform will only be for Express Entry-managed programs. Applications already received before the policy becomes effective and streams of permanent residence outside of Express Entry will be governed by the existing rules.
Medical Admissibility Standards
Canada medically screens all PR applicants and their dependents, whether they are brought in under the principal applicant’s immigration or not, to determine if they are medically admissible.
A candidate can be disqualified if:
- Their health status will likely cost more than $27,162 in healthcare expenses each year, and thus is excessive.
- They constitute a public health hazard, for instance, through some infectious diseases.
Producing evidence that a chronic illness is being treated. For example, evidence of diabetes treatment may increase chances for admissibility.
What the Medical Exam Includes
There are only registered doctors on the IRCC’s approved panel who can perform IMEs. The cost is typically between $140 and $280 per person, with no extra fee for:
- Diagnostic tests
- Professional analyses
- Procedures or treatments
A routine IME can include:
- A history of recent and current medical status
- Physical inspection of the dominant systems (vision, heart, lungs, etc.)
- Chest X-rays are used as disease screening tool for conditions like tuberculosis
- Blood and urine samples
- Mental health assessment
- Verification of vaccination history
The applicants have to report with a passport or other government photo identification, recent photos, medical immunization records, current prescription history, and medical reports.
For Candidates Who Are Already in Canada
If the applicant has already had an IME in Canada in the recent past—let’s say, for a study permit or work permit—they can include the current IME number with their PR application. If that result is not considered usable, IRCC will issue a repeat test directive.
Reserving an IM
To book an appointment, applicants need to visit IRCC’s list of panel physicians, locate a practitioner near them, and book directly.
