• by Career Wings

Express Entry Medical Exam Update: What You Really Need to Know

If you’re applying for permanent residence through Express Entry, you may have come across recent news about medical exam requirements. At first glance, the headlines might sound like a big shift. But let’s set the record straight: nothing major has changed.

The medical rules, the admissibility criteria, and the exam process itself remain exactly the same. The only adjustment is in timing. Beginning August 21, 2025, applicants under Express Entry will need to complete their immigration medical exam (IME) upfront—that is, before submitting their PR application.

What’s Changing (and What’s Not)

Here’s a quick comparison to help you see the difference:

• Before August 21, 2025: You submitted your PR application first, then waited for IRCC to send you medical exam instructions.
• On or after August 21, 2025: You’ll need to include your completed upfront medical exam results with your PR application.

That’s it. The medical requirements themselves haven’t changed, and if you’re applying through any PR stream outside Express Entry (like Family Sponsorship, Provincial Nominee Programs not linked to Express Entry, etc.), your process remains exactly as before.

Why Do Medical Exams Matter in PR Applications?

Every permanent resident applicant—and their family members, whether accompanying or not—must be medically admissible to Canada.

This means IRCC will check if:

1. Your health condition poses a danger to public health (for example, certain infectious diseases).
2. Your treatment needs would create an excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system (defined as costs exceeding about $27,162 per year).

For most applicants, showing that any chronic health condition (such as diabetes) is stable, under control, and well-managed is usually enough to avoid concerns.

What If You Recently Had a Medical Exam?

Applicants in Canada who completed an IME within the last 5 years (e.g., for a work or study permit) can often use their previous results. You’ll just need to provide your IME number or unique medical identifier with your PR application.If IRCC decides your earlier exam can’t be reused, they’ll contact you with next steps.

Final Thoughts: What This Change Really Means

This update isn’t about stricter rules or tougher exams—it’s simply about when you do your medical exam.

Think of it like this:

• Old process: Apply first → wait for medical instructions → complete exam.
• New process: Complete exam first → submit application with results.

For Express Entry candidates applying after August 21, 2025, the key is to be proactive: book your medical exam in advance so your application package is ready to go without delay.

In short, the rules haven’t changed—just the order of steps.

Need help preparing your Express Entry application?
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