New Medical Exam Requirements for Express Entry Permanent Residence Applications effective August 21, 2025

Official announcement from IRCC

Bộ Di trú, Tị nạn và Quốc tịch Canada (IRCC) sẽ áp dụng quy định mới về khám sức khỏe bắt buộc ngay từ đầu đối với tất cả các hồ sơ xin thường trú nhân theo hệ thống Express Entry.

This regulation takes effect from August 21, 2025.

Previously, applicants simply submitted a complete application for permanent residence and then waited for IRCC to instruct them to undergo a medical examination. With the new regulations in place, applicants must undergo a medical examination before submitting their application.

• Applications submitted before 21/08/2025 will not be affected.
• Non-Express Entry permanent resident applications are also not subject to this new requirement.

The concept of “medical admissibility” – Health conditions that qualify for immigration

When applying for Canadian permanent residency, the principal applicant and all family members (whether accompanying or not) must meet the requirement of not being inadmissible for medical reasons.

Common reasons for health record denials:

1. Placing an undue burden on the Canadian health system
   • “Undue burden” is defined by IRCC as health care costs exceeding three times the national average cost per person per year, which is equivalent to CAD 27,162 per year.
   • For example, some chronic diseases such as diabetes, if not well controlled, can be considered burdensome.
   • However, if it is demonstrated that the disease is treatable, stable and well controlled, the chances of being refused are reduced.
2. Risk to public health
   • Includes serious infectious diseases, such as untreated tuberculosis.

What is the Canadian Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?

IME is a medical examination performed by a physician on the IRCC approved list.

Booking process:

• Access IRCC's list of Panel Physicians.
• Select a country or region.
• Contact your doctor directly to make an appointment.

Health check-up cost:

• Normally: 140 – 280 CAD/person (not including additional tests).
• Candidates pay all costs themselves, including:
  • Doctor or radiologist consultation fees;
  • Special tests or treatments;
  • Specialist examination (if necessary).

IME health examination contents may include:

• Declare medical history (surgery, chronic illness, previous treatment).
• General examination (eyes, heart, lungs, ...).
• Chest X-ray (tuberculosis test).
• Blood and urine tests.
• Mental health assessment.
• Check vaccination records.

Documents to bring when going for medical examination:

• Passport or valid identification.
• 4 recent ID photos.
• List of medications currently being used.
• Medical records, previous examination results.
• Proof of vaccination.

If you have had a medical examination in the last 5 years

If you have had an IME examination within the past 5 years (for example, when applying for a work permit or study permit), you can provide your IME number or Unique Medical Identifier when applying for permanent residence.

If IRCC determines that the old results cannot be used, they will ask the applicant to re-examine.

Impact of this change on Express Entry candidates

Those with chronic medical conditions should be stabilized before undergoing IME to reduce the risk of rejection.

Processing times may be reduced because IRCC does not have to wait for applicants to complete medical examinations.

Applicants need to prepare financial and medical records early.