New Medical Exam Requirements for Express Entry Permanent Residence Applications

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new medical exam rules for Express Entry applicants. Starting August 21, candidates applying for Canadian permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry must complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application—unless they qualify for an exemption.

What Changed?

Previously, applicants only had to complete an IME after submitting their PR application, when IRCC requested it. Now, upfront completion is required to move forward with the application process.

Who Is Exempt?

You may not need to complete a new IME if you meet all of the following conditions:

• You already completed an IME within the past five years.
• The previous IME results showed you were low risk or no risk to Canadian public health and safety.
• You currently live in Canada.
  
  

If you qualify, you can use your old IME results by submitting one of the following:

• Information printout sheet;
• IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form; or
• Your IME number (unique medical identifier).

IRCC will review the uploaded results. If they are not acceptable, IRCC will give you instructions to complete a new medical exam.

Who Needs to Take the Exam?

The IME is required for:

• The main applicant;
• Spouse or common-law partner;
• Dependent children;
• Dependent children of dependent children (even if they are not accompanying you to Canada).
  
  

Validity of IMEs

• IMEs are valid for 12 months from the date of the exam.
• IRCC recommends completing the exam only after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
  
  

Who Can Perform the Exam?

An IME must be conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

• These doctors use IRCC’s eMedical system and submit results directly to IRCC.
• To find the nearest panel physician, visit the official IRCC website.
  
  

Proof of IME Completion

After completing your exam, the panel physician will provide either:

• An Information printout sheet; or
• An IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form.

You must upload one of these documents when submitting your Express Entry application.

Key Takeaway

If you are applying for PR through Express Entry after August 21, be prepared to complete an upfront medical exam unless you meet the exemption criteria. This change is meant to streamline the process and ensure public health safety in Canada.