Immigration Services
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed a major policy change for Express Entry applicants.
Starting August 21, 2025, all candidates — and their family members (including non-accompanying dependents) — must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their permanent residence application.
This update replaces the older process, where medical exams were usually done after the PR application was submitted.
The new rule applies to all Express Entry applicants and their family members.
Beginning August 21, 2025, upfront medical exams must be included with the permanent residence application.
If you completed a medical exam in the past five years and it is still valid, you may reuse it by providing your IME number or identifier. Otherwise, IRCC will request a new exam.
This rule applies only to Express Entry. Other PR programs continue under the existing post-submission exam model.
IRCC’s goal is to streamline processing by confirming medical admissibility earlier in the Express Entry process.
All Express Entry applicants — principal and family members — must be medically admissible to Canada. IRCC may refuse applications if:
The condition could create excessive demand on Canadian healthcare or social services (above CAD 27,162/year).
The applicant has a public health risk, such as an infectious disease.
💡 Tip: Chronic, well-managed conditions such as diabetes are less likely to lead to medical inadmissibility. Submitting medical reports helps reduce risks.
Your IME must be performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Review of medical history (past surgeries, chronic illnesses, treatments)
Physical exam (heart, lungs, eyes, etc.)
Chest X-ray (to detect tuberculosis)
Blood and urine tests
Mental health assessment
Immunization review (if applicable)
Standard range: CAD 140–280 per person
Extra costs: Specialist visits, radiology, or additional lab tests
Note: All fees must be paid by the applicant at the time of the exam
Valid passport or government-issued ID
Four recent passport-style photographs
Current list of medications
Medical reports for existing conditions
Vaccination records
IME results are valid for 12 months. If you do not land as a permanent resident within that time, you may need a new exam.
If you completed an IME in Canada within the last five years, you may reuse it. Provide your IME number with your Express Entry application. IRCC will confirm whether the results are still valid.
After receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must complete your upfront medical exam before submitting your PR application.
Whether accompanying or not, all family members must follow the same IME rules.
At Cosmic Immigration Services, we ensure your Express Entry application is fully compliant with IRCC’s updated rules. Our support includes:
Helping you find an IRCC-approved panel physician near you
Assisting in preparing documents for your medical exam
Ensuring your IME results are properly included in your PR submission
Offering end-to-end guidance from medical preparation to final approval
With this policy change, missing the upfront medical exam could mean delays or even refusal. Having expert guidance makes all the difference.
The August 21, 2025 medical exam rule is one of the most important updates for Express Entry applicants. If you’re planning to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you must prepare early to stay compliant.
With Cosmic Immigration Services by your side, you can:
Navigate the new IME requirement with ease
Avoid costly delays and refusals
Maximize your chances of fast, smooth PR processing
Don’t risk delays under the new Express Entry medical exam requirement. Contact us today for expert guidance.
Cosmic Immigration Services
📍 7015 Tranmere Drive, Unit #19, Mississauga, ON L5S 1T7, Canada
📧 Email: info@cosmicimmigration.com
📞 Phone: +1 (905) 800-2700
🌐 Website: www.cosmicimmigration.com
✨ Cosmic Immigration Services — Your trusted partner for Express Entry, PNP, LMIA-based work permits, and family sponsorships.
