Immigration Corner | New medical report rules for Canada

Dear Miss Powell,

I am in the Express Entry pool and recently received a notice that there will be changes to the medical exam process starting in August. I am confused about what this means and when I need to do my medical. Could you explain?

– H.R.

Dear H.R.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an important change to the Express Entry process that will take effect on August 21, 2025. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence after this date, you and all your family members listed in the application, will be required to complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before you submit your application.

This is different from the previous system, where you were required to wait for IRCC to send instructions after applying. Starting on August 21, you must complete the medical exam with an approved panel physician and upload proof of the exam directly in your Express Entry Profile at the same time you submit your permanent residence application.

When you receive your invitation to apply for permanent residence, then schedule an appointment with an IRCC-approved panel physician. The proof you receive from the physician, such as the IMM 1017B form, must be uploaded when you submit your application. This applies to all family members included in your application, whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not.

EXCEPTION

If you are in Canada and completed a medical within the last five years for an application for a work or study permit, you should include your IME number or unique medical identifier in your application. IRCC will let you know if your previous results can be used. If they require a new medical report, you will be given instructions on how to complete a new exam.

If you have already completed your medical exam recently, keep your documentation safe so you can include it right away if invited to apply. If not, you should ensure that you are ready to book an appointment quickly after receiving your ITA, as your application will not be complete without this proof. You could check the government’s website now to find out the name of a panel physician near you.

The reason for this change is to speed up processing and reduce delays caused by waiting for medical exam results. It also allows IRCC to determine medical admissibility sooner in the process as this could be a reason for denial.

This new medical requirement is significant so you need to plan ahead and so that you can avoid missing deadlines after August 21, 2025.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada you may contact her via WhatsApp or Telephone 613-695-8777, via www.deidrepowell.com or Facebook.