Big changes are coming to Canada’s Express Entry program. Starting August 21, 2025, all applicants who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) upfront and include proof with their online application. This new requirement applies to you and all family members listed in the PR application.
Previously, medical exams were done only after submission—causing long delays. With this change, IRCC aims to speed up application processing and address medical admissibility issues earlier in the process.
- If you’re already in Canada and completed an IME within the past five years, you may be able to reuse your results.
- If you’ve never had an IME, you’ll need to book with an IRCC-approved panel physician right after receiving your ITA.
- Proof of the exam must be uploaded with your PR application before submission.
This policy shift is designed to make the PR process more efficient, but it also means applicants need to plan ahead carefully to avoid last-minute problems.
Find out what this means for your PR journey and how to prepare: Read More