Overview

• Starting August 21, Express Entry applicants must complete and upload proof of a full immigration medical exam before submitting their permanent residence applications.
• Exams must be performed by IRCC-approved panel physicians, and results for all family members must accompany the application even if some relatives do not plan to immigrate.
• The upfront requirement does not affect non-Express Entry streams or applications filed before the new rule’s August 21 effective date.
• In-Canada applicants who completed an IME within the last five years can reuse valid results by providing their previous IME identifier through a public policy extended to October 5, 2029.
• Applicants typically pay $140–$280 per exam, which includes medical history reviews, X-rays, lab tests, immunization checks and a mental-health assessment, prompting concerns over added costs and provider bottlenecks.