Effective August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a significant procedural change for all Express Entry applicants. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, you and your accompanying family members will now be required to complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before you submit your application.
This marks a departure from the previous process, where medical exam instructions were issued only after submission.
What Has Changed
Previous Process:
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Applicants waited for IRCC instructions before booking an IME.
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Medical exams were completed only after the application was submitted.
New Process (Effective Aug 21, 2025):
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The IME must be completed upfront and proof uploaded within your online application via the Express Entry Profile Builder.
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This applies to all family members included in the application.
Who Needs to Complete the Upfront IME
1. Applicants in Canada with a Recent IME
If you are already in Canada and completed an IME within the last five years (for example, for a work or study permit), you may provide your IME number or Unique Medical Identifier (UMI) when submitting your PR application.
IRCC will determine if your previous results can be reused. If not, you will receive new instructions after submission.
2. Applicants Without a Prior IME
If you have never completed an IME, you must contact a panel physician directly after receiving your ITA. You will need to:
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Book and complete the exam.
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Upload proof of the completed IME to your PR application before submission.
How to Find an IRCC-Approved Panel Physician
Only IRCC-designated panel physicians can conduct immigration medical exams. You can find a list by country and city on the IRCC panel physician directory.
Why This Change Matters
IRCC’s updated procedure is intended to:
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Speed up processing times for PR applications under Express Entry.
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Reduce post-submission delays caused by waiting for medical instructions.
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Ensure medical admissibility assessments are completed early in the process.
Practical Tips for Applicants
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Do not complete the IME before receiving your ITA. Medical exam results are valid for 12 months; taking it too early could mean it expires before landing.
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Keep your IME proof in PDF format to upload seamlessly into the online application.
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If you previously completed an IME, locate your IME number or UMI before starting your PR application.
Conclusion
The August 2025 update introduces an upfront medical requirement that all Express Entry applicants should prepare for in advance. By understanding when and how to complete your IME, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your application is processed efficiently.
At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., we assist clients in navigating procedural changes like this with precision and care. Contact us to ensure your Express Entry application meets all updated IRCC requirements from the outset.
