The Canadian immigration system is going through some major changes. On 12 August 2025, the Canadian Immigration Department, IRCC (Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) has unveiled a major change, through which candidates applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry Program are now required to undergo with upfront medical exam.
This new requirement will come into effect from August 21, 2025, as mentioned on the official website of IRCC. In this article, we are going to provide complete details about the new medical requirements.
Upfront Immigration Medical Exam: What does that mean?
The Canadian Immigration Authority, IRCC, has decided a clear return to the pre-October 2023 processes through which Express Entry program candidates, along with their accompanying and non-accompanying family members, are now required to complete the upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their Canada PR Visa applications. This major change will come into effect from August 21, 2025.
Major Timeline of What Changed Back Then and What is Going to Change?
These upfront Immigration Medical Exam requirements have gone through four major changes, which are listed below:
Pre October 2023
Before October 2023, an IME was mandatory for candidates planning to apply for a Canada PR Visa through the Express Entry Program.
October 1, 2023
The Canadian Immigration Department, IRCC, has removed this requirement and allowed candidates to submit their application without an upfront medical exam. Instead of this, candidates have simply uploaded a blank document or an existing IME number.
Additionally, IRCC will guide them later, in case they need to go through with a medical exam.
Temporary Public Policy
In 2024, IRCC introduced a new temporary public policy that exempts eligible applicants in Canada from undergoing a new medical exam if they completed a prior IME within the last five years. IRCC has extended this policy until October 5, 2029.
Back to the pre-October 2023 era
Through the recent changes, IRCC has reversed its course and get back to the pre-October 2023 era. Through this update, IRCC is reinstituting the requirement of an upfront IME for Canada PR Visa applicants submitted on or after August 21, 2025.
What does this update mean for applicants?
This major update has the following implications for applicants.
- Canada Express Entry candidates who have received their ITA(invitation to apply) and submit their application Canada PR Visa are required to go through the upfront IME exam.
- Family members, even those not traveling with the principal applicant, must also complete the medical exam.
- Applicants already present in Canada, who have a valid IME in the last five years (for work or study permit), can submit the IME or its unique identifier number. IRCC will validate the result, and if they are not valid, they will provide new instructions for a new IME.
Important to Note: IME results are only valid for 12 months. If the validity of IME lapses before IRCC completes the process, the candidate will most likely to asked to go through with a new medical test.
What steps are candidates required to take?
Now, plan to submit your Canada PR Visa application through the Express Entry Program after 21 August 2025. You need to follow these steps to boost your chances of a successful application.
Check Your ITA Date
If your ITA is received before August 21, 2025, you continue with the previous process (submit first, medical exam later upon IRCC guidance). If it is on or after that date, you need to obtain and attach a completed IME before submitting your application.
Already Had an IME?
If done in the past five years, provide the IME’s Unique Medical Identifier (UMI). IRCC will verify its validity. If it has expired or is invalid, hold off on IRCC’s instruction to take a new IME.
Never Had an IME?
Book an appointment with an IRCC-approved panel physician right away. Take the test before filing your PR application, and upload the test results as evidence.
Prepare in Advance
Have your identification, medical records, medications list, and photos available for the test. Review your past medical history thoroughly—panel physicians will review this as part of your IME physical, lab tests, and chest X‑ray (usually if you’re an adult)
What’s Next?
Starting August 21, 2025, Express Entry candidates and their accompanying family members must complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their PR application. This change restores the pre-October 2023 process to help speed up application processing.
If you have already received your ITA before this date, the old procedure continues to apply. Nevertheless, for those applying on or after August 21, you must act quickly and book an exam with an IRCC-approved physician, secure required documents, and include valid IME results in your application.
Having knowledge of and being ready for the new requirements will avoid delays and simplify the PR process.
For more details under the Canadian Immigration program, contact Keymart Visa via +91 9911338722 or info@keymartvisa.com
