A New Step to Permanent Residency: IRCC's Upfront Medical Exam
On August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a significant procedural change for Express Entry applicants—you now must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting your permanent residence application.
What Changed?
Previously, applicants submitted their application first and waited for IRCC to request the medical exam.
As of August 21, 2025, Express Entry candidates must now complete an upfront IME and include proof of completion before application submission.
This change applies only to Express Entry streams—other pathways continue on the previous schedule.
Who Needs the Upfront Medical Exam?
All Express Entry applicants and their immediate family members (spouse/common-law partner and dependent children, regardless of whether they will accompany you to Canada) must complete the exam upfront.
Are There Exemptions?
Yes—candidates may be exempt if they meet all three of the following conditions:
They already reside in Canada.
They completed a valid IME within the past five years.
That previous exam showed they pose low or no risk to public health or safety.
If exempt, applicants may reuse their previous exam results by providing either the Information Printout sheet, the IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form, or the IME number (unique medical identifier).
What to Expect at the Exam
The exam must be conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician, your own family doctor cannot perform it.
After completion, the clinic will provide either:
an Information Printout sheet, or
the IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form.
You need to upload one of these documents when submitting your online PR application via the Express Entry Profile Builder.
The IME results are valid for 12 months; expiry may require retaking the exam.
Why This Matters
This policy update ensures that applications are complete at the time of submission, potentially reducing processing delays and enhancing clarity in the intake process. It's critical to plan ahead—applications are time-sensitive following your Invitation to Apply (ITA), and lacking medical documentation can lead to refusal or delay
