Canada Express Entry Medical Exams Now Required Before Applying

Starting August 21, 2025, Canada will change the rules for people applying for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. From this date, applicants must complete their medical exams before they submit their permanent residence applications. This rule has been announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Earlier, applicants could submit their full permanent residence application first. Then, IRCC would tell them when to do the medical exam. But under the new rule, the medical exam must be done first before sending the application.

This new rule only affects Express Entry permanent residence applications. If someone applied before August 21, 2025, or if they are applying through other types of permanent residence programs, this change will not apply.

Medical Eligibility Criteria

To get permanent residence in Canada, applicants and their family members must be medically admissible. This means their health should not cause too much burden on Canada’s public health system.

IRCC explains “excessive demand” as a health cost higher than three times the average health cost per person in Canada, which is $27,162 per year.

Some conditions, like chronic illnesses (for example, diabetes), usually do not cause problems if they are well-managed and treated properly. However, applicants can be refused if they have certain infectious diseases that could risk public health.

Immigration Medical Exam Process

The medical exams must be done by IRCC-approved doctors, called panel physicians. Applicants can find a list of these doctors on the IRCC website, select their country, and book an appointment directly.

The cost of the exam usually ranges from $140 to $280 per person. Extra costs may apply for additional tests, treatments, or visits to specialists.

The medical exam usually includes:

• Review of medical history (past surgeries, illnesses, treatments)

• Full physical check-up (heart, lungs, eyes, etc.)

• Chest X-ray to check for tuberculosis or other diseases

• Blood and urine tests

• Mental health check

• Verification of vaccination records

Applicants should bring: ID documents, four recent photos, lists of medications, medical reports, and vaccination proof to the exam.

Using Previous Medical Exams

If someone is already in Canada and had a medical exam for work or study permits in the last five years, they can use that exam for their permanent residence application. They need to provide the medical exam number.

However, if IRCC finds that the previous exam does not meet the requirements for permanent residence, the applicant will have to take a new medical exam.

This change is important because it makes sure that all applicants are medically cleared before applying, which can help avoid delays later. Anyone planning to move to Canada through Express Entry should prepare for their medical exam in advance.