EXPRESS ENTRY UPDATE: UPFRONT MEDICAL EXAMS NOW REQUIRED AFTER INVITATION TO APPLY

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an important change to the Express Entry process that all candidates should be aware of.

Starting August 21, 2025, if you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence through Express Entry, you and all accompanying family members will need to complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) when submitting your application.

This is a significant change from the previous process, where applicants were instructed to wait for IRCC’s request before completing the medical exam.

 

What This Change Means for Express Entry Applicants

Under the new rules:

  • Upfront medical proof is mandatory: When you submit your electronic application for permanent residence, you must upload proof of your completed medical exam in the Express Entry Profile Builder.

  • You should only complete the IME after you receive your ITA – not before.

 

Specific Instructions Based on Your Situation

1. If you are in Canada and have had a medical exam in the past 5 years

  • Provide your IME number or Unique Medical Identifier (UMI) when you submit your application.

  • IRCC will determine if your previous results are still valid. If not, they will send you instructions to complete a new IME.

2. If you have never had an IME

  • Contact an IRCC-approved panel physician directly to complete your medical exam.

  • Upload the proof of your IME when you submit your permanent residence application.

 

Why This Change Matters

This adjustment is designed to speed up the application process and allow IRCC to make faster final decisions on permanent residence files. It also ensures that medical admissibility is assessed earlier in the process.

For applicants, however, it means less flexibility in timing and an added upfront cost shortly after receiving the ITA. It’s essential to prepare in advance so that once invited, you can book your appointment quickly and submit the required proof without delaying your application.

 

Tips for Preparing Your Upfront Medical Exam

  • Locate an approved panel physician: You must use a doctor authorized by IRCC. Find one using the IRCC panel physician list.

  • Book early: Appointments may fill up quickly, especially in larger cities.

  • Bring valid ID: Usually your passport is required.

  • Keep your IME number/receipt: This is what you’ll upload with your application.

 

If you are currently in the Express Entry pool or plan to submit a profile soon, this update means you should be financially and logistically prepared to undergo your Immigration Medical Exam shortly after receiving your ITA.

At Global Opportunities, we help applicants navigate every step of the Express Entry process—from profile creation to final approval—ensuring you meet all new requirements on time.

📩 Have questions about your eligibility or how this change affects your application?
Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed advisors today at info@globalopp.ca.

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