Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Canada: Upfront Medical Exams Now Mandatory for Express Entry
Canada is updating its rules for people applying for permanent residency through Express Entry.
Starting August 21, 2025, if you want to apply for permanent residency and receive an Invitation to Apply, you'll need to get a medical exam first.
This means you must have a medical exam before applying.
If you've had an exam in the last five years for a work or study permit, it may still be valid.
The exams need to be done by doctors approved by the Canadian government, and you'll have to pay for the tests yourself.
If you aren't applying through Express Entry, you will have to submit medical proof later.
Express Entry applicants must now submit medical exams upfront.
This change applies to those receiving Invitations to Apply (ITA).
Applicants must use IRCC-approved panel physicians.
Existing policy for non-Express Entry applications remains unchanged.
Temporary public policy exempts certain low-risk, in-Canada foreign nationals.
- Who
- Applicants for permanent residence through Canada’s Express Entry system.
- What
- New medical exam rule for Express Entry permanent residency applicants.
- When
- Starting August 21, 2025.
- Where
- Canada
- Why
- To assess health admissibility before applications.
- Policy Change
- Medical exams before submitting Express Entry applications
- Effective Date
- August 21, 2025
- Affected Program
- Express Entry
- Unaffected
- Non-Express Entry applications
- Exam Provider
- IRCC-approved panel physicians
- Previous Exams
- May be valid if within 5 years
- Temporary Exemption
- For low-risk, in-Canada foreign nationals
