Starting August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require all applicants for permanent residence through the Express Entry system to undergo a preliminary medical exam (PME) before submitting their application. This new requirement aims to speed up application processing and reduce wait times.
WHAT IS A PRELIMINARY MEDICAL EXAM (PME)?
A PME is a health examination conducted by an IRCC-approved doctor, called a panel physician, to assess whether the applicant and their family members are medically admissible. The exam must be completed before submitting the permanent residence application.
WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE THE EXAM?
The preliminary medical exam must be done before submitting your permanent residence application. Once completed, the results must be uploaded to your Express Entry profile at the time of application.
WHO NEEDS TO TAKE THE EXAM?
All principal applicants and their family members, whether they are accompanying the applicant to Canada or not, must undergo a preliminary medical exam.
COST OF THE EXAM
The exam typically costs CAD $140 to $280 per person. Applicants must cover all related fees, including the doctor’s fees, special tests, treatments, and any specialist consultations.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE EXAM:
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- Valid ID (e.g., passport or national identity card)
- List of current medications
- Medical reports or test results for existing conditions
- Proof of previous vaccinations, if available
- Four recent photographs, if not taken by the physician
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EXCEPTIONS AND SPECIAL SITUATIONS
If you have already completed a medical exam within the last five years for a Canadian work or study permit, you may include your medical identification number in your application. If IRCC cannot use your previous results, they will provide instructions for a new medical exam.
WHY IS THIS REQUIREMENT IMPORTANT?
This measure allows IRCC to assess medical admissibility earlier, which can speed up application processing and reduce the risk of refusal due to health issues.
Note: Applications submitted before August 21, 2025, are not affected by this new requirement.
