Express Entry Medical Exam Now Mandatory: Recent changes and What To Do Next

Home > blog > Express Entry Medical Exam Now Mandatory

If you are in the Express Entry pool or have recently received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, there is an important rule change you need to know about. As of August 21, 2025, IRCC now requires all Express Entry applicants to complete an upfront immigration medical exam before submitting their permanent residence application. Here is what changed and what it means for your 60-day deadline.

What Changed as of August 21, 2025

Prior to August 2025, completing an immigration medical exam before receiving an ITA was optional for Express Entry candidates. IRCC has since made this a formal requirement. According to the official IRCC website: "If you're applying under Express Entry, you must do a medical exam first. This is called an upfront medical exam."

This means that once you receive your ITA, one of the first steps you should take is booking your immigration medical exam so the results are ready when you submit your permanent residence application within the 60-day deadline.

What Is an Upfront Medical Exam? (Quick Refresher)

An upfront medical exam is a standard Immigration Medical Exam (IME) completed before you submit your PR application, rather than waiting for IRCC to request one afterward. It includes a physical exam, blood tests, a urine test, and a chest X-ray. For the full breakdown of what's included, what to bring, and how to book, see our Express Entry Upfront Medical Exam page

When to Book Your Exam in the Express Entry Process

1. Receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) through your Express Entry profile. Your ITA is valid for 60 days.
2. Book your upfront medical exam as soon as possible after receiving your ITA. Earlier booking gives you more time to resolve any follow-up tests before your application deadline.
3. Complete your physical exam, blood test, and chest X-ray at the panel physician clinic.
4. Receive your IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form from the panel physician.
5. Upload the form as part of your online permanent residence application before the 60-day deadline.

What If You Already Had an IME in the Past Five Years?

If you completed an immigration medical exam within the last five years as part of a previous application (for example, a work or study permit) and are currently living in Canada, you may not need to redo the exam. IRCC may be able to use your existing results. When applying online, include your previous IME number or IMM 1017B form, and IRCC will advise if a new exam is needed.

Booking Your Exam at Immedex

At Immedex, an IRCC-accredited panel physician clinic in Scarborough serving the GTA, your physical exam, blood work, and chest X-ray are completed in a single visit, with results submitted to IRCC through eMedical within 7 to 10 business days. For pricing, what to bring, and same-day availability, see our Express Entry Upfront Medical Exam page or book directly.

Recently received your Express Entry ITA? Book your upfront medical exam at Immedex, an IRCC-accredited panel physician clinic in the GTA, and meet your 60-day deadline with confidence.

Not sure if your medical exam timeline lines up with your immigration application?

Contact Immedex or book a same-day appointment at our Scarborough clinic, and our IRCC-accredited panel physicians will help you get it right the first time.