Canada has introduced stricter immigration requirements that will significantly impact thousands of permanent residence (PR) seekers worldwide. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that starting August 21, 2025, all Express Entry applicants must complete mandatory medical examinations before submitting their PR applications.
This represents a major shift from previous procedures where applicants could file their applications first and handle medical requirements later. The change affects not just primary applicants but extends to all family members listed on applications, regardless of whether they plan to immigrate immediately.
Streamlining Process, Adding Costs
IRCC officials stated the new rule aims to eliminate processing delays caused by medical clearance bottlenecks. Previously, many applications faced significant hold-ups when medical issues arose after submission. By requiring upfront medical clearance, immigration authorities expect to accelerate overall processing times.
However, the change places additional financial burden on applicants, who must now invest in medical examinations before knowing if their applications will be accepted. Each examination costs between CAD 140-280 per person, covering physician fees, laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and potential specialist consultations.
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Comprehensive Health Screening Required
The immigration medical examination is extensive, involving complete physical assessments including cardiovascular, respiratory, and eye examinations. Applicants undergo chest X-rays for tuberculosis screening, blood and urine analysis, mental health evaluations, and vaccination verification.
Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can conduct these examinations – regular family doctors are not authorized. Applicants must bring government-issued identification (preferably passports), previous medical records, current medication lists, vaccination certificates, and four passport-sized photographs.
Special Provisions and Exemptions
The policy includes certain accommodations for applicants already residing in Canada, who may use medical examinations completed within the past five years by providing their previous medical identifier numbers.
Other permanent residence categories outside Express Entry will continue receiving medical examination instructions after application submission, with 30-day completion deadlines. Refugee claimants at entry points also receive 30-day compliance periods.
Health Spending Threshold Concerns
Canada maintains strict medical inadmissibility criteria, potentially refusing applicants whose conditions might cost more than three times the country’s per capita health spending, currently set at CAD 27,162 annually. However, well-managed chronic conditions like controlled diabetes may still qualify for approval.
Booking and Preparation
Prospective immigrants should consult the official IRCC Panel Physician directory to locate authorized medical practitioners in their regions. The temporary policy remains effective until October 5, 2029, giving immigration authorities time to assess its impact on processing efficiency.
This development underscores Canada’s commitment to maintaining robust immigration screening while attempting to reduce administrative delays that have plagued the system in recent years.