New Medical Exam Rule for Express Entry Starts August 21, 2025

Canada’s immigration department will now require applicants to complete medical exams before applying for permanent residence through Express Entry. This new rule takes effect on August 21, 2025.

Before this change, applicants sent their full application first. Then, they waited for instructions to do their medical exam. Now, the medical exam must be done upfront, before submitting the application.

If you apply before August 21, 2025, the old rules still apply. Also, this change only affects Express Entry applications. Other permanent residence types will not be affected.

Why Medical Exams Matter

Applicants and their family members must pass medical checks to live in Canada. Family members need these checks even if they do not move with the main applicant.

Doctors look for health problems that might cost Canada’s health system too much money or risk public safety. If someone’s health condition is likely to use a lot of medical care, they might be refused.

For example, if a condition costs over $27,162 a year to treat, that is too much. Stable and well-controlled illnesses, like diabetes, are less likely to cause problems.

Doctors also check for diseases that could spread to others, such as tuberculosis.

How Immigration Medical Exams Work

Applicants must book their medical exams with doctors approved by the immigration department. To find these doctors, applicants check a list and contact the doctor directly to make an appointment.

Medical exams cost between $140 and $280 per person. Applicants pay for the exam and any extra tests needed, like X-rays or specialist visits.

During the exam, doctors review medical history, check the whole body, do blood and urine tests, and check vaccinations. Mental health might also be assessed.

Applicants should bring a list of medicines, medical reports, vaccination records, ID like a passport, and four recent photos to the appointment.

Using Past Medical Exams

If someone already had a medical exam in Canada in the last five years, like for a work or study permit, they can use that exam for their permanent residence application. They just need to provide the medical exam number.

If the immigration department thinks the old exam is not valid for permanent residence, they will ask for a new one.

Starting August 21, 2025, Canada will require medical exams before submitting Express Entry permanent residence applications. This change aims to streamline the process. Applicants and their family members must pass medical checks to ensure they do not put excessive strain on health services or risk public safety. Medical exams must be booked with approved doctors and paid for by applicants. Exams include physical, lab tests, and vaccination checks. Previous exams may be accepted if recent.