If you’re preparing to apply for Canadian permanent residence, one of the most common questions is, Do I need a medical exam for Express Entry in 2026?

The short answer is yes. Starting August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a major change requiring applicants to complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their Express Entry PR application.

Previously, applicants waited for IRCC to send medical instructions later in the process. Now, this updated rule aims to reduce delays and speed up the final decision on your file. However, it also means you must plan carefully before submitting your application.

New IRCC Medical Exam Rule: What Changed

Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 update and what it means for you:

Detail	Explanation
Effective Date	August 21, 2025
Who It Affects	Applicants submitting PR through Express Entry on or after this date
Requirement	Proof of medical exam at the time of submission
Exam Validity	Valid for 12 months
Exam Must Be Done By	An IRCC-approved panel physician only

If your application is missing proof of a medical exam, IRCC will likely mark it as incomplete, which may lead to rejection or delays.

Who Must Complete the Exam?

The medical exam applies to:

• The principal applicant (the main person applying for PR)
• All family members, including those not accompanying you to Canada

The exam ensures that applicants do not have health conditions that could pose a threat to public safety or place an excessive burden on Canada’s healthcare system.

Possible Exemptions

You may be exempt from completing a new medical exam if all of the following apply:

• You already live in Canada.
• You completed an IME within the past five years.
• Your earlier results indicated low or no risk to public health.

If these criteria are met, IRCC may allow you to reuse your previous results.

How to Complete the Medical Exam

Follow these simple steps:

1. Find a Panel Physician: Visit the Find a Panel Physician tool on Canada.ca to locate approved doctors.
2. Book Your Appointment: Contact the clinic directly. Your family doctor cannot perform this exam.
3. Bring the Right Documents
4. Passport or government ID
5. Medical records or prescriptions
6. List of medications
7. Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
8. Get Proof of Completion: After your exam, you’ll receive an Information Printout Sheet or IMM 1017B form. Keep this; you must include it in your PR application.

Tips to Avoid Delays

1. Book early clinics may have long wait times.
2. Double-check your documents before your appointment.
3. Monitor your exam validity if your PR process exceeds 12 months.

In short, you need a medical exam for Express Entry in 2025 before submitting your PR application. Completing this upfront step ensures your file is not delayed or returned by IRCC.

If you want expert help preparing your medical and application documents correctly the first time, ImmigCanada is here for you. Contact our team today to start your Express Entry journey with confidence.