Published: August 23, 2025As of August 21, 2025, Express Entry applicants now require an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) as part of a complete PR application—unless exempt.
1. Exemptions from the IME
You may be exempt if you:
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Already live in Canada.
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Completed an IME in the past five years.
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Were assessed as “low risk” or “no risk” to public health and safety.
2. Medical Conditions—Still Eligible?
Approval depends on whether your condition:
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Poses a public health or safety risk.
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Is likely to cause excessive demand on health or social services.
The 2025 excessive demand threshold is CAD 135,810 over 5 years (~CAD 27,162 per year). Many conditions don’t automatically result in refusal; you may simply require follow-up, such as for tuberculosis.
3. Who Can Perform the IME?
Only IRCC-approved panel physicians may conduct the IME—not your family doctor. Applicants must choose from the official list of designated panel physicians.
4. How Much Does It Cost?
In Canada, the typical IME fee is:
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Children (0–14 years): CAD 140–150
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Applicants (15–74 years): CAD 170–180
Costs vary by clinic, required tests, and location. Additional fees may apply for specialist consults or vaccinations.
5. What to Bring to the Exam
Documents to bring include:
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Valid ID (passport preferred).
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Medical report form (IMM 1017E or 1020E) if provided by IRCC.
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Four passport-style photos (if eMedical is not used).
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Eyeglasses/contact lenses (if used).
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Medical history, medication list, vaccination records (recommended).
6. What Happens During the Exam?
Standard Medical Exam
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Identity verification (ID check and photo taken).
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Medical history questionnaire—be honest to avoid delays.
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Physical exam: height, weight, vision, hearing, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and limbs. (Breast, genital, or rectal exams are not routine unless medically required.)
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Additional tests such as chest X-rays or lab work may be ordered depending on age and medical history.
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Vaccinations may be offered voluntarily; records are updated with IRCC upon consent.
Streamlined Medical Exam
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Similar steps: ID verification, questionnaire, and physical checks.
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Routine tests such as chest X-rays may still be required, with further tests if needed.
In both cases, applicants are entitled to a chaperone, and the exam may be paused anytime if the applicant feels uncomfortable.
7. After the IME
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The panel physician uploads the results to IRCC.
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Applicants receive proof of completion, which should be kept for records.
8. Duration & Processing
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The medical exam takes about 30 minutes to a few hours.
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Panel physicians usually upload results within 10 days using eMedical.
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IRCC reviews results as part of the overall PR application process.
9. Accessing Your Results
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Results are sent directly to IRCC.
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Applicants can request a copy from the clinic at the time of the exam.
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IRCC generally does not confirm receipt of results; applicants can track status via their PR application portal. Medical documents, such as X-rays, become the property of IRCC and are not returned.
10. Attaching the IME to Your PR Application
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Applicants will receive either an information printout or the IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report.
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This document must be uploaded in the medical section of the online PR application.
11. Validity of Results
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IME results are valid for 12 months from the exam date.
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If results expire before IRCC makes a decision, a new medical exam may be required.
