As of 21 August 2025, Express Entry applicants will now require an upfront immigration medical exam (IME) as part of a complete application for Canadian permanent residence (PR)\u2014unless they meet certain exemptions.<\/p>\n
This article will cover 10 of the most frequently asked questions around IMEs for new Express Entry candidates and applicants.<\/p>\n
See how competitive your Express Entry profile is What conditions do I have to meet to be exempt from doing an IME?<\/p>\n You may be exempt from doing an IME for your PR<\/a> application if you meet all the following conditions:<\/p>\n You already live in Canada; What happens if I have a medical condition\u2014can I still be approved?<\/p>\n Approval depends on whether your condition poses a risk to public health\/safety or is likely to cause excessive demand on Canada\u2019s healthcare or social services.<\/p>\n IRCC considers a condition to create excessive demand if:<\/p>\n The health or social services required to treat the condition would negatively impact wait times for services in Canada, or Excessive Demand Cost Threshold (2025)<\/p>\n For 2025, IRCC has set the threshold at $135,810 over 5 years (equivalent to $27,162 per year). This figure is used by IRCC to determine whether the anticipated cost of an applicant\u2019s condition would place an excessive demand on Canada\u2019s health and social services.<\/p>\n Some applicants may be subject to medical surveillance after landing (for example, follow-up for tuberculosis). Many medical conditions do not automatically result in refusal.<\/p>\n To learn more about being found medically inadmissible<\/a> to Canada, visit our dedicated webpage.<\/p>\n Worried about being found medically inadmissible? Consult with an experienced immigration representative<\/a><\/p>\n Who is allowed to perform the exam? Can my family doctor do it?<\/p>\n No, your family doctor cannot perform the exam.<\/p>\n Only Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a> (IRCC)-approved panel physicians are authorized to conduct immigration medical exams. You must choose a doctor from IRCC\u2019s list of panel physicians.<\/p>\n You can find a list of certified panel physicians here<\/a>.<\/p>\n How much does an IME cost in Canada?<\/p>\n Costs vary by clinic, country\/region, and the necessary tests.<\/p>\n Typically, for a standard medical exam in Canada, costs range from CAD $ 140 – 150 for kids aged 0 – 14, and CAD $170 – 180 for those 15 – 74.<\/p>\n Applicants must pay all related fees out of pocket, including<\/p>\n The physician\u2019s exam fee; Vaccinations offered at the clinic may involve additional costs. Refugees and asylum seekers may have some fees covered.<\/p>\n What documents should I bring to the exam?<\/p>\n IRCC recommends applicants bring the following documents:<\/p>\n A valid identification, including a passport (recommended) or other government-issued ID (national ID card, driver\u2019s license from certain countries, refugee documents, birth certificate for children under 18, etc.). What happens during the medical exam?<\/p>\n Note that there are two kinds of IME for Canadian immigration:<\/p>\n The Standard Medical Exam; and Under the Standard Medical Exam:<\/p>\n When you arrive, clinic staff will confirm your identity with official ID and may ask for it again if you need further tests. A photo will also be taken for IRCC’s records.<\/p>\n Medical history<\/p>\n The doctor will complete a questionnaire with you, covering past or current medical conditions and any medications you take. Be honest and thorough\u2014missing details can delay processing.<\/p>\n Physical examination<\/p>\n You\u2019ll have a standard physical check, which usually includes:<\/p>\n Measuring height and weight; Genital and rectal exams are not required. A breast exam may be done if medically necessary, with an explanation provided beforehand.<\/p>\n Additional tests<\/p>\n Depending on your age and medical history, you may be asked to do chest X-rays, blood or urine tests, or see a specialist. These are routine and should be completed promptly to avoid delays.<\/p>\n Vaccinations<\/p>\n Bringing proof of past vaccinations is encouraged but not mandatory.<\/p>\n Vaccines may be offered during the exam, including COVID-19 vaccines, but taking them is voluntary.<\/p>\n If you provide proof of previous vaccines or receive new ones, the doctor will record the details and share them with IRCC (with your consent).<\/p>\n IRCC suggests always keeping copies of vaccination records for your personal files.<\/p>\n
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\nYou previously completed an IME in the last five years; and
\nYour previous IME indicated you were a low risk or no risk to public health and public safety.<\/p>\n
\nThe cost of treatment and management is expected to exceed the excessive demand cost threshold.<\/p>\n
\nRadiology and laboratory tests; and
\nSpecialist consultations (if required).<\/p>\n
\nMedical Report form (IMM 1017E or IMM 1020E) if IRCC has sent you one.
\nFour passport-style photos if the clinic doesn\u2019t use the eMedical system.
\nEyeglasses or contact lenses (if you wear them).
\nMedical history and reports of previous or ongoing conditions.
\nList of current medications.
\nVaccination records (optional but recommended, including COVID-19).<\/p>\n
\nThe Streamlined Medical Exam.<\/p>\n
\nChecking vision and hearing;
\nListening to your heart and lungs; and
\nExamining your abdomen, skin, and limb movement.<\/p>\n