Express Entry IME Requirements Changes
Effective Date: August 21, 2025 Express Entry applicants (and all their immediate family members) must complete and upload an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) at the time of application submission.
Immigration Medical Examination (IME) for those taking part in application processes such as ones for Canadian permanent residency, visitor visas, student visas, work visas, and refugee statuses.
- IRCC Approved Panel Physicians
- eMedical System Direct IRCC Submission
- Express Entry Upfront IME Ready
New IRCC Express Entry IME Requirements
Understanding the latest changes to Immigration Medical Examination requirements for Express Entry applications
1. What Changed?
Previously: Applicants submitted their Express Entry application first and then waited for instructions to complete the medical exam.
Now (August 21, 2025): IMEs must be completed before application submission. Proof must be uploaded via the Express Entry Profile Builder.
2. Who is Affected?
All Express Entry applicants and their immediate family members, regardless of whether accompanying or not, must meet the upfront IME requirement.
Exemptions apply to applicants:
- Already in Canada
- Who completed a valid IME within the past five years
- And whose exam results indicated low or no risk to public health/safety
- If IRCC finds that older IME results cannot be used, they will instruct applicants to get a new exam.
3. What IME Doctors in Ontario Need to Know
Only IRCC‑approved panel physicians can perform IMEs. Regular physicians are not authorized.
Exemptions apply to applicants:
- Use IRCC's eMedical system to submit results directly to IRCC
- Provide patients with information printout sheet OR IMM 1017B form
Patient Documents:
- Information Printout Sheet
- IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report
4. Patient Instructions
Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- Book and complete the IME with a panel physician
- Upload that document in the Express Entry Profile Builder when submitting the application
- Receive and keep the printout or IMM 1017B form
If you completed an IME within the past five years in Canada:
- You can submit your IME number or unique medical identifier instead of retaking the exam, provided it's still valid.
- If IRCC finds that older IME results cannot be used, they will instruct applicants to get a new exam.
5. Summary Table
| Scenario | Requirement for Applicant |
|---|---|
| New Express Entry applicant | Must complete upfront IME and upload proof |
| In-Canada, recent IME (≤ 5 years) | Can reuse IME by submitting identifier |
| In-Canada, old IME (invalid) | IRCC may require new IME |
| Panel physicians | Must use eMedical, provide printout or IMM 1017B |
6. Why This Matters
Proactive Approach
Ontario panel physicians must be ready to administer IMEs proactively, not reactively.
Timely Processing
This change emphasizes timely processing: IME completed before Express Entry submission.
Clear Instructions
Patients should receive clear instructions: complete exam once ITA is issued, retain required forms, and upload without delay.
Ready to Book Your IME?
Don’t wait until the last minute. Book your Immigration Medical Examination with our IRCC-approved panel physicians today.