Unless they are excluded, all Express Entry applicants must take an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) while completing their application for permanent residence (PR) as of August 21, 2025.
At Rio Immigration, many clients ask about the medical exam requirements for PR through Express Entry. This guide covers the most common questions about IMEs, costs, documents, and processing times to help you prepare.
Who Needs a Medical Exam for Express Entry PR?
Not everyone will need a new IME. You may be exempt if:
You are already living in Canada,
You completed an IME within the last 5 years, and
Your previous exam results showed you were low or no risk to public health and safety.
If you don’t meet all of these conditions, you’ll need to complete a new Canada PR medical exam with an approved doctor.
Who Can Perform the Canada PR Medical Exam?
Your family doctor cannot conduct an immigration medical exam. Only IRCC-approved panel physicians are authorized to perform IMEs. You must select a physician from IRCC’s official list of certified doctors.
Tip: Search “IRCC panel physicians” to find an approved doctor near you.
Canada Immigration Medical Exam Cost (2025)
The cost of the Express Entry medical exam depends on age, location, and any additional tests required. In Canada, the typical fees are:
Children (0-14 years): CAD $140 – $150
Adults (15-74 years): CAD $170 – $180
You’ll also be responsible for paying for:
Lab tests and X-rays
Specialist consultations (if required)
Optional vaccines
(Note: Refugees and asylum seekers may have some costs covered.)
Documents Required for an Immigration Medical Exam
To avoid delays, bring the following documents to your appointment:
Passport or government-issued ID
Medical Report form (IMM 1017) if IRCC provided one
4 passport-style photos (if the clinic doesn’t use eMedical)
Glasses or contact lenses (if you wear them)
Medical history records and prescription list
Vaccination records (recommended, including COVID-19 if available)
What Happens During the IME?
There are two types of Canadian immigration medical exams:
Standard Exam: Involves a medical history review, a physical check-up (height, weight, vision, hearing, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, mobility), routine tests like bloodwork, urine, and chest X-rays, and sometimes optional vaccines.
Streamlined Exam: A shorter version focused on medical history and age-based tests.
Important: You have the right to a chaperone during the exam. Doctors must explain any extra procedures. Once finished, the panel physician will upload your results directly to IRCC and give you a confirmation document to include with your application.
How Long Does the Canada PR Medical Exam Take?
The medical exam itself usually takes 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the clinic and required tests.
Panel physicians typically upload results within 10 days using the eMedical system.
IRCC’s review time will depend on the overall Express Entry PR application processing.
Validity of Immigration Medical Exam Results
IME results are valid for 12 months from the date of the exam. If they expire before IRCC finalizes your PR application, you may be required to take another medical exam.
Final Advice from Rio Immigration
The immigration medical exam for Express Entry is a standard requirement and does not automatically lead to refusal even if you have a medical condition. What matters most is whether your condition poses a public health risk or creates excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system.
If you’re unsure about your medical admissibility or need expert support for your Express Entry application, our team at Rio Immigration is here to guide you through every step of the process.
