New medical exam requirements for Express Entry Permanent Stay Applications are taking place
New Immigration Medical Exam Requirement for Canadian Permanent Residence Applicants
Starting from 21 August, new applicants for Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) must now complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) in advance through the Express Install System. This is a change from the previous process where IMEs were completed after the application for PR was submitted, at the request of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
There are exemptions to this new requirement for some candidates. Those who have completed an IME in the past five years, with results indicating low or no risk to Canadian public health and safety, and who already live in Canada are exempt from the new rule. IRCC advises candidates to only complete an IME if they receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR.
IMEs are typically valid for 12 months from the date of the exam and must be completed by the candidate and all their immediate family members, including partners, dependent children, and even family members not accompanying the candidate to Canada.
Choosing an Approved Panel Doctor for IME
IMEs must be conducted by an IRCC-approved panel doctor who has access to the IRCC emedical program. These doctors send the IME results directly to IRCC on behalf of the candidate. Candidates can find the nearest panel doctor on IRCC’s webpage.
Submitting IME Results for PR Application
After completing the IME, the panel doctor will provide the candidate with an information print sheet or IMM 1017B advance medical report form. Candidates must include one of these documents as proof of completing the IME in the Express Entry Profile Builder when applying online.
Using Previous IME Results
Candidates who meet the exemption criteria can use their previous IME results to fulfill the new requirement. They must provide a copy of the information print sheet, IMM 1017B form, or their IME number from the previous exam. This information should be uploaded to the Express Entry Profile Builder during the PR application submission.
If IRCC determines that previous results cannot be used after the application is submitted, the applicant will be given instructions on completing a new medical exam.
