A new rule for anyone applying for permanent residency (PR) in Canada through the Express Entry system went into effect on August 21. You must now take an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before you can submit your PR application, unless you meet certain requirements. This change is essential because formerly, applicants only had to undergo the medical exam after they had turned in their application.
What does this mean for you if you want to apply for Canadian PR through Express Entry? Let's put it in simple terms.
Understanding Express Entry
For qualified workers who wish to move to Canada permanently, Express Entry is the principal route to do so. It takes care of applications for three big immigration programs that help the economy:
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
You may get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency if you match the conditions and do well enough on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The Role of Immigration Medical Exams (IMEs)
Medical exams are a very important part of the immigration process. Canada requires applicants to take an IME to make sure they don't constitute a threat to public health or safety. It is also aimed to see if someone's health condition could put too much strain on Canada's healthcare system.
Canada is running a "health check" on you before letting you move there permanently.
What Changed on August 21
Before, you only had to have medical checks after you had sent in your PR application. You must now finish the IME before you send in your PR application through Express Entry.
You will need to make an appointment for and finish your IME as soon as you get your Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Who Needs to Complete an IME?
The IME isn’t just for the main applicant. It must also be completed by:
• Your spouse or common-law partner
• Your dependent children
• The dependent children of your dependent children
And here’s the catch: even if your family members are not accompanying you to Canada, they still need to undergo the medical exam.
Validity of Immigration Medical Exams
An Immigration Medical Exam is valid for 12 months from the date it’s completed. If your IME expires while your application is still under process, you may be asked to undergo another one.
Timing is everything here; booking too early or too late could cause delays.
Exemptions from the New IME Requirement
Not everyone has to complete a new IME. You may be exempt if you meet all of the following conditions:
1. You already completed an IME within the last five years.
2. Your previous IME results showed you were at low or no risk to Canadian public health and safety.
3. You are currently living in Canada.
If you meet all three, you don’t need to take a new IME.
Conditions for Exemption Explained
• IME within the last five years → If your exam was done more than five years ago, you need a new one.
• Low or no health risk → If your results showed any concern for public health or safety, the exemption won’t apply.
• Living in Canada → Only those already inside Canada can benefit from this exemption.
Who Can Perform an IME?
You can't just go to any doctor for this test. An IME can only be done by a panel doctor who has been approved by the IRCC. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has chosen these doctors and given them access to the eMedical system so they can report results immediately to IRCC.
On IRCC's official website, you can discover the closest panel doctor.
How IME Results Are Submitted to IRCC
The panel doctor will email your results to IRCC right after your exam using eMedical. You won't have to worry about sending them yourself. You will, however, get verification that you finished the IME.
Documents You Will Receive After IME
When you complete your IME, you will get one of the following:
• An Information Printout Sheet; or
• The IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form
These documents are proof that you’ve completed the medical exam.
How to Upload IME Results with Your PR Application
You will need to upload either the printing sheet or the IMM 1017B form when you send in your PR application through the Express Entry Profile Builder. This is proof that you finished the IME.
Using a Previous IME for Your Application
You can use the same IME again if you had one done in the last five years and meet the conditions for being exempt. You will need to upload:
• Your previous IME number (unique identifier), or
• The Information Printout Sheet, or
• The IMM 1017B form from your earlier exam.
What Happens If Your Old IME cannot Be Used
IRCC may sometimes say that your old IME findings can't be used again. If that happens, they will tell you how to take a fresh test. Don't worry; this is normal and part of the process.
Practical Tips for Applicants
-
Don’t book your IME too early → It’s only valid for 12 months.
-
Only go to IRCC-approved doctors → Otherwise, your results won’t count.
-
Bring proper ID and glasses/medications to the exam.
-
Upload your proof immediately after the exam to avoid delays.
Conclusion
Because skilled worker applications now involve a medical exam, candidates need to plan ahead. If you know the guidelines, it will save you time, money, and stress, whether you're doing a new IME or using an old one. You can keep your PR application on track without any further delays by staying up to date and getting ready early.
FAQs
1. Do I need to see a doctor before I get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
No, you don't need to make an appointment for your medical exam until you get your ITA.
2. Can I use the IME findings from my spouse?
No, each person in the family needs to have their own IME findings.
3. How long does it take for IRCC to look over IME results?
Panel doctors usually upload results within a few days, but IRCC may take a few weeks to look them over.
4. What happens if my IME runs out while my application is still being processed?
If your old IME runs out before a decision is made, you can be requested to fill out a new one.
5. Can I pick any doctor for my IME?
No, only doctors who are approved by the IRCC can do the medical exam.
0 Comments