New Prepaid Medical Examination for Express Entry PR Applicants
Canada Introduces New Prepaid Medical Examination for Express Entry PR Applicants
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) tabled the bill in a notice of consultation, which invited public input on or before September 3, 2025. The strategy is intended to meet the economic and national gaps of the country, along with aligning immigration with its demanding labour needs.
New Financial Thresholds by Family Size
The adjustment is a 31.94% increase for individual applicants. For example, one must now have at least $10,507 in available funds, a rise from the previous $7,963. Settlement fund balances fluctuate with family size:
| Family Size | Required Funds (as of July 29, 2025) | Previous Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10,507 | $7,963 |
| 2 | $13,080 | $9,692 |
| 3 | $16,080 | $12,069 |
| 4 | $19,524 | $15,056 |
| 5 | $22,143 | $17,145 |
| 6 | $24,975 | $19,015 |
| 7 | $27,806 | $20,884 |
| Each additional member | $2,831 | $1,869 |
What's Changing
This latest announcement applies only to Express Entry-managed streams. Applications received before August 21, 2025, and non-Express Entry PR applications will continue to follow the old process.
Why Medical Exams are Important
Canada requires all principal applicants and their accompanying or non-accompanying family members to be medically admissible. Medical inadmissibility would usually be determined if:
- The health of the applicant will likely result in an excessive burden on the health care system of Canada (over $27,162 annually).
- The candidate poses a risk to public health, i.e., for the carriage of specific infectious diseases.
- Well-controlled, stable chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes) with precise medical history can aid in admissibility.
Learning about the Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
The IME is a thorough medical examination conducted by a panel physician appointed by IRCC. The fees are between $140 and $280 per person, and the applicants cover all the charges incurred, including:
- Radiologist's or doctor's fee
- Other treatments or tests
- Professional advice
A typical IME may comprise:
- Review of medical history (prior surgeries, chronic disease, etc.)
- Physical exam (heart, lungs, and eyes)
- Chest X-rays (for conditions like Tuberculosis)
- Blood and urine samples
- Mental health evaluation
- Review of vaccination records
Special Notice for Canadian Applicants
In case IRCC determines that the results submitted now are invalid, they will advise on taking a new medical exam.
Metro Areas Now Ineligible for Low-Wage LMIA Applications
| Family Size | Minimum Required Funds (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 person (student only) | CAD $22,895 |
| 2 people | CAD $28,502 |
| 3 people | CAD $35,040 |
| 4 people | CAD $42,543 |
| 5 people | CAD $48,252 |
| 6 people | CAD $54,420 |
| 7 people | CAD $60,589 |
| Additional family member | CAD $6,170 |
These figures represent a significant increase from the earlier requirement of CAD $20,635 for a single applicant, which had been in effect since January 1, 2024.
How to Reserve an IM
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