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IRCC Invitations Explained: How Express Entry Draws Work and When to Book Your Immigration Medical Exam
Nov 3, 2025
Navigating the Canadian immigration medical exam? Don't let uncertainty slow you down. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from required tests to ensuring a smooth process.
Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry can feel like a waiting game — especially when you’re hoping to receive that all-important Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
If you’ve been checking draw results and wondering what IRCC invitations mean, how they work, and when to schedule your immigration medical exam, this guide breaks it all down clearly — including how you can complete your upfront medical exam for permanent residency right here in the Greater Toronto Area.
What Is an IRCC Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
An Invitation to Apply — commonly called an ITA — is an official invitation from IRCC that allows certain Express Entry candidates to submit a complete application for permanent residency.
Applicants first enter the Express Entry pool by completing an online profile that includes their age, education, work experience, language scores, and adaptability factors. Each profile receives a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1,200.
Periodically, IRCC holds rounds of invitations, where they select the highest-ranking candidates in the pool and send them ITAs. Once you receive an invitation, you have 60 days to submit your final PR application with supporting documents — including your immigration medical exam completed by an approved panel physician.
How Express Entry Draws Work
The Express Entry system manages Canada’s three major federal economic immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
IRCC conducts regular draws (or “rounds of invitations”) to invite candidates to apply for PR. These draws may occur bi-weekly or monthly, depending on immigration targets and processing priorities.
Each draw has its own minimum CRS cut-off score and number of invitations issued. The higher your CRS score, the better your chance of being selected in upcoming draws.
You can find the latest information on category-based and general draws directly on IRCC’s official rounds of invitations page.
General, Program-Specific, and Category-Based Draws
Over time, IRCC has refined the way it selects candidates to align with Canada’s labour market needs. There are now three main types of draws:
1. General Draws
These include candidates from all programs — FSW, CEC, and FST — purely based on CRS scores.
2. Program-Specific Draws
These target a particular immigration stream, such as the Canadian Experience Class (for candidates already working in Canada) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
3. Category-Based Draws (introduced in 2023)
This new draw type focuses on specific occupations or language skills. IRCC identifies priority categories to help fill gaps in Canada’s workforce and sustain economic growth.
Current categories include:
Healthcare occupations (doctors, nurses, therapists, technologists)
STEM fields (engineering, IT, science, data analysis)
Skilled trades (construction, plumbing, electrical)
Agriculture and agri-food workers
Transport and logistics (sea, air, truck transport)
French-language proficiency
These draws mean even candidates with moderate CRS scores can receive invitations if they possess in-demand skills — a major advantage for professionals in healthcare and other key industries.
What Happens After You Receive an Invitation
Once you receive your ITA through your IRCC online account, it’s time to act quickly:
Accept the invitation within the designated time frame.
Submit your PR application within 60 days, including proof of work experience, education, language test results, police certificates, and medical exam results.
Complete your Immigration Medical Exam (IME) with a Panel Physician approved by IRCC.
This medical exam ensures that applicants do not have conditions that could pose a public health risk or place excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system.
When to Book Your Immigration Medical Exam
There are two main ways to complete your IRCC medical exam for Express Entry:
1. Upfront Medical Exam (Before Receiving an Invitation)
You can complete your medical exam before IRCC asks for it — known as an upfront medical exam. This is often beneficial for applicants who:
Expect to receive an invitation soon
Want to submit their application faster once invited
Are applying through Express Entry, study permits, or work permits
Your panel physician will give you a proof of medical examination document, which you can upload with your PR application.
2. Medical Exam After Receiving a Request Letter
If you prefer to wait, you can complete your medical once you receive your IMM 1017 form (medical request letter) from IRCC after getting your ITA.
You can learn more in our detailed blog:
👉 Upfront Medical Exam vs Medical Request Letter: What’s the Difference?
And for a full guide on the medical request document itself, see:
👉 What Is the IMM 1017 Form? | Guide to IRCC’s Medical Request Letter
What Does the Immigration Medical Exam Include?
Your IRCC medical exam includes:
A complete physical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician
Chest X-ray and blood tests (on-site at GTA Immigration Physicians)
Review of your medical history and any ongoing conditions
Results are securely transmitted to IRCC through the eMedical system, and most applicants receive confirmation within a few days.
Upfront Medical Exams for Permanent Residency Applicants
Completing your upfront medical exam for PR can save significant processing time. Instead of waiting for IRCC’s request letter, you can complete your exam in advance and submit your proof right away when you receive your ITA.
At GTA Immigration Physicians, we specialize in:
Upfront medical exams for Express Entry PR applicants
Medicals for work permits, study permits, and refugee claimants
Same-day and next-day appointments
On-site blood tests and X-rays — no need to travel elsewhere
Learn more in our related resource:
👉 Top 20 IRCC Immigration Medical Exam FAQs (2025 Edition)
Complete Your IRCC Medical Exam in Toronto or North York
Our clinic at 5 Fairview Mall Drive, North York, is one of the most convenient options for anyone in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) completing their IRCC medical.
Why choose GTA Immigration Physicians?
Authorized IRCC Panel Physicians experienced in immigration cases
Same-day and next-day availability — ideal for Express Entry timelines
On-site testing (X-ray and blood work) in partnership with Lighthouse Imaging
Easy TTC access and ample parking available
Serving clients from Toronto, North York, Markham, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and beyond
We understand that immigration deadlines are strict — our team helps you complete your exam efficiently and ensures your results are submitted to IRCC as quickly as possible.
Book Your Immigration Medical Exam Today
Whether you’ve already received your IRCC invitation or expect one soon, booking your upfront medical exam early can help you finalize your application faster.
GTA Immigration Physicians
5 Fairview Mall Drive, Suite 350, North York, ON
Book your appointment now — same-day and next-day appointments available.
Walk-ins welcome.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional immigration advice. Immigration policies and eligibility requirements change frequently. For personalized guidance regarding your visa category, CRS score, or Express Entry strategy, please contact a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.