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Updates
Upfront Medical Exam for Express Entry Applicants in Canada (2025 Update): What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Book in Toronto
Aug 23, 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.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a major update that impacts all Express Entry applicants. Starting August 21, 2025, applicants must now complete an upfront immigration medical exam before submitting their Express Entry profile.
This change is one of the most important updates to Canadian immigration in recent years. If you are planning to immigrate through Express Entry — including Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST) — this new upfront medical requirement applies to you.
At GTA Immigration Physicians, our team of IRCC-approved panel physicians in Toronto (North York) is here to help. In this guide, we’ll explain:
What an upfront medical exam is
What the exam includes
Why upfront medicals are important
The new 2025 IRCC rules
How to prepare for your exam
Frequently asked questions from Express Entry applicants
How to book your upfront medical exam in Toronto
What Is an Upfront Medical Exam?
An upfront medical exam is a Canadian immigration medical that you complete before submitting your immigration application or profile.
Previously, Express Entry applicants could wait until after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to complete their medical. Now, as of August 21, 2025, IRCC requires all Express Entry candidates to undergo an upfront medical before their profile is considered complete.
What Does the Upfront Medical Exam Include?
At GTA Immigration Physicians, all exams are conducted by IRCC panel physicians and submitted electronically through eMedical.
The exam typically includes:
Medical history review — past illnesses, surgeries, medications
Physical exam — height, weight, vision, listening to heart and lungs
Chest X-ray (required for applicants age 11 and older, or if otherwise specified by IRCC)
Blood test (required for applicants age 15 and older, or if otherwise specified)
IRCC eMedical submission — results are uploaded directly to IRCC’s system, and you receive a printed Upfront Medical Information Sheet
Why Is the Upfront Medical Important?
Completing your upfront medical exam ensures:
Compliance with new IRCC rules: Without an upfront medical, your Express Entry profile will be considered incomplete
Faster processing: IRCC can immediately review your health results when evaluating your application
Peace of mind: You’ll know early if you meet medical admissibility requirements
Valid for 12 months: Results stay valid for one year, giving you time to complete the PR process
New IRCC Rule: August 21, 2025
According to the official Government of Canada update, as of August 21, 2025, all Express Entry applicants must complete an upfront medical exam before submitting their profile.
This applies to Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs
Applications without proof of an upfront medical will be considered incomplete
Medical results remain valid for 12 months from the date of the exam
If results expire before your PR is finalized, IRCC may request a repeat medical
Step-by-Step: What to Expect at GTA Immigration Physicians
When you book your upfront medical with us, here’s how the process works:
Arrival & Registration — Bring your passport, IRCC instructions (if applicable), glasses/contacts, and medication list
Medical History — Our physician reviews your past and current health
Physical Examination — General exam, vital signs, and systems check
Chest X-ray (on-site, if required)
Blood Test (on-site, if required)
eMedical Upload — Results are sent directly to IRCC; you’ll receive an Upfront Medical Information Sheet as proof
How to Prepare for Your Upfront Medical Exam
Bring official ID (passport is required)
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you use them
Bring a list of medications you currently take
Stay hydrated; drink water before your blood test
Avoid large meals before testing if you’re prone to fainting during blood draws
Wear comfortable clothing; protective gowns are provided for X-rays
Preparing ahead saves time and ensures your medical is processed smoothly.
See the following link which provides all the useful information:
What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam in Canada Complete Checklist by GTA Immigration Physicians
Why Choose GTA Immigration Physicians in Toronto?
Same-day and next-day appointments available
On-site X-ray and blood tests (no need for referrals)
IRCC-approved panel physicians
Convenient location: 5 Fairview Mall Drive, North York (steps from Don Mills Subway Station, free parking available)
Transparent pricing with clear breakdowns by age group
Saturday appointments available
We proudly serve applicants from Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and across the GTA.
FAQs: Upfront Medical Exam for Express Entry
Do I need an upfront medical for Express Entry under CEC?
Yes. Starting August 21, 2025, all Express Entry applicants — including Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — must complete an upfront medical exam.
How long are upfront medical results valid?
Results are valid for 12 months. If your exam expires before PR approval, IRCC may request a repeat exam.
Do my spouse and children also need upfront medicals?
Yes. All accompanying dependents must complete a medical exam, even if they are not immigrating with you immediately.
Can I do my upfront medical outside Canada?
Yes. You can complete it with any IRCC-approved panel physician worldwide. However, if you are in Toronto, GTA Immigration Physicians offers fast local service.
What if I already did a medical for a work permit?
If your medical is still valid (within 12 months), it may be used for Express Entry. Otherwise, IRCC will require a new upfront medical.
Key Takeaways
Starting August 21, 2025, IRCC requires all Express Entry applicants to complete an upfront medical exam
Exams must be done by an IRCC-approved panel physician
Results are valid for 12 months and submitted directly to IRCC via eMedical
GTA Immigration Physicians offers same-day/next-day appointments, on-site testing, and convenient Toronto access
Book Your Upfront Medical Exam Today
Don’t let delays affect your Express Entry profile. Book your upfront immigration medical exam in Toronto today with GTA Immigration Physicians.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only about IRCC’s immigration medical exam process for Express Entry applicants. It does not replace professional advice. Immigration requirements may change, and each applicant’s situation is unique. For guidance on your specific case, always consult a licensed immigration lawyer or regulated Canadian immigration consultant in Toronto.