New Medical Requirement for Express Entry Applicants
If you're hoping to secure permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry program, there are some significant recent changes you need to know about. As of August 21, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its requirements, now mandating applicants to complete a medical examination before submitting their residency documents.
Mary Rose Sabater, a spokesperson for IRCC, detailed that this new procedure, termed the 'upfront medical examination,' shifts the responsibility onto applicants. Instead of waiting for IRCC's instructions after application submission, you must now directly contact a designated panel physician once invited to apply. After this examination, you'll receive a printout and must include it with your residency application package.
Changes to Previous Protocols
This isn't the first time medical requirements have been adjusted. Just last October, the IRCC had piloted a program that let applicants bypass this upfront examination, aiming to streamline the application process and ensure that medical instructions fit into the 12-month validity of the exams. However, this pilot has ended as of August 2025, meaning applicants need to face the upfront examination once more.
Impact on Processing Times
Currently, the processing time for these permanent residency applications is approximately six months. It's essential to note that these changes apply universally for applicants across Canada, excluding Quebec, which operates independently concerning its immigration programs.
In addition to this change in medical examination practices, the IRCC has also raised the settlement funds needed for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and adjusted the income requirements for those sponsoring family members.
Your Path Forward
Staying updated on these changes is crucial as they can affect your residency journey in Canada. If you're considering applying, start researching panel physicians early to ensure you’re prepared for this added step in the process. Knowledge is power when preparing for major life transitions.
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