Do I need a medical exam to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry?

Yes. All Express Entry applicants — and their accompanying family members — must undergo an immigration medical examination (IME) conducted by a physician designated by IRCC, called a panel physician. You cannot use your own family doctor or a hospital; the exam must be done by someone on the official panel physician list, which is published on the IRCC website.

The exam generally includes a physical examination, review of your medical history, blood tests, and a chest X-ray (for applicants above a minimum age). If you have medical conditions, additional follow-up testing or specialist reports may be required before IRCC can complete its medical assessment. Results are sent directly to IRCC by the panel physician — you do not submit them yourself.

IME results are typically valid for 12 months. Timing matters: if you undergo the exam too early and your application is not decided before the results expire, you may need to redo the exam. After receiving an ITA, most lawyers advise completing the medical exam as early as possible in the 60-day window to avoid delays. Children and elderly dependants included in your application must also undergo the IME, even if they are not immigrating with you immediately.