If you are applying through express entry Canada in 2027, you must complete a medical exam before you receive permanent residency. Understanding the express entry medical exam 2027 process helps you plan your timeline, budget your costs, and avoid delays. This guide covers every step you need to take, from booking your appointment to getting approval.
What Is the Express Entry Medical Exam?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires all applicants to pass an immigration medical exam (IME) before they can complete their permanent residency application. The exam checks that you do not have a condition that could endanger public health or place excessive demand on Canadian health services.
You must use a panel physician approved by IRCC. You cannot visit your personal doctor. Find the full list of approved panel physicians on the official IRCC medical exam page.
Who Needs the Exam?
- You, the principal applicant
- Your spouse or common-law partner
- All dependent children included in the application
- Any family member not accompanying you, if they are listed on the application
Express Entry Medical Exam Costs in 2027
IRCC does not set the price for the medical exam. Each panel physician sets their own fee. In 2027, typical costs range from CAD 275 to CAD 450 per adult. Children under 15 generally pay between CAD 150 and CAD 250.
Additional tests may increase your total. X-rays cost roughly CAD 50 to CAD 100. Blood tests for tuberculosis or other conditions can add CAD 80 to CAD 150. A family of four should budget at least CAD 1,100 to CAD 1,600 for all exams combined.
What Does the Exam Include?
- Physical examination by the panel physician
- Chest X-ray for applicants aged 11 and older
- Blood test for syphilis for applicants aged 15 and older
- Urinalysis
- HIV test for applicants aged 15 and older
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Your medical results are valid for 12 months from the date of your exam. IRCC receives your results electronically from the panel physician within 24 to 72 hours in most cases.
After IRCC reviews your results, medical approval typically takes 2 to 8 weeks. Complex cases, such as applicants with prior health conditions, may take longer. You should book your exam shortly after you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) so that your results do not expire before your application is processed.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1: Accept your ITA in your IRCC online account.
- Step 2: Find an approved panel physician in your country using the IRCC physician locator.
- Step 3: Book your appointment and bring valid government-issued photo ID.
- Step 4: Complete all required tests on the day of your appointment.
- Step 5: Your physician submits results to IRCC electronically. You do not send them yourself.
- Step 6: Wait for IRCC to mark your medical as passed in your online account.
- Step 7: Submit your full permanent residency application with all supporting documents.
How the Exam Connects to Your Overall Immigration Plan
The medical exam is one part of a broader process. Many applicants combine express entry with a provincial nominee program nomination, which boosts their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score significantly. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, making an ITA nearly certain.
If you are considering a skilled worker visa or a work permit application before applying for permanent residency, you may also need a medical exam depending on the job type and country. Jobs in healthcare, childcare, or agriculture typically require a medical exam even for temporary workers.
Some applicants explore visa sponsorship jobs or jobs with relocation package to cover moving costs while waiting for their permanent residency to be approved. An employer sponsored visa can be a practical bridge option during this period.
“IRCC processed over 485,000 new permanent residents in 2026, with express entry remaining the largest pathway for skilled workers.” Source: IRCC Annual Report 2026.
If your situation is complex, consult a licensed immigration lawyer or immigration attorney. They can review your medical history, advise on inadmissibility risks, and help you respond to any IRCC requests for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose any doctor for my immigration medical exam?
No. You must visit an IRCC-approved panel physician. Results from any other doctor will not be accepted. You can find the full list on the IRCC panel physician locator.
What happens if my medical exam results show a health condition?
IRCC reviews each case individually. Some conditions lead to a finding of medical inadmissibility. If this happens, you receive a procedural fairness letter giving you time to respond with additional medical evidence or treatment plans. An immigration attorney can help you prepare a strong response.
Does my medical exam expire if my application is delayed?
Yes. Your medical results are valid for 12 months. If your application is not finalized within that period, you must redo the exam at your own cost. Book your appointment as early as possible after receiving your ITA to give yourself enough time.
Apply directly through the official portal and consult a qualified immigration adviser if you need help.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is subject to change. Always confirm requirements on the official source before applying.
