Changes in Express Entry 2024 – Check Here

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently implemented a significant modification to the Express Entry application process. Before submitting an Express Entry application for permanent residence, candidates are no longer required to undergo an upfront medical examination as of October 1, 2024.

A panel physician or an Immigrant Medical Exam (IME) is typically required for petitions for permanent residency.

During the application submission procedure, it is now possible to upload a blank document in the Express Entry profile builder’s upload area if you have never had an IME. Subsequently, you will receive instructions from the IRCC regarding the scheduling of your medical examination.

If you are currently domiciled in Canada and have already completed an IME for a reason other than immigration, such as a job or study, you are not required to complete another one when applying for permanent residency.

An Overview of the IME

Even if they do not intend to relocate to Canada with you, the Immigrant Medical Exam (IME) is mandatory for you and all of your family members to undergo during the application process for permanent residency in Canada.

It is crucial to remember that the medical examination will not be conducted by your physician. Rather, you are obligated to select a physician from the list of specialists that has been approved by the IRCC.

You must be cognizant of the fact that the physician who serves on the panel does not have the final say in the outcome of your medical evaluation. The IRCC maintains the highest level of authority in this matter. If the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRCC) determines that your health endangers the public health or safety of Canada or would impose an unreasonable burden on the country’s social or healthcare services, it may deny your application for permanent residency. This underscores the significance of adhering to the health requirements established by the IRCC to preserve one’s immigration status.

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Requirement for the Immigrant Medical Examination (IME)

In the past, individuals who were pursuing permanent residency in Canada were obligated to endure an Immigrant Medical Exam (IME) administered by a panel physician. This medical examination guarantees that the candidate is in excellent health and will not pose a threat to the public health of Canada.

New Express Entry Application Process

The updated procedure provides Express Entry applicants with the following alternatives based on their prior medical examination history:

No prior IME.

The Express Entry profile builder now allows you to attach a blank document in the upload area when submitting your application if you have never completed an IME previously. Next, you will receive instructions from IRCC regarding the timing and method of scheduling your medical examination.

Prior IME

If you have already completed an IME as part of another application, such as a work or study visa, and are currently residing in Canada, you are not required to do so again when applying for permanent residence at this time.

The Functions of Panel Physicians

It is imperative to bear in mind that the medical evaluation must be conducted by a physician who has been approved by the IRCC council. Applicants are prohibited from employing their own physicians for this evaluation. The patient’s medical history and tests are meticulously reviewed by the panelist, who conducts a medical examination.

Benefits of Changes in Express Entry

• Fast Processing Times: Express Entry is renowned for its rapid processing times, which can be as short as six months from the time of application to permanent residence.
• Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Candidates are evaluated based on their language proficiency, work experience, education, and age. This mechanism guarantees that the most qualified candidates are issued invitations to apply (ITAs).
• Express Entry comprises three primary immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. This diversity enables candidates to select the most appropriate option for their qualifications.
• perpetual Residency: Successful candidates are granted perpetual residency in Canada, which grants them access to healthcare, education, and social benefits.
• Work Opportunities: Permanent residents are granted the ability to pursue employment in any occupation in Canada, which offers them the opportunity to advance their careers and maintain flexibility.
• Family Inclusion: Families are permitted to establish themselves together by including their spouse and dependent children in their applications.
• Path to Citizenship: Upon satisfying the residency requirements, permanent residents are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, which grants them complete rights as a Canadian citizen.
• Access to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Provinces may also nominate Express Entry candidates, which increases their likelihood of receiving an ITA and enables them to investigate alternative pathways.
• Language Proficiency: Candidates can enhance their CRS scores by improving their language skills through tests such as IELTS or CELPIP, thereby promoting greater integration into Canadian society.
• Job Search Assistance: The system facilitates employment opportunities by encouraging candidates to interact with Canadian employers through job banks and networking prior to their arrival.

What should you bring to the medical examination?

The following materials are required for your medical appointment:

• Acceptable and legitimate identification documents are required as part of the medical examination procedure.
• Spectacles or contact lenses (if applicable): Please bring your glasses or contact lenses to the physical if you use them to correct your vision.
• Test results and medical reports: Please provide pertinent medical reports or test results for an accurate health evaluation if you have any prior or current medical conditions.
• Current Medication Inventory: Compile a comprehensive inventory of all of your current prescription, over-the-counter, and dietary supplement medications. This allows the panel physicians to gain a comprehensive understanding of your medical history.
• Medical Report Form: If you have not undergone an initial medical examination, the assessment may necessitate that you complete a critical Medical Report form.
• Recent Photographs: If the panel physician does not utilize eMedical, you may be required to submit four recent photographs as part of the medical exam record.
• A comprehensive medical history questionnaire that inquires about both past and current medical issues is a common practice that is included in the physical examination. In addition, a physical examination is conducted, and depending on your age, additional testing, such as chest X-rays and blood samples, may be mandatory.

To cover the entire cost of the medical examination, you must carry either cash or a credit card. Upon receipt of the test results, your physician will send you an email confirming your scheduled medical examination.

Please be advised that the results of your medical examination are only valid for one year from the date of their disclosure. If you fail to establish permanent residency in Canada within the designated time frame, you may be required to undergo an additional medical examination.

Accountability regarding finances

Applicants are accountable for all medical examination expenses. The candidate is required to make the payments directly to the panel doctor. The panelist distributes a paper that confirms the process’s conclusion after the full medical examination has been completed.

Validity of Medical Exam Results

The medical examination is effective for a period of one year. The candidate may be obligated to undergo the medical examination if they fail to immigrate to Canada within the designated time frame.

Frequently Asked Questions: