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On October 1, 2023, IRCC changed the Immigration Medical Exam (IME) criteria for Express Entry candidates, allowing them to submit applications without an upfront medical exam.

While this is great news for Express Entry applicants who have received an invitation to apply (ITA), it is equally critical to understand what it entails.

What is the new Fast Entry Medical upgrade all about?
Beginning October 1, 2023, Express Entry applicants and their family members will no longer be required to provide an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) when submitting their application.

According to the IRCC update, after getting an invitation to apply (ITA), you will be invited to upload proof of your upfront medical exam in your Profile Builder before submitting your application, although this is no longer required.

If you previously completed an immigration medical exam (IME) as part of another application, you can use the same upload slot to include it in your current application.
Applicants must supply their most recent medical examination’s IME or UMI number.

‘OR’

You can upload a blank document in the same upload slot if you have never completed an immigration medical exam (IME).
Moreover, if IRCC requires it, they will email you advice on when to complete your medical exam.

Previously, IRCC required Express Entry applicants to complete an upfront medical exam in July 2022. As a result, this has now been reversed.

What Exactly Is An Immigration Medical Examination?

To get Canadian permanent residency (PR) or even temporary residence, you must first pass an Immigration Medical Examination (IME).

This is done to guarantee that you are not medically ineligible to enter Canada. An IME is led by a group of medical experts who hold IRCC licences.

There are two types of immigration medical exams in Canada. An Upfront Immigration Medical Exam is not the same as a regular Immigration Medical Exam.

An upfront medical exam is recommended for those who do not have an application in the eMedical system.

Following receipt of an IME letter, you should schedule a medical evaluation with a panel physician.

Panel doctors may, in rare occasions, conduct an examination without an IME letter. As a result, an initial medical examination comprises primarily of this.