Express Entry in Winnipeg

Applying for permanent residence through Express Entry in Winnipeg involves several eligibility steps, including completing an immigration medical exam (IME). As of August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its requirements, making upfront medical exams mandatory for most Express Entry applicants.

For candidates navigating the system from Winnipeg, understanding these medical requirements is essential for preparing a complete and accurate application. Below is a comprehensive look at frequently asked questions about medical exams in the Express Entry process.

What Is the Immigration Medical Exam (IME)?

The IME is a health assessment required by IRCC for individuals applying for permanent residence in Canada. Its purpose is to ensure that applicants do not pose a risk to public health or safety and that their conditions will not cause excessive demand on Canadian healthcare or social services.

Anyone applying through Express Entry in Winnipeg must complete this step, unless they are exempt from doing so. The exam must be conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician, not by a personal family doctor.

Who Is Exempt from Doing a Medical Exam?

Applicants may be exempt if they:

• Already live in Canada,
• Have completed a medical exam in the last five years, and
• Authorities previously assessed them as posing low or no risk to public health and safety.

All other Express Entry applicants in Winnipeg will need to undergo a new IME before their application is processed.

What If I Have a Medical Condition?

A medical condition does not automatically cause immigration authorities to refuse an application. IRCC reviews cases based on whether the condition poses a threat to public health or is likely to exceed the excessive demand cost threshold.

For 2025, the threshold is $135,810 over five years (about $27,162 per year). If the anticipated cost of treatment exceeds this figure, IRCC may consider it an excessive demand.

Some applicants may also be subject to medical surveillance after arrival—for example, those with conditions such as tuberculosis. Many health conditions, however, do not result in refusal, making planning for Express Entry in Winnipeg more straightforward.

Who Can Perform the Exam?

Only IRCC-approved panel physicians are authorized to carry out the IME. A family doctor cannot perform it. Applicants in Winnipeg must select a physician from the IRCC’s official list. Using a certified panel physician ensures your application for Express Entry in Winnipeg meets all health requirements.

How Much Does the Exam Cost?

Costs for the IME vary by age and clinic. In Canada, the typical price range is:

• Children (0–14 years): CAD $140–150
• Adults (15–74 years): CAD $170–180

Additional fees may apply for radiology, laboratory tests, specialist consultations, and optional vaccinations. Most Express Entry candidates are required to pay these fees themselves when applying in Winnipeg.

What Documents Should I Bring?

Applicants undergoing the IME in Winnipeg should prepare:

• A valid passport or other government-issued ID
• Medical Report form (IMM 1017E or IMM 1020E, if issued)
• Four passport-style photos (if the clinic does not use the eMedical system)
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
• Medical history and reports of ongoing or past conditions
• A list of current medications
• Vaccination records (optional but recommended)

Proper preparation ensures a smooth IME process for Express Entry in Winnipeg applicants.

What Happens During the Exam?

Two main types of IME exist: the Standard Medical Exam and the Streamlined Medical Exam.

Standard Medical Exam

• Identity confirmation with official ID and photo capture
• Medical history questionnaire covering past and current conditions
• Physical examination, including height, weight, vision, hearing, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and limb movement
• Additional tests such as chest X-rays, bloodwork, and urine samples, depending on age and history
• You may receive vaccinations, but you have the option to choose whether to get them.

Streamlined Medical Exam

• Similar ID confirmation and history questionnaire
• Doctors may still require chest X-rays and lab work, even though the exam includes fewer tests than the standard version
• Additional specialist referrals if results indicate concerns

Applicants may request a chaperone, pause the exam for questions, and should expect results to be uploaded directly to IRCC. Completing the IME carefully is a critical part of Express Entry in Winnipeg applications.

How Long Does the Exam and Processing Take?

The medical exam itself may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the clinic’s workload and whether further tests are required.

Panel physicians typically upload results to IRCC within 10 days via the eMedical system. The review timeline for applicants applying through Express Entry in Winnipeg will depend on the overall processing of their PR application.

Can I Get a Copy of My Results?

Panel physicians submit IME results directly to IRCC. Applicants can request a copy from the clinic. IRCC will only contact applicants if additional information is required. Monitoring the PR portal helps candidates confirm updates for Express Entry in Winnipeg.

How Do I Attach My Exam to My PR Application?

After completing the IME, the panel physician provides either:

• An information printout sheet, or
• An IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form

Applicants must upload one of these documents when applying for permanent residence. This step ensures the application for Express Entry in Winnipeg is complete.

How Long Are Medical Exam Results Valid?

IME results are generally valid for 12 months. If results expire before IRCC decides on an application, a new exam may be required. Timely completion is crucial for Express Entry candidates in Winnipeg, given the potential for processing delays.

Conclusion

Completing the IME is a crucial part of the process for anyone pursuing Express Entry in Winnipeg. Knowing exemptions, costs, required documents, and timelines helps applicants plan effectively. Early preparation ensures fewer delays and a smoother path toward permanent residence in Canada.

By understanding what to expect from the medical exam, candidates in Winnipeg can manage this step efficiently and focus on other aspects of their Express Entry application.