Canada PR 2025: Express Entry Medicals, ITA Schedule & 40+ Pathways
Canada PR 2025: Express Entry Medical Exams, Draw Schedule, and Pathways for Applicants Over 40
Canada’s immigration landscape continues to evolve in 2025, bringing new policies, opportunities, and requirements for those applying for permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry. From upfront medical exam changes to detailed category-based draw allocations and options for applicants over 40, here’s everything you need to know.
Upfront Immigration Medical Exams (IME) – New Requirement
As of August 21, 2025, Express Entry applicants must complete an upfront immigration medical exam (IME) before submitting a PR application, unless exempt.
Who is Exempt?
You may be exempt if:
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You already live in Canada.
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You completed an IME in the last five years.
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Your previous IME showed you posed little or no risk to public health and safety.
Cost of an IME
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Children (0–14 years): CAD $140–150
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Adults (15–74 years): CAD $170–180
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Additional fees may apply for lab tests, X-rays, or vaccinations.
Required Documents for IME
Applicants should bring:
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Passport or valid government-issued ID
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Medical Report form (IMM 1017E/1020E, if issued by IRCC)
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Four passport-style photos (if clinic doesn’t use eMedical)
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Eyeglasses/contact lenses (if applicable)
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Medical history reports and list of medications
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Vaccination records (recommended)
What Happens During the Medical Exam?
There are two types of IME:
1. Standard Medical Exam:
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Identity verification and photo
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Medical history questionnaire
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Physical exam (height, weight, vision, hearing, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, limbs)
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Additional tests: chest X-rays, blood/urine tests, or specialist visits if required
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Vaccination records checked (optional, but encouraged)
2. Streamlined Medical Exam:
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Similar to standard but with fewer physical checks
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Focuses on history questionnaire and additional tests if necessary
Processing Time
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Exam takes 30 minutes to a few hours.
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Results are uploaded to IRCC by panel physicians within 10 days.
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Valid for 12 months from the date of the exam.
Example Case: International Student in Canada
Priya, a 25-year-old student from India, graduates from a Canadian university and applies for PR through Express Entry. Since she recently had a medical exam for her study permit, she may be exempt from doing a new IME—saving her both time and money.
Express Entry Draw Schedule for 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its Express Entry ITA schedule for the remainder of 2025. The draws will focus heavily on education, healthcare, and trades to support labor market needs.
Category-Based Draw Allocations (2025)
| Category | Planned ITAs | Issued so far | Remaining in 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | 8,000 | 7,500 | 500 |
| Education | 3,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Trades | 3,300 | 0 | 3,300 |
This means we can expect multiple rounds of draws between September and December, with trades and education sectors seeing significant activity.
Example Case: Skilled Trades Worker
Carlos, a 32-year-old electrician from Mexico, has five years of work experience. With IRCC planning 3,300 ITAs for trades in 2025, Carlos stands a strong chance of being selected in the upcoming rounds.
PR Opportunities for Applicants Over 40
Many candidates over 40 believe they cannot qualify for Express Entry due to lower CRS points for age. However, with the right strategy, it is still possible to secure PR.
CRS Score Insights (2025)
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CEC Draws: 518 – 547
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Healthcare Draws: 470 – 510
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French Proficiency Draws: 379 – 481
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Education Draws: 479
Real-Time Example: Healthcare Applicant Over 40
Krishiv, a 50-year-old medical radiation technologist in Alberta, has both Canadian and foreign work experience. With a CRS of 484, he qualified for the healthcare draw in August 2025, proving that age is not a barrier when experience and skills align with Canada’s needs.
Real-Time Example: French-Speaking Candidate
Adele, 60, from Belgium, is a native French speaker with 20+ years of HR experience. Despite her age, she scored 426 CRS points and was eligible for French-language draws earlier in 2025 with cut-offs as low as 379.
How to Boost CRS Scores Over Age 40
Education Pathways
Completing a Canadian diploma or degree can add up to 230 CRS points.
Example: Reginald, 42, increased his CRS from 496 to 536 by completing a Canadian bachelor’s degree, making him eligible for multiple CEC draws.
Language Proficiency
Improving French or English scores can contribute up to 310 CRS points.
Example: Amelia, 44, boosted her CRS from 460 to 518 by raising her French from NCLC 6 to NCLC 7, qualifying her for both French-proficiency and CEC draws.
Canadian Work Experience
Adding just one year of Canadian work experience can significantly increase points.
Example: Diego, 41, raised his CRS from 452 to 481 after gaining one year of Canadian healthcare work experience, making him eligible for two healthcare draws in 2025.
Key Takeaways for Express Entry Candidates
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Medical exams are now upfront – prepare early to avoid delays.
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Category-based draws will dominate the rest of 2025, especially in healthcare, education, and trades.
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Applicants over 40 still have multiple pathways to PR with the right strategy.
Conclusion – Your Canada PR Journey in 2025
Canada continues to welcome newcomers across healthcare, education, trades, and French-speaking communities. Whether you are a young graduate, a skilled worker, or even an experienced professional over 40, Express Entry offers real opportunities in 2025. By planning ahead, improving your CRS score, and aligning your skills with in-demand sectors, you can secure your place in Canada’s future.
✨ Don’t let age, doubts, or process hurdles stop you. Your Canadian dream is within reach—take the first step today!