Effective October 1, 2023, Express Entry applicants and their family members are no longer required to submit an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application. This is a significant change, as it was previously a requirement for all Express Entry applicants.

Under the new policy, Express Entry applicants will receive instructions to attach proof of their upfront medical exam within their Profile Builder after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This means that applicants will no longer need to spend the time and money on an IME before they know whether they have been invited to apply for permanent residence.

If you have already completed an IME for another immigration application, you can include it in your current submission using the same upload slot, providing the IME or UMI number from your most recent examination. Alternatively, if you have not had an IME before, you can upload a blank document in the same slot. You will then be guided on how to complete the medical exam if necessary.

What does this mean for Express Entry applicants?

Under the new policy, Express Entry applicants will still need to complete an IME, but they will not need to do so until they have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This means that applicants can now wait until they are more confident in their chances of success before spending the money on an IME.

Once an applicant has received an ITA, they will be given instructions on how to complete their medical exam. They will need to visit a panel physician and have the required tests completed. The results of the IME will then be submitted to IRCC by the panel physician.

It is important to note that applicants must complete their medical exam within six months of receiving their ITA. If they do not, their ITA will be cancelled and they will need to re-enter the pool.

Benefits of removing the upfront medical exam requirement

The removal of the upfront medical exam requirement has several benefits for Express Entry applicants, including:

• Reduced costs: An IME can cost several hundred dollars, so removing the upfront requirement can save applicants a significant amount of money.
• Reduced processing times: Removing the upfront requirement can also reduce processing times for Express Entry applications, as IRCC will no longer need to review IME results before inviting applicants to apply.
• Increased flexibility: The new policy gives applicants more flexibility in terms of when they complete their medical exam. Applicants can now wait until they have received an ITA and are more confident in their chances of success before spending the money on an IME

Tips for completing your Express Entry medical exam

If you are an Express Entry applicant, here are a few tips for completing your medical exam:

• Make sure to schedule your exam with a panel physician. A list of panel physicians can be found on the IRCC website.
• Bring all of the required documentation to your exam, including your passport, ITA, and any other relevant documents.
• Be honest and forthcoming with the panel physician about your medical history.
• If you have any questions or concerns about the medical exam, be sure to ask the panel physician.

 

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Understanding Express Entry

Express Entry is an innovative application management system that oversees the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates in the Express Entry pool are assessed based on various factors like work experience, language ability, education, and age. They are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System score, and those with the highest scores are most likely to receive an ITA.

New Category-Based Selection Criteria

Since May 31, IRCC introduced new category-based selection criteria, focusing on specific attributes rather than just a high CRS score. The six new categories for Express Entry candidates are:

• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Strong French-language proficiency

Benefits of Express Entry

Moreover, Express Entry has revolutionized how Canada selects its immigrants, prioritizing those who bring valuable skills and experience to the country. With unparalleled efficiency, this program processes applications at lightning speed, providing applicants with the opportunity to settle in Canada quickly and effectively.

Eligibility and Requirements

To succeed in Express Entry, meeting certain requirements is paramount. Your work experience, education, language proficiency, and other factors will determine your score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Keep your documents in order and strive to reach the minimum required score to receive an invitation.

Tips to Increase Your Chances

Want to enhance your chances of receiving an ITA in future draws? Here are some tips to boost your Express Entry profile:

1. Improve Language Skills: Dedicate time to enhancing your language proficiency in English or French. Higher language scores can significantly improve your CRS score.
2. Job Offer Advantage: Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can increase your CRS score and chances of receiving an ITA.
3. Maximize Education: Pursue higher education to gain additional points in the CRS system and stand out in future draws.
4. Stay Informed: Stay updated with the latest Express Entry draws and changes to the selection criteria.
5. Professional Guidance: Furthermore seek assistance from experienced immigration consultants to navigate the Express Entry process smoothly and optimize your profile.

How can we help you?

When you receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply), a new series of steps begins for you to obtain your permanent residency in Canada.

Get in touch with us as soon as possible to get access to our Post-ITA (post invitation to apply) services.

Do you want to do it yourself? Find out more about how to get an ITA and what to do next – Quick Guide.

Our expert immigration consultants are here to guide you through the Express Entry process and ensure a seamless and successful journey to permanent residency in Canada! You can speak with one of our consultants by clicking the button below.

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