Overcome medical inadmissibility challenges with expert guidance and proven strategy.
Anyone who applies to visit, study, work, or settle permanently in Canada may be affected by medical inadmissibility. If you apply to immigrate to Canada, you must meet all entry requirements, including medical admissibility.
An immigration officer may consider you medically inadmissible if you are:
A risk to public health
A risk to public safety
Likely to cause excessive demand on health or social services
This determination is based on the results of your immigration medical examination.
However, medical inadmissibility can sometimes be overcome if the applicant demonstrates that they will not create an unreasonable burden on Canada’s publicly funded health system.
If an officer believes your health condition could threaten public health in Canada, your application may be refused.
If an officer determines your health condition may pose a risk to public safety, your application may be refused.
This is the most common ground for medical inadmissibility.
Health services include publicly funded services such as:
Medical specialists
Nurses
Hospital care
Prescription medication
Social services may include:
Home care
Specialized residential services
Personal support services
Medical conditions that have previously resulted in findings of inadmissibility include renal failure, dementia, heart disease, and hepatitis.
If an officer believes you may be medically inadmissible, you will receive a written notice called a Procedural Fairness Letter. This letter explains the officer’s concerns and provides you with an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.
Applicants should not assume automatic refusal upon receiving this letter. It often outlines a worst-case scenario and gives the applicant a chance to submit additional information.
In June 2018, the Government of Canada updated policies clarifying the definition of health and social services considered in medical inadmissibility assessments.
The cost threshold for excessive demand was increased. As of January 2020:
$21,204 per year
$106,020 over five years
If projected medical costs exceed this amount, you may receive a procedural fairness letter and be given an opportunity to respond before a final decision.
Excessive demand rules do not apply to:
Refugees and their dependents
Protected persons and their dependent children
Sponsored spouses and common-law partners
Applicants may demonstrate that:
Their medical condition has been stabilized or improved
Treatment plans have changed
Costs can be managed
A key supporting document may include a Declaration of Ability and Intent, outlining a realistic and detailed plan to manage the medical condition if permanent residence is granted.
Although receiving a medical inadmissibility notice can be discouraging, with proper preparation and documentation, applicants may be able to address the concerns raised by the officer.
Our experienced team can assess your situation, respond to procedural fairness letters, and help you build a strong medical response plan.
