Medical Inadmissibility to Canada: Health Grounds and How It Affects Your Immigration Application
Learn what medical inadmissibility means, who is exempt, and how Ayodele Law can help you respond to fairness letters and overcome refusal risks.
What Is Medical Inadmissibility?
Anyone applying to visit, study, work, or immigrate permanently to Canada must meet the medical requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and Regulations.
If your health condition is likely to pose a risk to public health or safety, or to place an excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services, you may be found medically inadmissible and refused entry or permanent residence.
Medical inadmissibility can apply to temporary residents (visitors, students, workers) and permanent residence applicants alike.
| Three Reasons for Medical Inadmissibility |
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There are three main grounds on which an applicant can be found medically inadmissible to Canada: •Danger to Public Health •Danger to Public Safety •Excessive Demand on Health or Social Services |
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1. Danger to Public Health An applicant may be refused entry if their health condition poses a risk of transmitting a contagious disease or otherwise threatens the health of the Canadian public. Medical officers review: •Results from your immigration medical exam, including blood tests, X-rays, and specialist reports •Whether you have or have been in contact with infectious diseases such as active tuberculosis (TB) or syphilis •The likelihood your condition could spread or negatively impact others in Canada |
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2. Danger to Public Safety You may be found inadmissible if your condition could make you a risk to the safety of others in Canada. The assessment considers whether your medical condition may lead to: •Sudden incapacity, such as a loss of physical or mental abilities •Unpredictable or violent behaviour that may endanger others |
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3. Excessive Demand on Health or Social Services A person can also be found medically inadmissible if their condition is likely to place an excessive demand on publicly funded health or social services in Canada. A condition may be considered excessive if: •The expected cost of treatment or services exceeds the annual cost threshold, or •The treatment required could increase wait times and negatively affect access for other Canadians. If the projected cost of care or social services for your condition exceeds this threshold, IRCC may find that you pose an excessive demand on Canada’s system. |
Exceptions to Medical Inadmissibility Rules
Some applicants are exempt from the excessive demand component of medical inadmissibility. This includes:
Refugees and their dependents
Protected persons
Certain family class applicants, such as:
Spouses and common-law partners being sponsored
Dependent children being sponsored for permanent residence
These exemptions recognize Canada’s humanitarian and family reunification commitments.
How to Respond to a Medical Inadmissibility Finding
If you receive a procedural fairness letter from IRCC indicating potential medical inadmissibility, it’s essential to respond promptly and with detailed evidence.
A lawyer can help you:
Obtain updated medical assessments and specialist opinions
Prepare a cost mitigation plan showing how you will cover medical expenses privately
Demonstrate rehabilitation, treatment success, or low risk to public health
Submit a legal response addressing the officer’s concerns before a refusal decision is made
How Ayodele Law Can Help
At Ayodele Law, we assist clients facing medical inadmissibility findings at every stage of the immigration process.
Our team provides:
- Case analysis and medical record review
- Legal submissions in response to fairness letters
- Appeals and judicial reviews for refused applications
- Strategic advice for temporary and permanent residence applicants
If you’ve been told you may be medically inadmissible, contact Ayodele Law today to schedule a consultation. We can help you prepare a strong response and protect your right to enter or remain in Canada.