November 27, 2025
Immigration Expert Poonam Thakur, RCIC-IRB, Explains Health Grounds That Can Bar You from Immigrating to Canada
By Poonam Thakur, RCIC-IRB — Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, Career Wings Immigration (Calgary, Alberta)
Understanding Medical Inadmissibility in Canada Immigration
Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of immigrants each year — from skilled workers and students to families and refugees. However, not every applicant is automatically admissible.
Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), certain medical conditions can make an applicant inadmissible to Canada on health grounds. This assessment ensures that newcomers do not pose a risk to public health or create excessive strain on Canada’s healthcare and social services systems.
As an experienced RCIC-IRB immigration consultant, I help clients across the world understand and overcome the complexities of medical inadmissibility in Canada, ensuring they present a complete, accurate, and well-supported case.
When Can Health Conditions Affect Your Canada Immigration Application?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may find a foreign national inadmissible on health grounds if their condition:
- Is likely to be a danger to public health
- Is likely to be a danger to public safety
- Might reasonably be expected to cause excessive demand on health or social services
Each of these categories involves careful medical review and cost analysis by IRCC’s medical officers.
1. Public Health and Safety Concerns
Cases of medical inadmissibility due to public health risk are relatively uncommon. These typically involve communicable diseases that could pose a danger to the Canadian population if untreated.
Examples include:
- Active, untreated tuberculosis (TB)
- Untreated syphilis or other serious infectious diseases
In most situations, if the applicant receives proper treatment and provides updated medical documentation, they can overcome this barrier and continue with their application.
2. Excessive Demand on Health or Social Services
This is the most common reason for medical inadmissibility in Canada.
According to IRCC, an applicant may be refused if the projected cost of their medical care or social services is higher than the average per-person cost to the Canadian system, or if their treatment would significantly impact wait times for Canadians.
Conditions that may trigger an excessive demand review include:
Chronic or Severe Medical Conditions
- Kidney disease requiring dialysis
- Advanced heart disease or heart failure
- Cancers needing ongoing treatment
- Autoimmune disorders requiring costly therapies
- Conditions requiring organ transplants
Conditions Requiring Specialized Support
- Severe intellectual disabilities or developmental disorders needing long-term institutional support
- Degenerative diseases like ALS or advanced multiple sclerosis
- Extensive rehabilitation needs
Mental Health Conditions
- Severe psychiatric disorders requiring continuous institutional or community-based care
Who Is Exempt from Medical Inadmissibility Rules?
Not all applicants are subject to the excessive demand rule. Some groups are exempt, including:
✅ Refugees and protected persons
✅ Sponsored spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children
✅ Children adopted by Canadian citizens or permanent residents
These exemptions reflect Canada’s humanitarian and family reunification priorities.
The Immigration Medical Exam (IME): What to Expect
Every applicant for permanent residence — and some for temporary residence — must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
The IME includes:
- A full physical examination
- Medical history review
- Chest X-ray
- Laboratory tests (blood and urine)
- Additional assessments if required by your condition
The examining physician then sends the report to IRCC for review. The decision on medical admissibility is made by IRCC medical officers, not the panel physician.
Overcoming Medical Inadmissibility: Your Options
If you are found medically inadmissible, there are still several possible solutions:
- Mitigation Plan:
Show that you can privately cover your medical costs through insurance or personal finances. - Reconsideration or Appeal:
If you believe the IRCC decision was incorrect, you can request a review or file an appeal through proper legal channels. - Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Grounds:
Apply for an exemption based on humanitarian factors such as family ties, hardship, or best interests of a child. - Temporary Residence Options:
Consider applying for a temporary resident visa (visitor, student, or worker), which may have less stringent health criteria depending on your situation.
At Career Wings Immigration, we have successfully assisted clients with medical inadmissibility cases by preparing detailed mitigation plans and legal submissions backed by credible medical and financial documentation.
Key Tips for Applicants with Medical Conditions
If you have a known medical condition, preparation and transparency are critical. Here’s how you can strengthen your application:
✅ Get advice early from a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) experienced in medical admissibility issues
✅ Gather comprehensive medical reports outlining your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
✅ Obtain a letter from your treating physician confirming treatment stability and cost estimates
✅ Provide financial proof if you plan to self-fund your medical care in Canada
✅ Stay informed — IRCC’s medical admissibility rules evolve frequently
Expert Guidance from Career Wings Immigration
As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB), I, Poonam Thakur, specialize in helping clients overcome immigration challenges, including medical inadmissibility, study permit refusals, PR applications, and citizenship submissions.
Our Calgary-based team provides personalized immigration strategies for individuals, families, and international students — ensuring that every application is strong, compliant, and professionally represented.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Health Concerns Stop Your Canadian Dream
While health grounds can complicate your immigration to Canada, they don’t necessarily end your journey. With professional guidance and a proactive approach, many applicants with medical conditions successfully obtain Canadian permanent residence or temporary visas.
If you’ve received a procedural fairness letter or medical inadmissibility notice from IRCC — or if you simply want to make sure your application is strong from the start — we’re here to help.
Contact Career Wings Immigration Today
Poonam Thakur, RCIC-IRB
Career Wings Immigration — Your Trusted Partner for Study Permits, PR, and Canadian Immigration Success! 🇨🇦
Email: info@careerwingsimmigration.com
Website: www.careerwingsimmigration.com
WhatsApp: +1-778-881-6000
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Instagram: @careerwingsimmigration