If your parent(s) or grandparent(s) are deemed medically inadmissible, they cannot obtain permanent residence through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may consider your relatives medically inadmissible to Canada if their health condition(s) are likely to cause an excessive burden on Canada’s public health or social services.
If you’re planning to sponsor your parent(s) or grandparent(s) through the PGP or wish for them to visit you on a super visa, it’s critical to prepare ahead of time for any potential issues related to medical inadmissibility that could result in a refusal.
Well, today we will discuss how one can handle medical admissibility for parents & grandparents.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
How IRCC Determines Medical Inadmissibility?
Your parents or grandparents may be found medically inadmissible to Canada for one or more of the following reasons:
- Being a danger to public health
- Being a danger to public safety
- Causing excessive demand on health or social services
IRCC officers evaluate the immigration medical exam and any accompanying specialist reports to assess these risks.
For most family class applicants, the key concern will be whether the applicant is likely to create excessive demand on health or social services.
IRCC considers whether the treatment or support required for your relative’s medical condition is likely to:
- Exceed the annual excessive demand cost threshold
- Increase wait times for publicly funded services in Canada
As of 2025, the cost threshold for excessive demand is $27,162 per year, or $135,810 over five years.
Applicants must fully disclose all health and medical conditions in their applications. Demonstrating that chronic conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes) are well-managed is important for minimizing perceived risk.
Conditions That May Trigger Medical Inadmissibility
In order to handle medical admissibility for parents & grandparents, it is vital to note what conditions can trigger inadmissibility.
Whether a person is found inadmissible depends on their specific medical exam results and health history.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of conditions that may raise red flags:
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., AIDS, Lupus)
- Autism
- Blood disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
- Brain disorders
- Cancers
- Cardiac diseases
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic kidney disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
- Down syndrome
- Hepatitis B or C
- Learning disabilities requiring special education
- Liver diseases
- Psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
- Rare diseases and genetic conditions
- Total knee replacement
- Tuberculosis
This list serves only as a general reference. Many people with these conditions have successfully entered or stayed in Canada, depending on their case details.
How To Lower The Risk Of Being Found Medically Inadmissible?
Having a condition from the above list does not guarantee medical inadmissibility.
Each applicant is assessed individually, and officers consider a variety of medical documentation, history, and exam findings.
If your parent or grandparent has a known condition, it helps to provide updated medical records and specialist reports that show:
- The condition is under control
- Ongoing treatment is effective
- They can manage their health independently or with private support
Proactively demonstrating that your relative is unlikely to exceed the cost threshold can improve their chances of a favorable outcome.
If medical inadmissibility is still a concern, there are potential strategies to challenge or overcome such findings.
What To Do If Medical Inadmissibility Is Raised?
If your relative is found medically inadmissible, or at risk of being refused, there are several paths you may consider.
These include:
- Responding to a Procedural Fairness Letter
- Submitting a Mitigation Plan (if permitted)
- Applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Responding To A Procedural Fairness Letter
If IRCC suspects your relative may be medically inadmissible, they will issue a “procedural fairness letter.”
This letter outlines concerns about their medical condition and invites a response before a final decision is made.
You or your representative may respond to this letter with additional information or evidence that may change the outcome.
The deadline to respond is typically 90 days from the date the letter is issued. If needed, you can request an extension.
Your response may include:
- Details of medical treatments received
- Adjustments to medications or care based on professional advice
- Evidence of cost-effective alternatives for required services or medication
A decision-maker with legal authority will evaluate the new evidence. An interview with your family member may be required before a final decision.
Submitting A Mitigation Plan
In some cases, IRCC may allow applicants to submit a mitigation plan.
This document outlines how the applicant intends to manage their health care in Canada without burdening the public system.
A strong mitigation plan might include:
- Private insurance coverage for medication and treatments
- Proof of financial ability to pay for private health or long-term care
- Details on the type of services needed and how they will be accessed
In addition, applicants must submit:
- Supporting financial documentation
- A Declaration of Ability and Willingness form, confirming their responsibility for any required care
IRCC will review the plan and issue a final decision. An interview may be part of this process.
Applying For A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
If a person is found medically inadmissible and denied both PR under the PGP and a super visa, they may still be eligible for a Temporary Resident Permit.
A TRP allows someone to stay in Canada temporarily despite inadmissibility.
To qualify for a TRP, the applicant must:
- Show a compelling reason for their visit
- Prove they pose no threat to Canadian society
A TRP can be valid for as little as one day or up to three years. It can be issued for single or multiple entries, at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Applicants can apply for a TRP:
- At a Canadian consulate abroad
- At a port of entry (in certain situations)
About The Parents And Grandparents Program (PGP)
As we have discussed how you can handle medical admissibility for parents & grandparents, let us discuss about the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
The PGP is a popular immigration pathway that supports family reunification by enabling Canadians and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for PR.
Due to limited intake, IRCC operates a lottery-based system.
In 2025, IRCC aims to accept 10,000 complete PGP applications. Starting July 28, 2025, IRCC will send 17,860 invitations to potential sponsors who previously submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020.
Invited sponsors must submit a complete application by October 9, 2025 (midnight ET).
About The Super Visa
If you are not invited under the PGP, the super visa offers a solid alternative.
This visa allows eligible parents or grandparents to visit their child or grandchild in Canada for extended stays.
While a standard visitor visa permits up to six months per visit, a super visa allows up to five years per stay and is valid for up to 10 years.
To host a parent or grandparent under a super visa, you must:
- Be their child or grandchild
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
- Be 18 years or older and living in Canada
- Meet the income requirements
Your parent or grandparent must:
- Apply from outside Canada
- Purchase private medical insurance that meets IRCC requirements
- Be admissible to Canada
Navigating medical inadmissibility in the sponsorship or super visa process can be complex. However, with proper preparation and understanding of IRCC’s expectations, many applicants are able to successfully reunite with their families in Canada.
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