How to Address the Risk of Medical Inadmissibility for Parents and Grandparents Applying to Immigrate to Canada

If you are planning to sponsor your parent(s) or grandparent(s) to come to Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) or invite them on a super visa, it is important to understand the concept of medical inadmissibility.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may deny an application if your relative’s health condition is seen as a burden on Canada's public health or social services. That’s why planning ahead and being aware of how IRCC assesses medical admissibility is key to reducing the risk of refusal.

What Is Medical Inadmissibility?

IRCC may consider someone medically inadmissible for three main reasons:

• They pose a risk to public health
• They pose a risk to public safety
• Their condition may cause excessive demand on health or social services

In most cases, the third reason—excessive demand—is the most relevant for parent or grandparent sponsorship applications.

In 2025, IRCC defines excessive demand as healthcare or social service costs exceeding $27,162 per year, or $135,810 over five years.

Health Conditions That Could Lead to Inadmissibility

Each person’s case is different and depends on their medical exam results and history. However, some common conditions that may lead to medical inadmissibility include:

• Autoimmune diseases like AIDS or lupus
• Autism
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney or liver disease
• Psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• Learning disabilities requiring special education
• Blood disorders
• Heart disease
• Hepatitis B or C
• Tuberculosis
• Cerebral palsy
• Rare diseases
• Down syndrome
• Total knee replacement

Note: This is not a complete list but gives a general idea of high-risk conditions.

How to Reduce the Risk of Medical Inadmissibility

Having a medical condition does not automatically mean your parent or grandparent will be inadmissible. IRCC makes decisions based on the complete medical file and the potential burden on Canadian services.

To strengthen your application:

• Submit medical records showing that any chronic conditions are well managed and under control
• Provide reports from treating physicians
• Demonstrate that medications and care are stable and not costly
• Emphasize that their condition will not increase wait times or put pressure on the public system
  
  

What to Do If Your Parent or Grandparent Is Found Medically Inadmissible

If IRCC suspects a health issue may lead to inadmissibility, they will issue a procedural fairness letter. You then have 90 days to respond and provide additional information or request an extension if needed.

There are three main ways to respond:

1. Respond to the Procedural Fairness Letter

You can submit:

• Updated medical reports
• Doctor recommendations for more affordable treatments or medications
• Proof of financial capacity to manage care independently

This response helps IRCC reassess the situation before making a final decision.

2. Submit a Mitigation Plan

If invited to do so, you can prepare a plan that outlines how your relative will access and pay for any needed services without relying on the public system.

Your plan must include:

• How services will be obtained (e.g., private care)
• Proof of financial ability to cover the costs
• A signed Declaration of Ability and Willingness

IRCC will review the plan and may request an interview before deciding.

3. Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

If PR or super visa is not possible due to medical inadmissibility, your relative may still apply for a TRP. This allows them to enter or stay in Canada temporarily, for a period ranging from one day to three years.

They must prove:

• A valid reason to visit Canada
• That they do not pose a risk to Canadian society

TRPs can be applied for at a Canadian consulate or, in some cases, directly at a port of entry.

About the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The PGP allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence. Due to high demand, invitations are issued through a lottery system.

In 2025, IRCC will send 17,860 invitations starting July 28 to those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020. Those invited must apply by October 9, 2025.

Consider the Super Visa

If you are not selected under the PGP, the super visa is a great alternative. It allows your parents or grandparents to visit you in Canada for up to five years per stay, and is valid for up to 10 years.

To apply:

• You must be their child or grandchild and live in Canada
• You must meet a minimum income level
• Your parent(s)/grandparent(s) must be outside Canada when applying
• They must buy private medical insurance that meets IRCC's requirements

This visa is available year-round and is not subject to a lottery.

Final Thoughts

Medical inadmissibility can be a serious concern when sponsoring parents or grandparents to Canada. However, with proper preparation, clear documentation, and knowledge of the process, it is often possible to address these concerns and still reunite with your loved ones.