Overcoming Medical Inadmissibility in Canada Sponsorship

How to Handle Medical Inadmissibility When Sponsoring Parents or Grandparents to Canada

If you’re planning to sponsor your parents or grandparents to come live with you in Canada, you’re likely already familiar with the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) and the super visa option. But what happens if your loved one has a health condition that could affect their immigration application? Unfortunately, medical inadmissibility can be a real roadblock for families hoping to reunite in Canada.

Let’s walk through what it means to be medically inadmissible, how it’s assessed, and—most importantly—what you can do to reduce the risk of refusal or challenge a decision if it happens.

Key Highlights

• Medical inadmissibility can prevent your parent or grandparent from obtaining permanent residence or a super visa.
• Conditions considered a potential “excessive demand” on Canada’s health care or social services are the most common issue.
• You can strengthen your application by showing the condition is stable and managed effectively.
• If deemed inadmissible, you can respond with a procedural fairness letter, submit a mitigation plan, or apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
• The PGP has limited spots and operates via a lottery system, while the super visa is available year-round.
• Full disclosure and proactive planning are key to overcoming potential medical hurdles.

What Is Medical Inadmissibility?

When it comes to Canadian immigration, medical inadmissibility refers to a situation where Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) determines that a person’s health condition could pose a public health or safety risk—or place too much strain on the country’s health or social services.

In the context of sponsoring your parent or grandparent, the most common concern is excessive demand on health or social services. This means their condition could require costly treatments or services that exceed a certain threshold.

As of 2025, this threshold is $27,162 per year or $135,810 over five years. If the projected cost of care for your loved one exceeds this amount, their application may be refused.

Common Conditions That Could Trigger Medical Inadmissibility

Not all health issues are automatic disqualifiers. However, some medical conditions have historically been flagged as potentially problematic, including:

• Autoimmune diseases such as AIDS or Lupus
• Autism and certain intellectual disabilities
• Blood or brain disorders
• Cancer of various types
• Cardiac and liver disease
• Chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease
• Psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
• Infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B or C, and tuberculosis
• Down syndrome or conditions requiring long-term care or special education

It’s important to remember that this list isn’t exhaustive, and IRCC evaluates each case individually based on medical records and immigration medical exams.

How to Reduce the Risk of Medical Inadmissibility

The good news? A health condition doesn’t automatically mean your parents or grandparents will be denied entry. IRCC reviews each case carefully, and there are ways to strengthen your application:

1. Show that the Condition Is Under Control

If your parent or grandparent has a chronic illness like high blood pressure or diabetes, providing evidence that the condition is well-managed can go a long way. Include recent doctor’s reports, test results, and proof of medication adherence.

2. Demonstrate Financial Preparedness

Showing that you—or even your parents—have the means to cover private healthcare, if needed, can help ease concerns about burdening the public system. This can include private health insurance or savings set aside for medical care.

3. Be Transparent

Disclose all known health issues up front. Hiding or omitting information can lead to delays or refusals. Being proactive and honest reflects well on your application.

What to Do if You Receive a Medical Inadmissibility Letter

If IRCC suspects that your parent or grandparent may be medically inadmissible, they’ll issue a procedural fairness letter. This is your chance to respond before a final decision is made.

How to Respond

• Provide additional medical documentation that updates or rebuts the initial findings.
• Include evidence of ongoing treatment or changes in medication that reduce costs or improve outcomes.
• Submit a letter from a medical professional explaining the long-term outlook and treatment plan.

You’ll generally have 90 days to respond, but extensions can be requested if needed. It’s often helpful to consult with an immigration professional at this stage.

Mitigation Plans: Another Option

In some cases, IRCC may allow you to submit a mitigation plan. This is a detailed document outlining how your family member’s medical needs will be met without relying extensively on public services.

Your plan should include:

• How required services (e.g., medication, long-term care) will be accessed
• How these services will be funded—through insurance or personal funds
• Proof of financial capacity to sustain these arrangements long-term

You’ll also need to sign a Declaration of Ability and Willingness, confirming you’ll take responsibility for your loved one’s care and related costs.

When All Else Fails: Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs)

If your parent or grandparent is deemed medically inadmissible and can’t obtain permanent residence or a super visa, there’s still hope through a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).

A TRP allows someone who is otherwise inadmissible to enter Canada temporarily. These permits are granted on a discretionary basis and require the applicant to demonstrate a compelling reason for visiting—such as family reunification or attending a major family event.

TRPs can be valid for anywhere from a single day to three years and may allow for multiple entries depending on the situation. Your loved one can apply at a Canadian consulate or a port of entry, depending on their eligibility.

Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The PGP is a popular family reunification pathway that allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Due to high demand, IRCC uses a randomized lottery system to invite potential sponsors.

In 2025, IRCC will issue 17,860 invitations to apply, with the goal of accepting 10,000 completed applications. If you’re selected, you must submit a full application by October 9, 2025.

Learn how to apply through the Manitoba PNP if you’re located in that province and want to explore more regional options.

What If You’re Not Selected? Consider the Super Visa

If you’re not invited to apply through the PGP, the super visa is a solid backup. It allows your parent or grandparent to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, with multiple entries for up to 10 years.

To be eligible as a host, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
• Be at least 18 years old and living in Canada
• Meet minimum income requirements

Your relative must apply from outside Canada and purchase health insurance that meets IRCC’s guidelines. They must also be deemed medically admissible—so everything we’ve discussed still applies here.

Final Thoughts

Having a parent or grandparent declared medically inadmissible can feel like a crushing blow, but there are ways to respond, prepare, and even overcome it. The key is to plan ahead, stay informed, and seek support if needed. Whether you’re going through the PGP process or applying for a super visa, understanding medical inadmissibility can make all the difference in keeping your family together.

Need help with your sponsorship journey? Contact us today to get expert guidance on navigating medical inadmissibility and securing a path forward for your loved ones in Canada.