Medical Refusals

Addressing health-related immigration barriers.

A finding of medical inadmissibility can be a significant setback in your immigration journey to Canada. However, it is not always a permanent barrier. There are several ways to address and overcome a finding of inadmissibility, especially if you can demonstrate that your health condition will not pose a danger to public health or cause an excessive demand on Canada's social services.

A finding of medical inadmissibility can be a significant setback in your immigration journey to Canada. However, it is not always a permanent barrier. There are several ways to address and overcome a finding of inadmissibility, especially if you can demonstrate that your health condition will not pose a danger to public health or cause an excessive demand on Canada's social services.

 

What is a Medical Inadmissibility Response?

If IRCC believes you are medically inadmissible, they will send a letter explaining their concerns and giving you an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. This "Procedural Fairness Letter" is your chance to provide new information, clarify a diagnosis, or submit a detailed plan to prove that your health condition will not create a burden on Canadian services.

 

General Requirements

  • You will have a limited amount of time to submit your response. It is crucial to gather all necessary information and reply within the designated timeframe.


  • You must provide updated medical records, letters from physicians, and specialist reports that demonstrate your condition is being managed and is under control.


  • A key part of your response is a detailed plan outlining how you will manage your condition, including a clear explanation of how you will cover any costs out-of-pocket, through private insurance, or other means.

Important Considerations

No automatic exemptions

While certain groups are exempt from the "excessive demand" policy (such as refugees), for most applicants, overcoming this is a detailed process that requires a strong, evidence-based response.


Judicial review

If your application is ultimately refused, you may have the option to seek a judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada, although this is a complex legal procedure.


Temporary travel solutions

If you need to travel to Canada for a limited period, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be an option, even if you are medically inadmissible.

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Inadmissibility Consultation

In-depth analysis, eligibility assessment & tailored strategy

$199.99 (CAD)

60 minutes with an expert

Customized plan to maximize success

Eligibility review .

Guidance on required documents

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Get the help you need to succeed.

Mitigation plan creation

Our team can help you prepare a detailed and realistic plan that demonstrates your ability to manage your health without burdening Canada’s healthcare system.

Strategic advice

We can help you formulate the most compelling arguments and develop a strong mitigation plan tailored to your specific case.

Document preparation

We will guide you in collecting and preparing the necessary medical reports and financial documents to support your response.

Representation and submission

We will meticulously prepare your response and submit it on your behalf, ensuring all deadlines are met and all information is accurately presented.

The Importance of a Mitigation Plan

A mitigation plan is the single most important part of your response to a medical inadmissibility finding. It is a comprehensive document that goes beyond a simple promise to pay for services. It should include concrete evidence, such as letters from healthcare providers, details on private insurance policies, and proof of funds to cover all anticipated costs, ensuring that your health condition will not negatively impact public wait times or costs.

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) as an Option

If you are found medically inadmissible, but have a pressing and compelling reason to travel to Canada, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) can provide a temporary solution. The TRP allows an individual to enter Canada for a specific purpose for a limited time. When applying for a TRP, an officer weighs the purpose of your visit against the risks to Canadian society, which can include the public health risks associated with your health condition.

The Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL)

The PFL is not a refusal; it is an invitation to respond. A well-prepared and comprehensive response to this letter can be the difference between a successful application and a refusal. It is crucial to take this opportunity seriously and provide all the evidence you can to address the officer’s concerns, whether they relate to a danger to public health or excessive demand on services.

Want to enter Canada temporarily?

If you have a compelling reason to visit Canada but are medically inadmissible, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be an option. It provides a temporary solution that allows you to enter Canada for a limited time by demonstrating a compelling reason to justify your entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, through procedural fairness responses or judicial review. Strong medical evidence is critical.

Conditions requiring ongoing high-cost treatment, home care, or institutionalization.

Yes. Updated medical evidence, treatment response, or mitigation plans can support new applications.

For most temporary categories, only public safety issues lead to refusal.

Yes. A dependent’s medical inadmissibility can affect the whole family’s application.

Download our free guide to overcome inadmissibility.

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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.