According to Maple News, individuals planning to sponsor their parents or grandparents through Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) or support them for a Super Visa must be aware of potential medical admissibility concerns. Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines, applicants may be deemed medically inadmissible if their health conditions are expected to place an undue burden on Canada’s public health or social services.
There are three main reasons IRCC may consider an individual medically inadmissible: if they pose a risk to public health, a risk to public safety, or are likely to cause excessive demand on health or social services. Of these, excessive demand is often the key concern for older applicants.
Each applicant’s health is assessed through a mandatory immigration medical exam. IRCC officers examine both the exam results and any specialist reports to determine the level of demand the applicant might place on public systems.
In 2025, the government has set the excessive demand cost threshold at $27,162 per year, or $135,810 over a five-year span. If officials anticipate that the applicant’s healthcare or social service costs will exceed this limit, their application can be refused.
Chronic but manageable conditions—such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol—do not automatically mean a person will be rejected. However, applicants must clearly demonstrate that such conditions are stable and well-managed to avoid inadmissibility.
To improve the chances of a successful application, sponsors should be proactive. This includes ensuring that their parents or grandparents receive timely medical assessments and maintain comprehensive treatment plans. Submitting supporting documents such as recent medical reports or letters from specialists can help reassure IRCC of the applicant’s health stability.
It is important to understand that medical admissibility is judged on a case-by-case basis. Even applicants with prior conditions may still qualify if they can show their medical needs will not place undue strain on Canadian healthcare resources.
While the medical inadmissibility process can be complex, early preparation and full transparency offer the best path forward. Sponsors are encouraged to consider a medical consultation before submitting PGP or Super Visa applications and seek professional advice if their loved ones have known medical issues.
By planning ahead and being informed, Canadian families can increase their chances of a smooth reunification process under family sponsorship programs.