Can You Sponsor Parents & Grandparents With Health Issues In Canada?

Sponsoring your parents or grandparents to join you in Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) or a super visa is a heartfelt goal, but the risk of medical inadmissibility can be a major hurdle. A finding of medical inadmissibility can block their path to permanent residence or extended visits, leaving families feeling helpless and separated. This guide explains how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) determines medical inadmissibility, the conditions that may trigger it, and clear steps you can take to reduce or overcome this challenge, helping you reunite with your loved ones.

What Is Medical Inadmissibility?

Medical inadmissibility occurs when IRCC determines that a person’s health condition could endanger public health, public safety, or place an excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services. For parents or grandparents applying through the PGP or super visa, the most common issue is excessive demand, where the cost of their medical care might exceed $27,162 per year or $135,810 over five years (2025 threshold). This assessment is based on their immigration medical exam and medical history.

Why Does Medical Inadmissibility Matter?

A finding of medical inadmissibility prevents your parents or grandparents from gaining permanent residence through the PGP or obtaining a super visa for extended visits. IRCC aims to protect Canada’s public health system, so they carefully evaluate whether an applicant’s condition could strain resources or increase wait times for services. Understanding this process is crucial to preparing a strong application and addressing potential issues early.

Conditions That May Trigger Medical Inadmissibility

Certain health conditions may raise concerns during IRCC’s assessment, though no condition automatically leads to inadmissibility. Common conditions include:

• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., AIDS, Lupus)
• Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease)
• Infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C)
• Psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
• Disabilities requiring significant support (e.g., Down syndrome, autism)
• Cancers or rare diseases

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it highlights conditions that may require careful documentation to avoid a refusal. Each case is reviewed individually based on medical exams and supporting records.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Medical Inadmissibility

You can strengthen your application by proactively addressing health concerns:

• Disclose All Conditions: Be upfront about all medical issues in the application. Hiding conditions can lead to delays or refusals.
• Show Stable Health: Provide recent medical records, doctor’s reports, and test results showing that chronic conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, are well-managed and under control.
• Prove Financial Support: Demonstrate that you or your relative can cover private healthcare costs, such as through insurance or personal funds, to reduce reliance on public services.

These steps can lower the chance that IRCC will view your relative’s condition as an excessive demand. Consulting an immigration professional can also help ensure your documentation is thorough.

What To Do If Medical Inadmissibility Is Raised

If IRCC suspects medical inadmissibility, they’ll issue a procedural fairness letter outlining their concerns. You have 90 days to respond (extensions can be requested). Here’s how to address it:

Respond To The Procedural Fairness Letter

Use the letter as an opportunity to provide additional evidence, such as:

• Updated medical records showing treatment progress
• Proof of cost-effective medications or alternative care plans
• Letters from doctors confirming stable health or improved outcomes

Working with an immigration lawyer can strengthen your response and clarify complex medical details for IRCC.

Submit A Mitigation Plan

In some cases, IRCC may allow you to submit a mitigation plan to show how your relative’s healthcare needs will be met without burdening public services. A strong plan includes:

• Details on how services (e.g., medication, long-term care) will be accessed
• Proof of private insurance or financial capacity to cover costs
• A signed Declaration of Ability and Willingness form, accepting responsibility for expenses

IRCC will review the plan, and an interview may be required before a final decision.

Apply For A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

If your parent or grandparent is deemed medically inadmissible and cannot secure permanent residence or a super visa, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may allow them to visit Canada temporarily. To qualify, they must:

• Show a compelling reason for the visit (e.g., family reunification)
• Prove they pose no risk to public health or safety

TRPs are valid for one day to three years and can be single- or multiple-entry, at the discretion of an immigration officer. Applications can be made at a Canadian consulate or, in some cases, at a port of entry.

Understanding The Parents And Grandparents Program (PGP)

The PGP allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Due to high demand, IRCC uses a lottery system, issuing 17,860 invitations in 2025 to accept 10,000 complete applications by October 9, 2025. Preparing for medical admissibility is critical, as it’s a key eligibility factor.

Exploring The Super Visa Option

If you’re not selected for the PGP, the super visa is an alternative, allowing parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, with multiple entries over 10 years. To sponsor, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
• Be 18 or older and live in Canada
• Meet minimum income requirements
• Ensure your relative has private health insurance meeting IRCC standards

Medical admissibility is still required, so the same preparation applies.

Final Thoughts

Medical inadmissibility can feel like a daunting barrier when sponsoring your parents or grandparents, but with careful planning, you can improve their chances of approval. By disclosing health conditions, proving stable management, and responding effectively to IRCC’s concerns, you can address potential issues head-on. For complex cases, consider a free consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm to guide you through the process.