Reuniting Families in Canada
Navigating Medical Inadmissibility for Your Loved Ones
The "Excessive Demand" Hurdle
Sponsoring parents or grandparents is a profound journey, but medical inadmissibility due to "excessive demand" on Canada's health and social services can be a challenge. This means the anticipated cost of care may exceed a specific threshold.
Current Excessive Demand Cost Threshold
$27,162 CAD
per year (subject to annual adjustment)
What Triggers Inadmissibility?
While public health and safety are considerations, the vast majority of medical refusals for family sponsorship stem from concerns over excessive demand. This is triggered by conditions requiring services that could burden public resources or extend wait times.
- Danger to Public Health: e.g., active, untreatable infectious diseases.
- Danger to Public Safety: e.g., conditions leading to sudden incapacitation or unpredictable behavior.
- Excessive Demand: The primary concern for Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP) applications.
Common reasons for medical inadmissibility findings in family sponsorship cases.
The Application Journey: Spotlight on the PFL
Understanding the process is paramount. A "Procedural Fairness Letter" (PFL) is not a final refusal—it's your critical chance to respond with a robust mitigation plan.
Submit Application & Medical Exam
IRCC Review & PFL Issued
Concerns identified, inviting your response.
Submit Mitigation Plan
Your detailed plan to address costs.
Final Decision
Crafting a Powerful Mitigation Plan
Your PFL response must feature a detailed, credible, and evidence-backed Mitigation Plan. This plan demonstrates your commitment and ability to cover all anticipated costs without burdening public funds.
Financial Capacity
Provide robust financial proof: bank statements, investment portfolios, employment letters, and tax documents showing long-term ability to pay.
Service Arrangements
Detail specific private services (e.g., home care, private facility) and include quotes, agreements, or confirmations from providers.
Cost Reduction Evidence
Present new medical evidence to challenge or reduce IRCC's initial cost assessment, such as changes in treatment or medication.
Signed Declaration
Crucially, submit the legally binding "Declaration of Ability and Willingness" to formally commit to all costs.
The financial threshold is dynamic, emphasizing the need for proactive and robust planning.
The Evolving Cost Threshold
The "excessive demand" cost threshold is not static; it is adjusted annually to reflect the average per capita healthcare costs in Canada. This upward trend highlights the increasing importance of demonstrating robust financial capacity in your mitigation plan.
Preparing for a potentially higher threshold than in prior years is a strategic element of a successful sponsorship application.
The Super Visa: A Flexible Alternative
If medical conditions pose significant challenges for permanent residency, the Super Visa offers a valuable, long-term temporary solution for family reunification.
| Feature | Parents & Grandparents Program (PR) | Super Visa (Temporary) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Permanent Residence | Long-Term Visitor Status |
| Healthcare Access | Eligible for public healthcare | Mandatory private Canadian medical insurance |
| Medical Inadmissibility Risk | Higher risk due to "Excessive Demand" | Lower risk; private insurance significantly mitigates cost concerns |
| Duration of Stay | Indefinite | Up to 5 years per entry, renewable |
