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Understanding Medical Inadmissibility in Canada: What to Expect from Your IRCC Immigration Medical Exam
Jul 11, 2025
Navigating the Canadian immigration medical exam? Don't let uncertainty slow you down. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from required tests to ensuring a smooth process.
If you're applying for permanent residence, a work permit, study permit, or refugee status in Canada, IRCC may require you to complete an immigration medical exam (IME) with an approved panel physician. Many applicants worry about how medical conditions can impact their application — and what it means to be deemed “medically inadmissible.”
In this guide from GTA Immigration Physicians, we explain what medical inadmissibility in Canada actually means, how IRCC evaluates your medical results, and what steps you can take to prepare and respond appropriately.
Whether you're based in Toronto, Scarborough, Markham, North York, or elsewhere in the GTA, this guide will help you navigate the immigration medical process with more confidence.
What Is Medical Inadmissibility?
Medical inadmissibility means that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may refuse your application based on health-related concerns.
According to IRCC, applicants may be found inadmissible if their condition:
Poses a danger to public health
Poses a danger to public safety
Would likely place excessive demand on Canada’s publicly funded health or social services
To determine this, IRCC uses information submitted by your IRCC-approved panel physician, but all final decisions are made by the government.
Learn more: Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada?
1. Danger to Public Health
Conditions that are contagious and not well-managed may be seen as a threat to public health. These may include:
Active tuberculosis (TB)
Untreated syphilis
Other communicable diseases flagged during the exam
If you're undergoing treatment or have completed treatment, IRCC may ask for supporting documentation before making a decision.
Related: How to Book Your Immigration Medical Exam in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide
2. Danger to Public Safety
This refers to health conditions that may cause unpredictable or dangerous behavior that could impact others.
Examples include:
Severe mental health disorders with a history of violence
Certain neurological conditions that affect decision-making
Each case is evaluated individually, and supporting documentation from your specialist can help clarify the risk level.
3. Excessive Demand on Health or Social Services
This is one of the most common causes of medical inadmissibility. IRCC may refuse your application if your condition is expected to cost more than a certain threshold in publicly funded services.
As of 2024, that threshold is $24,057 per year. IRCC updates this figure annually.
Conditions that may exceed this threshold include:
Kidney failure requiring dialysis
Ongoing care in a long-term facility or institution
Long-term use of expensive medications
If IRCC believes your treatment will exceed the annual limit, they may send you a procedural fairness letter, giving you the opportunity to respond.
Also read: Immigration Medical Exam Cost in Canada: Fees, Coverage & Booking Info
What Happens If IRCC Has Medical Concerns?
Here’s what typically happens after your immigration medical exam is completed and submitted:
IRCC requests additional medical tests
You receive a procedural fairness letter outlining concerns
You have the chance to submit documents to support your case
IRCC reviews everything before making a final decision
This process gives you the opportunity to provide proof that your condition is manageable, well-treated, or not a significant cost burden.
Learn more: How Long Does the IRCC Immigration Medical Exam Take?
How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam
To help reduce the likelihood of issues, follow these best practices:
Bring Relevant Medical Records
If you have a chronic condition, bring:
Doctor’s notes or treatment summaries
Lab test results or X-rays
List of current medications
Specialist reports
These documents help show your condition is controlled and stable.
Complete Your Treatment
If you are undergoing treatment for TB, syphilis, or another infectious disease, provide all documentation showing what treatments you had had.
Demonstrate You Can Cover Costs Privately
If you require costly medication or support services, show that you:
Have private insurance
Will pay out-of-pocket
Have family support
This may help IRCC determine that your condition won’t create excessive demand on public systems.
Respond Promptly to IRCC Requests
If IRCC sends a fairness letter, don’t wait. Gather documents and respond quickly — ideally with help from a medical professional or immigration lawyer.
Common Conditions That Usually Don't Cause Inadmissibility
Many medical issues are manageable and rarely cause problems during an immigration medical exam.
Examples include:
Controlled diabetes
High blood pressure
Pregnancy (X-ray may be deferred)
Mild anxiety or depression under treatment
If your condition does not affect others or require high-cost care, it’s unlikely to result in medical inadmissibility.
Related: What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam in Canada: Complete Checklist
Why Patients Across Toronto Choose GTA Immigration Physicians
We are an IRCC-authorized panel physician clinic serving patients from Toronto, North York, Markham, Scarborough, and beyond.
What makes us different:
On-site X-ray and blood testing
Same-day and next-day appointments
Walk-in options and Saturday availability
Clear, competitive pricing — no surprises
Fast IRCC submission via eMedical
Our goal is to make your medical exam smooth, accurate, and stress-free.
Book Your Immigration Medical Exam Today
Don’t let paperwork or exam delays slow down your immigration journey. Book your certified IRCC medical exam today with trusted panel physicians in Toronto.
➡️ Book your IRCC medical exam now
Clinic Address:
GTA Immigration Physicians
5 Fairview Mall Drive, North York, Toronto, ON
https://gtaimmigrationphysicians.ca/
More Resources from GTA Immigration Physicians
Disclaimer
This blog post provides general information based on IRCC policy and public resources. It is not legal advice. If you are concerned about how a medical condition may affect your immigration status, we recommend consulting a qualified immigration lawyer or immigration consultant.