Can I sponsor a family member who has a serious illness or disability?

A family member with a serious illness or disability may be found medically inadmissible to Canada if their condition is likely to cause excessive demand on Canada's health or social services. This is a federal assessment conducted by immigration medical officers based on the results of the immigration medical exam.

"Excessive demand" is a technical federal test that compares the estimated cost of the person's treatment and care over a set period against a threshold based on average Canadian per-capita health expenditure. If the projected cost exceeds the threshold, inadmissibility on health grounds may be found.

However, there are important nuances. The excessive demand assessment does not apply to spouses and common-law partners or to dependent children — these family members are exempt from the excessive demand finding. For parents, grandparents, and other family members, it does apply. If inadmissibility is found, there may be options — including rebuttal evidence, mitigation plans, or Temporary Resident Permits — but these are complex. Engaging a lawyer and potentially working with a medical professional who understands immigration health assessments is advisable before applying.