Before Applying for Express Entry with a Medical Condition – You MUST Know This! Canada PR Medical

AdminOctober 6

Applying Through Express Entry with a Pre-Existing Medical Condition: What You Need to Know

Applying for Canadian permanent residence (PR) through the Express Entry system can be exciting — but for candidates with pre-existing medical conditions, it can also raise concerns about medical inadmissibility.

While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may refuse applications based on health-related reasons, it’s important to understand that medical inadmissibility does not automatically mean rejection. With the right documentation and preparation, you can reduce the risk of refusal and successfully immigrate to Canada.

New Requirement: Upfront Medical Exam for Express Entry Applicants

As of August 21, 2025, IRCC now requires all new Express Entry applicants to submit an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) along with their PR application.

Previously, medical exams were only requested after the application submission. This change aims to streamline the review process and ensure that health assessments are completed earlier in the immigration journey.

Understanding Medical Inadmissibility in Express Entry

IRCC can find an applicant medically inadmissible for one of three main reasons:

Excessive demand on Canadian health or social services
Danger to public health
Danger to public safety

Let’s look at each in detail — and what you can do to address potential risks.

1. Excessive Demand on Health or Social Services

This is the most common reason for medical inadmissibility.
IRCC may decide that your health condition could place excessive demand on Canada’s publicly funded healthcare or social services.

For 2025, the cost threshold is $27,162 per year (or $135,810 over five years). If your treatment or support needs exceed this amount, your application could face challenges.

Conditions that may trigger review include:

Diabetes, kidney disease, or cardiac conditions
Mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Developmental disorders such as Down syndrome or autism
Neurological or mobility disorders
Infectious diseases requiring long-term treatment (e.g., hepatitis B/C, tuberculosis)

Example:
Ravi, a software engineer from India with Type 2 diabetes, applied for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. He submitted his recent medical reports showing well-controlled blood sugar levels and proof of private insurance coverage for medication. IRCC accepted his application because his condition was effectively managed and posed no excessive demand.

How to Strengthen Your Application

If you have a medical condition, include supporting documents such as:

Proof of private health insurance coverage
Recent medical test results and specialist reports
Documentation showing effective management of your condition
Letters from doctors highlighting a positive long-term prognosis

You can also submit a mitigation plan demonstrating how you will manage your treatment without relying on public healthcare.

2. Danger to Public Health

Your application could be refused if your condition poses a public health risk in Canada. IRCC reviews:

Your IME results
Any infectious disease exposure
Specialist medical reports
Compliance with medical treatment

What you can do:
Provide up-to-date medical documentation proving that your condition is not contagious or is under active treatment.

Example:
Maria, a nurse from the Philippines, had a history of tuberculosis but had completed her treatment years ago. She submitted her clear chest X-rays and recent medical reports proving she was no longer infectious. IRCC approved her Express Entry PR application.

3. Danger to Public Safety

This applies if your condition may cause sudden incapacity (like seizures) or unpredictable behaviour due to neurological or psychiatric conditions.

IRCC evaluates factors like:

Seizure or loss-of-consciousness risk
Behavioral stability and treatment compliance

How to prepare your case:

Submit documentation confirming your condition is controlled
Include proof of ongoing therapy or medication compliance
Provide letters from healthcare professionals attesting to your stability

Responding to a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL)

If IRCC believes you may be medically inadmissible, you’ll receive a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) before a final decision.

The letter will outline:

Concerns regarding your medical condition
A request for additional information
A 90-day deadline to respond (extensions are possible)

What to include in your response:

Updated medical records and specialist reports
Proof of treatment, medication, or therapy
Evidence of private healthcare funding
A detailed mitigation plan

Your mitigation plan should clearly explain how you will manage your condition privately in Canada, including proof of insurance or financial capacity.

Example: Successfully Overcoming Medical Inadmissibility

Let’s take the case of Ahmed, an Egyptian civil engineer with mild kidney disease.
When IRCC raised concerns about potential healthcare costs, Ahmed submitted a comprehensive mitigation plan with proof of:

Private medical coverage for dialysis
Financial documents showing he could fund treatment
Doctor’s letters confirming his stable health condition

As a result, IRCC approved his PR application — proving that strong documentation and transparency can make all the difference.

Latest Express Entry and PNP Draws: Key Highlights for 2025

In recent months, IRCC has continued to conduct targeted Express Entry draws, focusing on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

✅ October 1, 2025:

CEC Draw — 1,000 ITAs
CRS Score: 534

✅ September 29, 2025:

PNP Draw — 291 ITAs
CRS Score: 855

Throughout 2025, IRCC has issued over 66,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under Express Entry, emphasizing draws for French speakers, healthcare professionals, and education sector candidates.

Final Thoughts: Stay Positive and Be Prepared

Having a pre-existing medical condition doesn’t mean your Canadian PR dream is over. Thousands of candidates with managed conditions successfully immigrate to Canada every year.

The key is transparency, documentation, and preparation.
By proactively submitting strong medical evidence, securing private coverage, and responding effectively to IRCC communication, you can greatly increase your chances of success.

If you’re a skilled worker, international student, or healthcare professional hoping to settle in Canada — don’t let your medical history stop you.
With proper planning and expert guidance, your Canadian journey is absolutely within reach.

Explore your options today.
Start your Express Entry or PNP assessment and take the first step toward your new life in Canada.

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