On April 16, 2018 the Liberal Government announced that there would be significant changes to the medical inadmissibility rules in Canada. The changes will take effect on June 1, 2018 to significantly increase the cost threshold for a condition to be considered an excessive demand on the Canadian healthcare system. As a result, many individuals and families, especially those with disabilities, may no longer be considered medically inadmissible to Canada.
The changes to the policy will also include an amendment to the definition of social services, including special education, social and vocational rehabilitation and personal support services. This will allow previously excluded applicants to be considered admissible to Canada.
In 2017, the excessive demand cost threshold was $6,655 per year and $33,275 over five years. With the changes in policy, the cost threshold will be tripled to approximately $19,965 per year. As a result, many applicants who would have been previously inadmissible, such as those with conditions that require publicly funded prescription drugs would be considered admissible to Canada as the cost of their medications would typically not exceed the new cost threshold.
The Government has been reviewing all elements of the medical inadmissibility provisions since 2016. The Standing Committee of Citizenship and Immigration had previously recommended the elimination of the entire policy. The Government has agreed to work with provinces and territories to eventually eliminate the policy.
For more information on the changes to Canada’s medical inadmissibility policies please click here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2018/04/government-of-canada-brings-medical-inadmissibility-policyin-line-with-inclusivity-for-persons-with-disabilities.html
