Sponsoring Family Members with Medical Condition: What You Need to Know

If your parent or grandparent has a serious medical condition, you may be wondering if you can still sponsor them to come and live with you in Canada. However, it’s important to note that in order to be eligible for sponsorship, your parent or grandparent must undergo a medical examination to determine if they have any medical issues that could make them medically inadmissible.

The medical examination is a requirement of the application process, and is designed to ensure that the sponsored person does not have any medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health or safety, or cause excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services. If your parent or grandparent is found to have a medical condition that makes them medically inadmissible, they may not be able to be sponsored.

It’s worth noting that the medical examination must be conducted by a panel physician who has been approved by the IRCC. The panel physician will perform a physical examination and may also require medical tests, such as blood tests or X-rays.

Medical issues

Medical issues can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to immigrate to Canada. Just like a criminal record, certain medical conditions can make a person inadmissible to Canada, potentially jeopardizing their chances of being granted permanent residency.

If a person fails a Canadian immigration medical exam, they may be deemed ineligible to enter Canada. The Canadian government takes public health and safety very seriously, and certain medical conditions can be considered a risk to the wellbeing of Canadian citizens. For example, untreated syphilis, pulmonary tuberculosis, untreated mental health issues that may cause a person to act violently, and substance abuse that may become dangerous to Canadians can all be considered disqualifying factors.

It’s important to note that these regulations apply to all individuals attempting to enter Canada, regardless of their financial resources. This means that even if a person has significant financial means, they may still be deemed inadmissible if they have certain medical conditions.

While these regulations may seem strict, they are in place to protect the health and safety of Canadian citizens. As a country that values the wellbeing of its citizens, Canada has a responsibility to ensure that individuals who enter its borders do not pose a risk to public health and safety.

How can Akrami & Associates help

By entrusting your Super Visa application to professionals who can provide precise representation, not only will you instill confidence in the immigration officers who grant the visa, but also in the parents and grandparents who will be visiting their families. At our immigration services company, we have helped hundreds of families reunite in Canada with the Super Visa program, and we can do the same for you. Our team of representatives is available for consultation, whether in person or over the phone, and can answer any questions you may have about the process. You can reach us at 416-477-2545 or toll-free at 1-877-820-7121.

If you prefer to file your Super Visa application on your own, we still offer support through our Do It Yourself Immigration Kit, which you can purchase from us. The kit provides a detailed guide on the application process, and we don’t just leave you with the instructions. When you buy the bundle, you also receive consultation and a final review of your application by one of our representatives. We are committed to assisting you every step of the way, whether you choose to work with us directly or use our DIY kit.

Options for Entering Canada

In some cases, individuals who are deemed inadmissible to Canada due to medical issues may still have options to enter the country. While medical inadmissibility can be a serious barrier to immigration, there are certain circumstances where a person may be allowed to enter Canada despite their medical condition.

One option for such individuals is to apply for a Super Visa. This is a multiple-entry visa that allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit their family in Canada for up to two years without needing to renew their status. To be eligible for a Super Visa, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including obtaining medical insurance coverage and meeting the minimum income threshold of their Canadian host.

Another option for individuals who are medically inadmissible is to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP). A TRP is a document that allows a person to enter Canada for a specific period of time, even if they would otherwise be considered inadmissible. To be eligible for a TRP, a person must demonstrate that their need to enter Canada outweighs any risk that their presence in the country may pose.

Another potential option for individuals who are medically inadmissible is to apply for Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) consideration. This process allows individuals to make a case for why they should be allowed to enter Canada despite their inadmissibility. This may involve demonstrating that there are extenuating circumstances that justify their entry to Canada, such as a need for medical treatment or a family emergency.

It’s important to note that both TRPs and H&C considerations are discretionary measures, meaning that they are not guaranteed to be granted. However, for individuals who are otherwise unable to enter Canada due to medical inadmissibility, these options may provide a path towards entry into the country.

In summary, while medical inadmissibility can be a significant barrier to immigration, there are options for individuals who wish to enter Canada despite their medical condition. Temporary Resident Permits and humanitarian and compassionate considerations may provide a pathway for individuals who can demonstrate a compelling need to enter Canada. While not guaranteed, these discretionary measures may offer hope for individuals who would otherwise be unable to enter the country.

Super Visa: the solution for bringing parents and grandparents to Canada

Since its launch in December 2011, the Canada Super Visa program has been highly sought after by visa applicants. The program’s appeal stems from its unique feature that permits parents and grandparents to visit and remain in Canada for a continuous period of two years without having to renew their visitor status. This multiple-entry visa remains valid for 10 years.

The purpose of the Super visa is to provide an alternative to the lengthy sponsorship process for permanent residency, allowing families to reunite more easily. Only parents and grandparents are eligible for this visa, and dependents cannot be included. For those who do not qualify for the Super Visa, they may apply for a Visitor Visa instead.

A Visitor Visa allows for a stay of up to six months during the first visit to Canada. Individuals who wish to stay longer must apply for an extension and pay a new fee. However, with the Super Visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit their families in Canada for up to two years without the need for status renewal. This multi-entry visa allows for multiple entries within a period of up to 10 years.

Obtaining a Super Visa

For parents or grandparents is generally a straightforward process. The program requires families to demonstrate to Canadian immigration officials that their loved ones will not be a financial or physical burden on Canadian society.

To be eligible for the Super Visa, applicants must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet certain conditions. Immigration officers consider various factors when evaluating Super Visa applications, including the applicant’s ties to their home country, the purpose of the visit, family and financial circumstances, and the overall economic and political stability of the applicant’s home country.

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, applicants must provide several documents and meet specific requirements. These include an invitation from the Canadian host, proof that the child or grandchild meets the minimum income threshold, a written statement from the child or grandchild that they will provide financial support to the applicant, a report of the immigration medical exam, and Canadian medical insurance that is valid for at least one year.

When applying for a Super Visa

It is important to ensure that all necessary documentation is included in the application. While the application process is similar to that for a regular TRV, there are additional requirements that must be met to ensure that the parents and grandparents will be well supported during their stay in Canada.

One important requirement is a letter of invitation from the child or grandchild residing in Canada. This letter should outline the purpose of the visit, the intended length of stay, and the relationship between the applicant and the Canadian resident.

In addition, applicants must provide documents that prove the child or grandchild meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum. This is to ensure that the applicant will be financially supported during their stay in Canada and not become a burden on the Canadian government.

Proof of parental relationship with the child or grandchild is also required, such as a birth certificate that names the applicant as a parent. This is to confirm the familial relationship and ensure that the Super Visa is being used for its intended purpose.

Lastly, applicants must provide proof of medical insurance coverage for at least one year with a Canadian insurance company. The insurance coverage must provide a minimum coverage of $100,000, cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation, and be valid for each entry to Canada. This documentation must be available for review by a port of entry officer.

By ensuring that all necessary documentation is included in the Super Visa application, applicants can increase their chances of success and ensure that their parents or grandparents are well-supported during their stay in Canada.

If you are considering applying for a Super Visa for your parents or grandparents, it is crucial to ensure that you have all the required forms and documentation ready. A complete and comprehensive application increases your chances of success with the immigration officer. At Akrami & Associates, our legal professionals are ready to assist you with all your Canadian immigration needs, including compiling your Super Visa application.