NEW MEDICAL COST THRESHOLD & RISK OF REFUSAL ON HEALTH GROUNDS 2026

Starting January 2, 2026, IRCC has updated the “excessive demand” cost threshold for Canada’s health care and social services system to CAD $144,390 over five years (equivalent to CAD $28,878 per year). If your projected medical or social service costs exceed this threshold, your application may be refused on medical grounds.

🔍 Three reasons an application may be refused for medical inadmissibility:

• Danger to public health
  Examples include active tuberculosis, infectious syphilis, etc.

• Danger to public safety
  Examples include violent behavior or sudden loss of behavioral control.

• Excessive demand on health care or social services
  Long-term treatment, costly medications, ongoing care needs, and similar factors.

⚠️ Not everyone is subject to this cost threshold. Exempt categories include:

• Refugees and protected persons

• Sponsored spouses and dependent children

• Certain humanitarian and compassionate cases

📩 If IRCC suspects you may not meet medical requirements, they will issue a Procedural Fairness Letter. This is your only opportunity to:

• Submit updated medical records or specialist opinions

• Provide a mitigation plan, showing your ability to cover costs privately or rely on non-public services

🔍 The new 2026 cost threshold has been officially published by IRCC and is now reflected in its policy guidance. All medical assessments moving forward will be based on this updated amount.

🎯 At SICON, we closely monitor IRCC policy updates to ensure our clients’ application strategies remain accurate and optimized. If you or a family member are preparing to submit a permanent residence application or have just received a medical examination request, contact us promptly for personalized advice.

📞 Contact SICON to reassess your file and make sure you are not negatively affected by this policy change.

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