Canada is a popular destination for immigrants, tourists, and business travelers alike. Because of its relatively low crime rate and high standard of living, many people want to move there permanently, study, or work.
You must first meet specific eligibility requirements to be granted a visa to enter Canada. One of these requirements is that you must be in good health. In order to determine if you are in good health, you will need to undergo a medical examination, performed by an immigration panel physician.
Some health conditions may disqualify you from getting a visa to Canada, including:
1. Active Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is a serious and contagious lung infection that can be fatal if left untreated. If you have active TB, you will not be eligible for a visa to Canada. But if you have latent TB (inactive infection), you may still qualify for a visa. You need to provide additional information about your medical history and treatment plan.
Note that you cannot just go to any physician or medical facility for your medical test. You must see an immigration panel physician, who is on the list of pre-approved doctors set by the Canadian government. See more information here for a panel-approved physical in Markham.
2. HIV/AIDS
The Canadian government doesn’t totally ban people with HIV/AIDS from entering the country. Even if you have this disease, the following conditions may allow you entry:
- You will only live in the country for less than six months.
- You disclose your condition and are seeking entry for treatment that isn’t available in your home country.
- You have a letter from your health care professional or doctor that says you’re in good health and don’t pose risks to others.
- You have private health insurance throughout your stay.
- You understand that you need to comply with all the conditions of your stay, such as not working or studying without proper authorization.
- You are the spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, or parent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you meet the other requirements for entry.
- You are a refugee or protected person and meet the other entry requirements.
3. Active Syphilis
This is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. If you have active syphilis, you will not be eligible for a visa to Canada. But if you have an inactive infection, you may still qualify for a visa. They may ask you to provide additional information about your medical history and treatment plan.
4. Sexual Disorders
These include pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and sexual violence. You may not be eligible for a Canadian visa if you have any of these disorders. But you may still be allowed entry if you have been treated and your condition is controlled. Like with other conditions, you need to provide additional information about your medical history and treatment plan.
You also need a private health insurance plan that will cover you throughout your stay in Canada.
In addition, you may need to provide a letter from your health care professional or doctor that says you’re in good health and don’t pose risks to others.
5. Mental Illness
Having a mental disorder doesn’t automatically make you ineligible for a visa to Canada. However, you may be denied entry if it poses a danger to yourself or others. However, if you prove that you are not a threat to the public’s safety and want to seek treatment in Canada, you may still be eligible for a visa.
6. Other Conditions
Other health conditions may also disqualify you from getting a visa to Canada, such as:
- Active cancer
- Drug addiction
- Alcoholism
These conditions may deny you entry to the country because they require extensive medical treatment that may cause excessive demands on Canada’s health care system. Otherwise, you need to prove that you have the financial resources to cover all your medical expenses while in Canada.
In addition, you should shoulder the medical exam expenses, which you pay directly to your panel physician. Go to this page to learn more about what to expect.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a visa to Canada can be a long and complicated process, but it’s essential to make sure you complete all the necessary steps. This includes getting a medical exam and providing all the required documentation.
If you suffer from any health conditions that may pose risks to others or yourself, you may still qualify for a visa if you can prove that it is under control and have the financial resources to cover your treatment while in Canada. You can consult an immigration lawyer or panel physician to get more information about your specific case.
