Updated on April 21, 2025 by canadian immigration experts
Family PR Is Denied
Understanding Medical Inadmissibility
In the quiet community of Waterhen, Manitoba, Jon and Karissa Warkentin, originally from Colorado, have been integral members since 2013. They invested in the Harvest Lodge, a business catering to outdoor enthusiasts, and have contributed to the local economy by employing seasonal staff. However, their application for permanent residency in Canada was denied by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) because their six-year-old daughter, Karalynn, was diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, including epilepsy and ADHD.Global News
What Is Medical Inadmissibility in Canada?
Medical inadmissibility refers to the refusal of an immigration application if an individual’s health condition is likely to:Canada.ca
Pose a danger to public health or safety.
Cause excessive demand on health or social services. Temporary Resident Permit Canada
In the Warkentin case, IRCC determined that Karalynn’s condition would place an “excessive demand” on publicly funded education services, leading to the denial of the entire family’s application.
Understanding “Excessive Demand”
A condition is considered to cause excessive demand if:
The anticipated cost of health or social services exceeds the average Canadian per capita cost over five years.
The required services would negatively impact wait times for health or social services in Canada.www.gazette.gc.ca
As of 2025, the cost threshold is set at $135,810 over five years (or $27,162 per year).
Exceptions to the Rule
Certain applicants are exempt from the excessive demand assessment, including:
Refugees and their dependents.
Protected persons.
Sponsored spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children.
However, economic immigrants and their dependents, like the Warkentin family, are subject to this assessment.
Mitigation Plans: A Possible Solution
Applicants who receive a procedural fairness letter indicating potential medical inadmissibility can submit a mitigation plan. This plan should detail how the applicant will offset the anticipated costs, such as through private insurance or personal funds, to alleviate the burden on public services. Canada.ca
Public Response and Policy Review
The Warkentin family’s case has sparked discussions about the fairness of Canada’s medical inadmissibility rules, especially concerning children with disabilities. Advocacy groups argue that these policies discriminate against individuals with disabilities and call for reforms to ensure inclusivity and equity in Canada’s immigration system.
Conclusion
The denial of permanent residence to the Warkentin family underscores the complexities of Canada’s immigration policies regarding medical inadmissibility. While the intent is to manage public resources effectively, it’s essential to balance this with compassion and inclusivity, ensuring that families contributing to Canadian society are given fair consideration.
For more information on medical inadmissibility and mitigation plans, visit the official IRCC website.
