In general, you need to obtain a visa before you can enter Canada. Whether you are applying for student, work, or permanent residence status, you must meet certain requirements to be granted a visa.
One of these is taking a medical test, including an immigration physical exam, diagnostic tests, and medical history to determine if you have a condition that would make you inadmissible to Canada.
Here are some health conditions that would make you inadmissible:
1. Active Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease that usually affects the lungs. It can be transferred through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. You may not be allowed to enter Canada if you have active tuberculosis.
If you have latent tuberculosis, which means the disease is inactive, you may still be able to enter Canada if you provide proof that you are taking medication to treat the condition and are not a risk to public health. Your panel-approved physician must complete a Medical Opinion on Latent Tuberculosis Infection Form and submit it to the Canadian visa office. You may visit this page to learn more about how it works if you’re nearby the Markham area.
2. HIV/AIDS
People with HIV/AIDs are allowed to enter the country under the following conditions:
- You visit the country as a short-term tourist (less than six months).
- You disclose your HIV/AIDS-related status or have a valid short-term visa and are seeking entry to receive medical treatment not available in your home country.
- You are the spouse, common-law partner, child, or another family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you meet certain conditions.
- You are a refugee seeking asylum.
- You are a protected person or have been recognized as a Convention refugee by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
Other conditions may apply, so it’s best to check with the Canadian visa office before you travel. If you have this condition, you need to provide a medical certificate from a panel-approved physician indicating that you do not pose a public health risk. You also need proof that you have private health insurance covering your stay in Canada.
It’s important to note that your panel-approved physician doesn’t have to do anything with the result of your visa refusal. Also, whatever the cost of medical exam for Canadian immigration is your responsibility and should be paid to the physician.
3. Untreated Syphilis
This is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. If you have this condition and do not have proof that you are being treated for the condition, you will not be allowed to enter Canada.
If you have syphilis and are being treated for the condition, you may be able to enter Canada if you provide a medical certificate from a panel-approved physician indicating that you do not pose a public health risk.
4. Hostile or Disruptive Behavior
This means that you have a history of engaging in behavior that caused serious harm to another person or their property, or you have engaged in threatening or violent behavior. If you have been convicted of a crime, you will not be allowed to enter Canada unless you have received a pardon for the offense.
If you have not been convicted of a crime but have engaged in this behavior, you may still enter the country if you can prove that the behavior was out of character and is unlikely to happen again. You may also have to provide a letter from someone who can attest to your good character.
5. Sexual Disorders
You may fail to enter the country if you have a sexual disorder, such as pedophilia, exhibitionism, or voyeurism.
But if you are seeking entry for the purpose of receiving medical treatment not available in your home country, you may still enter Canada if you can provide a medical certificate from a panel-approved physician indicating that you do not pose a public health risk. You also need to prove that you have private health insurance covering your stay in Canada.
Final Thoughts
These are just some reasons someone may be denied entry into Canada. If you plan to travel to Canada, it’s important to check with the Canadian visa office early to ensure that you meet all the requirements for entry.
