Canada Increases Excessive Demand Cost Threshold On Health Services In 2026
In a recent update as of January 6, 2026, Canada has raised the excessive demand cost threshold for assessing the impact of applicants’ health conditions on publicly funded services.
This change is significant as it can affect individuals applying for various immigration pathways, both temporary and permanent.
Medical inadmissibility due to excessive demand is a crucial aspect of eligibility for all types of applications in Canada.
Understanding Medical Inadmissibility
Applicants seeking to enter or stay in Canada must meet health requirements, including not posing a danger to public health or safety and not causing an excess demand on health or social services.
While danger grounds are linked to health risks, the excessive demand ground is about the cost and capacity of publicly funded services.
Changes in 2026: New Excessive Demand Cost Threshold
The 2026 excessive demand cost threshold set by IRCC is $144,390 over 5 years or $28,878 per year, representing an increase from the previous figures in 2025.
This adjustment is essential for evaluating whether an applicant’s health condition would exceed the threshold over a specified period.
Significance of the Threshold for Applicants
The threshold is not a fee but a measure used by IRCC to determine if the costs of managing a health condition would surpass the set limit over time.
Applicants could still face refusal even if costs don’t exceed the threshold, as it may impact wait times for Canadians and residents, leading to health issues.
Impact on Different Applicants
Medical inadmissibility can affect temporary residents and permanent residency applicants across various categories and family members associated with the application.
Having a common health condition could trigger a review based on the anticipated costs of publicly funded services.
Evaluation Criteria for Excessive Demand
IRCC’s medical officers follow specific guidelines when assessing excessive demand, focusing on anticipated costs exceeding a certain threshold over a 5-year period.
Factors considered include health and social services costs, diagnosis, prognosis, and the necessity of treatment.
Non-medical factors like financial status or intent are not taken into account during the evaluation process.