Hello there,
Today, I received a request for information from CIC. I am currently taking a medication which prevents HIV. It is also known as PrEP.
While, I do not have HIV, I have been taking this medication simply as a precaution.
Here's an excerpt from CIC's letter:
*****
The expected cost for health related services for this applicant is approximately $12,000 per year.
This amount exceeds the average per capita threshold of $6,655.00 annually. A detailed list of
services required, cost implications as well as sources used to determine these costs are included
in Appendix I.
Based upon my review of the results of this applicant’s immigration medical examination and all
the reports I have received with respect to the applicant’s health condition, I conclude that this
applicant is inadmissible under Section 38(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
which states that “A foreign national is inadmissible on health grounds if their health condition
might reasonably be expected to cause excessive demand on health or social services.”
Senior Medical Officer - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Appendix I: Expected Costs of Services
Medication(s)
Details of Services: Truvada one tablet per day
$ 12,000 per year
Date Accessed: February 10, 2017
TOTAL COST OF ALL LISTED SERVICES: $12,000 per year
Before I make a final decision, you have the opportunity to submit additional information that addresses
any or all of the following:
the medical condition(s) identified;
medication(s) required in Canada for the period indicated above; and
your individualized plan, including financial arrangements as applicable, to ensure that no
excessive demand will be imposed on Canadian social services for the entire period indicated
above and your signed Declaration of Ability and Intent. The expected cost for health related
services detailed above represents the publicly funded cost or subsidy provided by your
province of destination. Therefore, your individualized plan, should include your ability to
cover the total, non-subsidized cost of your specific treatment. Please include documentation
to substantiate your projected total non-subsidized medication costs.
You must provide any additional information by April 13, 2017. If you choose not to respond, I will
make my decision based on the information before me, which may result in your application being
refused.
In order to demonstrate that you will not place an excessive demand on health or social services if
permitted to immigrate to Canada, you must establish to the satisfaction of the assessing officer that you
have a reasonable and workable plan, along with the financial means and intent to implement this plan, in
order to offset the excessive demand that you would otherwise impose on health or social services, after
immigrating to Canada.
*****
I would like to write to CIC and explain them that I'm not depended on this medication and would rather stop taking it, than being considered inadmissible. Since this medication is being full covered by my insurance, I requested my doctor to prescribe it to me.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to prove my financial ability for my medical costs for 5 years.
Is there any other way to go about it? Any suggestion/advice is welcome?
Thank you.
