An applicant must be found inadmissible under A38(1) if a medical officer determines that the
applicant's health condition is likely to be a danger to public health or public safety or might
reasonably be expected to cause excessive demand on health or social services R20.
A medical officer may make specific comments. For example, a medical assessment may be valid
for the current application only. For example, the individual may be applying as a temporary
resident in which case the risk of excessive demand posed by an illness is considered only for the
duration of the visit. Should the applicant subsequently apply for permanent resident status, a
different medical assessment may be required.
Applicants with conditions of public health importance may be determined to require medical
surveillance after their entry into Canada (see Section 6.4 and Section 10 herein). Currently, the
most common reason for medical surveillance is tuberculosis.
Officers may not issue a visa or authorization to anyone who is deemed to be a danger to public
health or safety. If such a case should arise and if compelling circumstances warrant admission,
officers should be aware that special travel and public health protection procedures may be
necessary. Advice should be sought from the medical officer responsible for the area.
