What Medical Evidence Do You Need for an H&C Application?
Updated: 2 days ago
The short answer: IRCC lists health as one factor an officer may consider in an H&C application. The guide does not give a list of required medical documents. It does say you must support every statement you make with evidence. So the medical evidence you need depends on what you are asking IRCC to consider. It usually helps to show the condition, the treatment, and what care would be available and accessible if you returned to your home country. An H&C application is an exceptional measure and no outcome is guaranteed.
This article is part of our humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) application guide.
How does health fit into an H&C application?
Section 25(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) lets the Minister grant permanent residence, or an exemption, where humanitarian and compassionate considerations justify it. IRCC's Guide 5291 names health among the factors that may be considered. Others include establishment in Canada, ties to Canada, the best interests of children, family violence, separation from relatives and country conditions.
The guide does not say which medical reports to send. It says only that you must provide evidence to support any statement you make. IRCC also says the cost and inconvenience of applying from abroad are not enough on their own.
What medical evidence may help?
These are examples of evidence that people often consider. They are not an IRCC checklist, and not every item fits every case.
About the health condition
A letter or report from the treating doctor or specialist that names the diagnosis, how long the condition has existed and the current treatment.
Records of tests, hospital visits, medications or therapy in Canada.
A statement on what happens if treatment is interrupted, written by a qualified professional who knows the case.
About care in the home country
Evidence on whether the treatment, medication or specialist is available there.
Evidence on whether it is accessible and affordable for you, for example by distance, cost or waiting.
Reasons, if any, why you did not look for help there. IRCC's guide asks whether you sought help from authorities, police or NGOs in your country, and says that if you did not, you must give reasons why.
About the effect on the family
If a caregiver is involved, evidence of who provides the care and what they do.
Where a child is affected, medical and school records. See our guide on the best interests of the child in H&C.
A psychological assessment where relevant. IRCC's guide does not list one as a requirement, and it does not guarantee a result. See psychological assessments for H&C applications.
Link the medical evidence to the exact point you are making. A diagnosis alone may not show what the effect of removal would be. Officers need specific information, not assumptions.
How should I prepare the documents?
Provide the original and an English or French translation of any document in another language. IRCC says translators not certified in Canada need a sworn affidavit, and that you and your close family cannot translate or certify your own documents.
Use recent, signed and dated reports from licensed professionals.
Share only what supports your points, and keep copies of everything you send.
Incomplete applications are returned by IRCC.
What is the immigration medical exam, and is it the same thing?
No. The immigration medical exam (IME) is a separate IRCC step. It checks medical admissibility, not whether your health supports an H&C request. IRCC says you do not need an IME before you submit your forms, instructions come later, and the results are valid for 12 months.
A health condition can also raise a medical admissibility issue. IRCC's guide says a condition may be a concern if it is a danger to public health or safety, or would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada. It gives ongoing hospitalization or institutional care as examples. IRCC suggests resolving an inadmissibility if possible, and says exemptions are given only in exceptional circumstances. This is a good reason to get advice before you file if you or a family member has a serious condition.
When does the 12-month bar exception apply?
This point is narrow. Under IRPA section 25(1.2), the Minister may not examine an H&C request in certain situations, including when fewer than 12 months have passed since a relevant refugee decision. Section 25(1.21) says that 12-month bar does not apply if the person would face a risk to life on removal because no country of nationality can provide adequate health or medical care, or if removal would adversely affect the best interests of a directly affected child. It matters mainly after a refugee claim. See our guide on H&C after a refused refugee claim. The exception only lifts the bar. It does not decide the H&C request.
What if my condition improves or changes?
Applicants must report changes that affect their file. Ask your representative what should be updated, and keep your medical records current.
Next steps
If a health condition is part of your story, begin by gathering your records and talking to your treating professional about what a clear letter should cover. Every H&C situation is different. E-Pathway Immigration can help you assess whether H&C considerations may be relevant, identify the evidence and questions that need attention, and understand your options. A decision remains with IRCC.
Related guides: H&C complete guide · Best interests of the child in H&C · Psychological assessments for H&C · H&C for special-needs families (service page) · H&C guide index · Health care and school while H&C is pending (BC)
Last reviewed: October 2026
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration options and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified representative for advice about your situation.
About the author
Domonic Cheung is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), licence R711344, with E-Pathway Immigration in Vancouver, BC. You can verify his licence on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register.
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