CanadaWhat grounds can make someone inadmissible to Canada?
A person may be found inadmissible to Canada for reasons including security concerns, criminality, health risks, financial insufficiency, misrepresentation, or non-compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
What the Law Says
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) sets out specific legal grounds on which a foreign national or permanent resident may be deemed inadmissible to Canada. These grounds are mandatory and apply regardless of immigration status or intent.
Inadmissibility can arise from several categories: security threats (e.g., espionage, subversion, terrorism), serious criminality (including convictions inside or outside Canada), organized criminality, health conditions posing a danger or excessive demand on health/social services, financial inability to support oneself, misrepresentation in applications, non-compliance with IRPA requirements, or having been previously removed from Canada without authorization.
An immigration officer who believes a person is inadmissible must prepare a formal report under section 44. This report triggers a review process that may lead to an admissibility hearing before the Immigration Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Section 34 specifically identifies security as a standalone ground — meaning even suspicion of involvement in activities threatening Canada’s security, its allies, or international peace can result in inadmissibility, regardless of whether charges or convictions exist.
Statutory TextA permanent resident or foreign national is inadmissible on security grounds.
— Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, s. 34 — Security inadmissibility
Statutory TextOfficer who is of the opinion that a person is inadmissible may prepare a report.
— Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, s. 44 — Report on inadmissibility
What to Do
If you receive a Section 44 report, respond promptly — you have the right to written reasons and a chance to provide submissions.
Seek legal advice immediately; only a lawyer or regulated immigration consultant can represent you at an admissibility hearing.
Gather evidence to rebut the allegation (e.g., character references, medical reports, police certificates, affidavits).
If found inadmissible, explore options such as applying for ministerial relief (if humanitarian and compassionate grounds exist) or requesting a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA), if eligible.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.