Road To Canada Forums

Folks, I have a question on OHIP.

My wife whom I am sponsoring through Buffalo is already in Canada for the last 7 months on a visitor's visa. Our case is in process at Buffalo. Hoping she gets cleared for a PR from buffalo soon, once we land how does the OHIP work in terms of timeline?
When I applied, I had to live here for 3 months before the coverage date began back in 2005.
Given my wife has already lived here, would it start immediately after applying for OHIP?

I don't think so - I think there's a three month wait from the time you're eligible to apply . . . regardless of how long someone has been in Canada, whether with valid temporary status or not.

Thanks Robsluv.

There was a recent change to the regulations for OHIP. It is now possible to qualify prior to receiving medical clearance: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/publ...ility.html

".. you have submitted an application for permanent residence in Canada, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada has confirmed that you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence in Canada (please note: applicants for permanent residence are no longer required to provide confirmation of having satisfied the Immigration medical as a condition for OHIP coverage);

AND

• you make your primary place of residence in Ontario; and generally speaking, you are in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately following the date you establish residence in Ontario (you cannot be absent for more than 30 days during the first 6 months of residence); and
• you are in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period

This would apply once AIP has been given so once your wife has received Approval in Principal she can apply - there is no need to wait until she has been granted PR. I don't know if the 3 month "waiting" period still applies, but I would just give the local OHIP office a call and ask.

Statute: http://www.search.e-laws.gov.on.ca/en/is...es&context=

Hope that helps :)

EDIT: I just found a reference FAQ to the question of 3 month wait period.
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/pr..._dt.aspx#1

Am I eligible for OHIP right away or do I have to wait?
There may be a three-month waiting period for your OHIP coverage.
Generally speaking, if you are a newcomer to Ontario, or a former resident returning here to live after being out of the country for more than seven months, the waiting period begins on the date you establish or re-establish residence in Ontario. You may also be required to be present in Ontario for 153 days of the first 183 days immediately following the date residence is established in Ontario (you cannot be absent for more than 30 days during the first 6 months of residence).
If you are an eligible resident moving to Ontario from another part of Canada, the health insurance of your former province/territory may cover you during the waiting period for OHIP coverage.
If you are not covered by another province/territory, it is important to buy private health insurance to cover you until your Ontario health insurance coverage becomes effective.
Certain groups are exempt from the three-month waiting period; contact INFOline at 1 800 268-1154 or visit your local ServiceOntario – Health Card Services – OHIP office to find out if you may be exempt from the 3-month waiting period.
If you are a member of a military family, please refer to the Military Family Members fact sheet for more information.
If you are a Canadian citizen who is in the process of adopting a child, please refer to the fact sheet entitled Adoptions and OHIP Eligibility.
For more information:

• Refer to the OHIP Coverage Waiting Period fact sheet
• If you have questions about when your OHIP coverage will begin, contact INFOline at 1 800 268-1154 or visit your local ServiceOntario – Health Card Services – OHIP office.

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/publ.../wait.html gives specifics.

hi there,
this was an unclear thing for myself and my spouse, however, I found out that due to regulation 552 (I believe this is what it is) in place since April 1, 2009, if you go to the OHIP office for the health card, and you are eligible (have AIP), or work permit, the 3 months will have passed if you have been living in Canada since April, 2009, or prior and you apply it to the regulation in effect as of April 2009.

Yes, that's for an inland application
If you processed through Buffalo yours was an outland application and the 3 months waiting time still applies

guys, please explain what AIP is and at what stage do I get it for sponsoring my spouse from outland, if at all its related to outland processing.

AIP means Approval in Principle
It applies to inland applications only
Nothing to do with outland applicants

ecs Wrote:guys, please explain what AIP is and at what stage do I get it for sponsoring my spouse from outland, if at all its related to outland processing.

It doesn't actually state you have to have Approval In Principal. It states that you have to have an application in process and be living in Ontario.

I believe that you can apply for OHIP as an "outland" applicant as well as long as you are residing in Ontario at the time you apply for OHIP and that you meet the residency requirements.

"... you have submitted an application for permanent residence in Canada, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada has confirmed that you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence in Canada (please note: applicants for permanent residence are no longer required to provide confirmation of having satisfied the Immigration medical as a condition for OHIP coverage); .."