Canadian/American Couple Applying for PR

[egm211]

My husband is being considered for an academic job in Ontario, and I want to be prepared to tackle the immigration process if he gets it. We would love to move to Canada, but it would only be feasible if he had a job. This potential opportunity was a bit of a surprise, and, if it comes through, would cause us to need to get our ducks in a row very quickly. Knowing in advance what would need to happen subdues my anxiety about the whole potential move, so TIA for your advise...

Background: I'm American. My husband is a Canadian citizen who began living in the US for graduate school in Aug 2013 with F1 status. We met in 2014 and got married in 2016. Because the US interprets marrying an American as a declaration of intention to reside permanently in the US, we went through the process to change his status and he is currently an American Green Card holder. Because he is still a student, it is our understanding that he is still also a permanent resident of Ontario (he still has a bank account in Canada, recently renewed passport, active Ontario hunting/fishing licenses, receives bills, etc at his parents address in Ontario). He is intending to finish his dissertation spring/summer 2018, and, if he gets this job, we would be moving to Ontario by Fall 2018. He would know by early March 2018 (at the latest) if he got the job. I am not able to leave my job until June 2018.

(assuming it's March 1, 2018 and we know he has a job in Ontario for the following fall...)
Questions:
1. Would it be best to immediately start a outland application as soon as he is offered the job (assuming he is offered the job)? What are the chances that this process could be completed in the 5ish months before we would need to move? Would I be able to move to Ontario with my husband if the application is still pending?

2. When would I be able to access healthcare? I have read that you can buy plans for emergency coverage during the 3 month waiting period in Ontario. Is it correct that the 3 months starts AFTER gaining official PR status? Are these plans also available while you have a pending PR application? Are they available with comprehensive coverage? There is a possibility that we could be pregnant while moving, and I'm curious if there would available plans that would cover labor/delivery and prenatal care.

3. Any suggestions or mistakes to avoid in this potential scenario?

 

[scylla]

1. Yes - I would start the outland process as soon as you think the job is real. You could even start now. It's possible you may be done in as little as four months.
2. Three months after you become a PR for provincial coverage in Ontario. Private insurance generally covers emergencies only. Yes - it's possible to get more comprehensive insurance - however there are always exclusions. And since insurance companies are in the business of making money, they aren't going to sell you something they know they will lose money on. So generally speaking, best option is to purchase insurance to cover emergencies and pay for everything else out of pocket (this is typically the cheapest route). Private insurance only covers some pregnancy related costs if it's purchased BEFORE you are pregnant. Once you are pregnant, it's a pre-existing condition and you can't get private insurance coverage.
3. Dedicate time to reading through discussions in the Family Sponsorship section of the forum in detail to understand how to put together a complete application.

 

[rish888]

1. Yes - I would start the outland process as soon as you think the job is real. You could even start now. It's possible you may be done in as little as four months.
2. Three months after you become a PR for provincial coverage in Ontario. Private insurance generally covers emergencies only. Yes - it's possible to get more comprehensive insurance - however there are always exclusions. And since insurance companies are in the business of making money, they aren't going to sell you something they know they will lose money on. So generally speaking, best option is to purchase insurance to cover emergencies and pay for everything else out of pocket (this is typically the cheapest route). Private insurance only covers some pregnancy related costs if it's purchased BEFORE you are pregnant. Once you are pregnant, it's a pre-existing condition and you can't get private insurance coverage.
3. Dedicate time to reading through discussions in the Family Sponsorship section of the forum in detail to understand how to put together a complete application.

As Scylla said, you can very well go with the outland process. I however would recommend inland processing for the sole reason that you don't need to worry about how long it will take for your PR to come.

With inland processing you can send your application for PR with an application for an open work permit. The open work permit allows you to stay and work until your PR comes.

As an American you don't need a visa or eTA to enter to Canada so there is no extra hassle with inland processing such as needing a visa etc.

Also just to point out the U.S. has some pretty strict residency obligations for Green card holders. Though the only 100% guaranteed way to retain his Green Card is to keep the U.S. his place of permanent residence, he can minimize the odds of loosing his green card by entering at least once every 6 months and keeping as many ties as possible to the States.

Entering once in 6 months also allows him to keep the continuity of residence that will allow him to apply for citizenship after he has had the Green card for 3 years. (Though there is still a physical presence requirement of 18 months in those 3 years.)

 

[rish888]

You don't need to wait until you are a PR to apply for OHIP (healthcare)

You can apply for health care as soon as CIC confirms you are eligible to apply for PR. (approval in principle.)

The 90 day waiting period still applies. However, you can apply and get all the formalities done as soon as you are approved in principle, however coverage will only start after you have 90 days of residence in Ontario.

I would call OHIP and ask if the time spent on temporary status (before you get approved in principle) can count towards the residence days. They are not very clear on this.