CEC - BOWP - Health Insurance

[pete6256]

Good morning all!

I was wondering if someone could help me.

I live in Ontario and have just been granted a Bridging Open Work Permit whilst my application for PR under the CEC system is being processed.

I went to my local Service Ontario office to apply for an OHIP card only to be denied because my PR has not yet been 'approved' (I thought that the AOR on my CEC application counted as being 'approved', but I was told that it doesn't). Apparently another route to OHIP is to get a letter from an Ontario based employer to say that they're going to hire me for at least 6 months, but because I am a contract worker, I cannot get them to do that.

Has anyone else been in the same situation? Do I need to buy my own health insurance?

Thanks!

Pete

 

[Ottawa10]

Unfortunately, I think you need an employer's letter (no contract needed, just a letter from your employer) stating that you are working full-time in order for you to get OHIP. I believe this is the case for most WP. Have you been working for the same company for a while? Maybe you can talk to the HR person to see if she/he could provide you with a letter?

 

[thisisauser]

Good morning all!

I was wondering if someone could help me.

I live in Ontario and have just been granted a Bridging Open Work Permit whilst my application for PR under the CEC system is being processed.

I went to my local Service Ontario office to apply for an OHIP card only to be denied because my PR has not yet been 'approved' (I thought that the AOR on my CEC application counted as being 'approved', but I was told that it doesn't). Apparently another route to OHIP is to get a letter from an Ontario based employer to say that they're going to hire me for at least 6 months, but because I am a contract worker, I cannot get them to do that.

Has anyone else been in the same situation? Do I need to buy my own health insurance?

Thanks!

Pete

On your BOWP, what does the case type say? If 27 you do not need employer's letter (or employment for that matter). If it's 22 then you need employment.

 

[thisisauser]

Unfortunately, I think you need an employer's letter (no contract needed, just a letter from your employer) stating that you are working full-time in order for you to get OHIP. I believe this is the case for most WP. Have you been working for the same company for a while? Maybe you can talk to the HR person to see if she/he could provide you with a letter?

No need to be employed. I got my OHIP using BOWP. I did need proof of employment when I was on PGWP though.

 

[Ottawa10]

No need to be employed. I got my OHIP using BOWP. I did need proof of employment when I was on PGWP though.

Oh I did not know that!
That is a good news!

 

[sjoseph1000]

Hello Pete,
Is there any positive news on the Health care coverage? I am under the same situation as yours.
Joseph

 

[xihy06]

Hello Pete,
Is there any positive news on the Health care coverage? I am under the same situation as yours.
Joseph

i asked a friend of mine, It seems that in Quebec you can extend or apply for health insurance card with open work permit even if you are not employed...
but in ON, to get OHIP definitely needs employment letter.

 

[Vik1112]

No need to be employed. I got my OHIP using BOWP. I did need proof of employment when I was on PGWP though.

I wonder how you did that?! Service Ontario didn't want to extend my OHIP until my employer faxed the reference letter to them while I was waiting at the counter. And they didn't care much that it was case 27 BOWP.

 

[visitor404]

sjoseph1000 / Vik1112: Do you have “APR Pending” remark on your open work permit ?

As per OB485 (for Bridging Open Work Permit):

"In all cases, the officer must input visible remarks on the WP, “APR Pending”. This remark, in addition to the Case Type code will ensure eligibility for continued health care coverage by the province or territory. "

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2012/ob485.asp

 

[xihy06]

sjoseph1000 / Vik1112: Do you have “APR Pending” remark on your open work permit ?

As per OB485 (for Bridging Open Work Permit):

"In all cases, the officer must input visible remarks on the WP, “APR Pending”. This remark, in addition to the Case Type code will ensure eligibility for continued health care coverage by the province or territory. "

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2012/ob485.asp

I would also like to know...

 

[Vik1112]

sjoseph1000 / Vik1112: Do you have “APR Pending” remark on your open work permit ?

As per OB485 (for Bridging Open Work Permit):

"In all cases, the officer must input visible remarks on the WP, “APR Pending”. This remark, in addition to the Case Type code will ensure eligibility for continued health care coverage by the province or territory. "




Yes I have "APR Pending" note on my BOWP. I guess Service Ontario lady who was extending my OHIP was not aware of that, because she insisted on a proof of a full time employment and gave me a hard time, which was rather inconvinient as I had to call my manager and ask him to fax that ref. letter while I was there. Well... it's good to know your rights!

 

[anni_in]

I visited 47 Sheppard Avenue East today for health Card renewal. They renewed my Health card with the

Citizen/Immigration status: "APPLICANT TO REMAIN AS P.R." , but refused to renew for my family.

My wife also got open work permit based on AOR number and my children has visitor status.

They are asking employee letter (full time job) to renew health card for the family.

Mail received from Citizenship and Immigration Canada having file number does not state my family members name. It only address to me. How can I proof that my family also applied for PR and I am the primary applicant.

 

[liubiah]

I was wondering if anyone else (with BOWP) has renewed OHIP without an employment letter yet?

 

[Ottawa10]

I was wondering if anyone else (with BOWP) has renewed OHIP without an employment letter yet?

I renewed mine. I had a letter from my employment but I was told that they do not have to see the letter.
From what I understand, if the case type on your OWP shows 27, it indicates that you are an approved principal applicant for PR and in this case, you do not need an employment letter to get OHIP.

I am not sure if it makes difference but I went to City Hall to renewOHIP this time, instead of going to service ontario counter. Service Ontario previously gave me a hard time issuing my OHIP even with an employment letter.


Good luck

 

[liubiah]

I renewed mine. I had a letter from my employment but I was told that they do not have to see the letter.
From what I understand, if the case type on your OWP shows 27, it indicates that you are an approved principal applicant for PR and in this case, you do not need an employment letter to get OHIP.

I am not sure if it makes difference but I went to City Hall to renewOHIP this time, instead of going to service ontario counter. Service Ontario previously gave me a hard time issuing my OHIP even with an employment letter.


Good luck

Thanks!