Health Care Coverage

[Rob_TO]

That's not entirely true.

In BC, a person can be covered as soon as their Inland application has been received by CIC. There is a 2 month waiting period (plus the balance of the moth that the application was received).

OP is not in BC, they are in Manitoba.
http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/#Q1

 

[Ponga]

OP is not in BC, they are in Manitoba.
http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/#Q1

I realize that, but just wanted to clarify that the `no medical for an Inland applicant' varies between Provinces.

 

[Rob_TO]

I realize that, but just wanted to clarify that the `no medical for an Inland applicant' varies between Provinces.

BC and Alberta seem to be 2 of the more generous provinces when it comes to healthcare.

 

[Ponga]

Especially AB!

Free?!?!?!

 

[tterry0419]

I fully understand that outland is a quicker way to go. I guess my confusion was that "first stage approval" is not for 11 months. My assumption was that once they have reviewed and approved the sponsor, that would grant first stage approval and we could get the work permit approved before the rest is in process. Thanks for clarifying. Glad I didn't make a big mistake. We will continue with the outland app right away and hope all goes smoothly.

Thanks all. Lots of great info.

 

[MilesAway]

I was referring to the OP's situation in Manitoba. I realize that BC and Alberta have different policies (although some people have still had to struggle with the province to get coverage).

First stage approval for outland and inland are quite different. Outland is fairly short, as they only look at the sponsor, whereas inland looks at both and takes 11 months.

 

[kittyandpipit]

we're in nova scotia and as soon as we sent in our application package, with receipt of payment, my husband got a two year MSI card, I know its not alberta, or bc, but I wouldn't have known unless I changed my last name on my card after we were married....

 

[KaZRa]

I am in NS also and my husband was given the same, a 2 yr NS Health Card. They also told me that if the process takes longer they will renew it again.

 

[Ponga]

I fully understand that outland is a quicker way to go. I guess my confusion was that "first stage approval" is not for 11 months. My assumption was that once they have reviewed and approved the sponsor, that would grant first stage approval and we could get the work permit approved before the rest is in process. Thanks for clarifying. Glad I didn't make a big mistake. We will continue with the outland app right away and hope all goes smoothly.

Thanks all. Lots of great info.

Yes, it certainly is confusing.

First stage approval for an Outland applicant is NOT the same as that for an Inland applicant. For Outland, it is simply the approval of the sponsor (SA), whereas for an Inland applicant it is, basically, SA + the assessment of the relationship.

 

[kittyandpipit]

I am in NS also and my husband was given the same, a 2 yr NS Health Card. They also told me that if the process takes longer they will renew it again.

in HRM?

 

[yvr1234]

I realize that, but just wanted to clarify that the `no medical for an Inland applicant' varies between Provinces.

Well, we didn't get medical until my hubby has the "proof" of his application and my HR tried a few times for me. They won't take the "proof" until we had AIP. We are in BC (btw)

 

[KaZRa]

In Cape Breton I am the sponsor, my husband is American. We sent in our app in March. It just came back incomplete *sigh*. Apparently my pdf reader cut off a part of the IMM008 so have to re-do and send back in.

 

[tterry0419]

Yes, it certainly is confusing.

First stage approval for an Outland applicant is NOT the same as that for an Inland applicant. For Outland, it is simply the approval of the sponsor (SA), whereas for an Inland applicant it is, basically, SA + the assessment of the relationship.

I know the frustrating part of it all is that the "assessments" are generally in a que, and no matter how complete and accurate you are, you must wait. I just went through the pain and agony of obtaining a US green card 3 years ago, and this process is 10 times more confusing and complicated. Thanks again to everyone. I will be sure to update our status accordingly!

Cheers!

 

[Rob_TO]

I fully understand that outland is a quicker way to go. I guess my confusion was that "first stage approval" is not for 11 months. My assumption was that once they have reviewed and approved the sponsor, that would grant first stage approval and we could get the work permit approved before the rest is in process. Thanks for clarifying. Glad I didn't make a big mistake. We will continue with the outland app right away and hope all goes smoothly.

Thanks all. Lots of great info.

If you do apply OUTLAND, after getting stage 1 approval (so around 2 months time) by all means take that sponsor approval letter and go and try to apply for Manitoba healthcare. Personally I have no idea how Manitoba doles out their coverage to people with apps in progress. And even within a province, some healthcare offices may read the policies different or you may be lucky enough to talk to an individual that will give coverage to you.

Assuming the healthcare is denied, there is still a chance to possibly appeal that decision. See this thread on the topic of starting the countdown to provincial coverage, before the applicant actually lands as PR. http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/important-ohip-eligibility-info-for-all-pr-applicants-residing-in-ontario-t56695.0.html;msg2518001#msg2518001
Now this is for Ontario in specific, but I imagine each province has an eligibility review process that will be similar to this.

 

[Ponga]

Well, we didn't get medical until my hubby has the "proof" of his application and my HR tried a few times for me. They won't take the "proof" until we had AIP. We are in BC (btw)

Sorry to hear that, because he was in fact eligible as soon as CIC received his application (AOR date, in essence), plus the waiting period.
I had a bit of a fight with HIBC, as well as BC MSP, but in the end, I prevailed.

I sent them a lot of information, including the BC laws for MSP (B.C. Reg. 426/97, Part 2, section 2(d)).