If your immigration application process is delayed due to the COVID pandemic, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) often - but not always - will send a letter advising you on where you are in the immigration review process and advising you that there will be delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.
If you are in Canada and your medical care is covered under your spouse, partner or parent's health coverage while waiting for a work permit or application for Permanent Residence under Family Class Sponsorship, you may be receiving temporary health care coverage under your sponsor's provincial healthcare provider as a dependent. It is important to contact your provincial health services provider BEFORE your temporary healthcare coverage expires.
What To Do If Your Application Is Delayed and Your Healthcare Coverage Is Expiring
If your work permit or PR application is approved before your temporary health care expiry date, you are eligible for your provincial health coverage. If you have not yet received immigration approval from IRCC, you should
- Contact your provincial health services provider
- Explain that you have temporary healthcare coverage as a dependent of a Canadian permanent resident while your immigration application is being reviewed by IRCC
- You will be asked to provide them with the date you submitted your work permit and PR application and the application number
- They will provide a temporary extension of your provincial health insurance coverage
Each province's health services extension process may be different. In Alberta, you will be given a one-time-only 90-day temporary extension. It is important to contact your provincial health services provider BEFORE your temporary healthcare coverage expires.
Do You Have Questions About Your Immigration Application?
IRCC is experiencing temporary delays, implementing temporary new policies and changing many procedures due to the COVID pandemic. Contact Ackah Law today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly to find out if you are qualified to move to Canada.
