After receiving your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), the first thing you should do is to apply for an Ontario Insurance Health Plan card (OHIP), Ontario’s health-care plan. The good news is no more waiting period for the OHIP coverage unlike before. If you are eligible, you will have immediate health insurance coverage.
The province, through the OHIP, pays for many of the health services of Ontarians.
Applying for an OHIP card is done in person at any Service Ontario near you. You can drop in anytime or book an appointment.
These are the requirements or documents you need to bring with you.
- a completed OHIP form
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| This is how the OHIP form looks like. |
- three (3) separate, original identification documents (not photocopies or printouts):
- one that proves your Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status (e.g. Canadian birth certificate, Permanent Resident Card, COPR)
- one that proves you live in Ontario (e.g. Ontario Driver’s Licence, income tax assessment)
- one that supports your identity (e.g. credit card, passport from any country, photo card)
That’s all you need!
Take your duly signed form at the nearest Services Ontario centre, and just follow the instructions there. Usually, there are signage in the centre to guide people. Oh, by the way, it’s not just the OHIP that they process in Services Ontario.
When you’re finished with all the steps , they will give you a slip containing your information, and when you should expect your health card in the mail within three months or so.
What are you waiting for? Find out if you qualify! (More information here.)
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