I have been working in Canada as a foreign IT worker for the last three years now. I have a valid work permit. My wife will be visiting me In Summers. I would like to know that if my wife will be eligible for Ontario’s Health Coverage.

I myself have OHIP but the criteria suggests that she should have the following:

1.you are the spouse, same sex partner, or dependent child (under 19 years of age) of a foreign clergy member or eligible foreign worker who is to be employed in Ontario for a period of at least three consecutive years

2.and you make your permanent and principal home in Ontario

3. and you are in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately following the date you establish residency in Ontario

4. and you are in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period

(reference from http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/ohip/ohipfaq_dt.html#Q1)

My question regarding the first criteria.

Is a letter from my company stating that they will employ me for a period of at least three years be enough, and what should the letter specifically states?

Secondly to show the proof of residency. She should have a bank statement or a utility bill.

The problem is that my residence has my name and she doesn’t have a bank account. Since they require to pieces of IDs to open a bank account.

Can a residence of husband be the proof of wifes residence as well since that is a logical conclusion and what should I do to solve the above mentioned problems

does your wife meet Point No 4? note that there is a 3 month waiting for a new card.
first question answer - You can show work permit
second question answer - you have to have some legal document

Thank you quest for your reply.

Yes I know that there is a 3 months waiting period before getting the card, but correct me if i am wrong that one can apply for one immedietely after establishing residency in Canada and then wait for three months?

Its good to hear that i can show my work permit for her card

"second question answer - you have to have some legal document"

that seems like a problem, what kind of legal document, since she is a new comer to canada. The easiest thing would be to add her name to my bank account. but that still requires 2 pieces of ID of her and she has only one (passport). All the utlility bills etc comes on my name, can i show my marriage certificate as a proof that she is my wife and is staying in my house?

Hey

My wife and I recently went through the exact same thing. I have an account with TD and they used her visitor visa as the second piece of identification.

My question to you is regarding point number 1:
1.you are the spouse, same sex partner, or dependent child (under 19 years of age) of a foreign clergy member or eligible foreign worker who is to be employed in Ontario for a period of at least three consecutive years

How in heavens did you ever get your employer to give such a letter. I m having a real hard time in making my employer agree to provide me with this letter. I work for nortel and the HR dept is not agreeing to write the above in a letter. My wife and I fulfill all other requirements.

Nortel is saying that there is too much legal obligation in giving out such a letter. Below is the letter that i m asking them to sign on:

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to inform you that Anshul Agrawal, is currently employed with Nortel, and “we intend to employ him for duration of 3 continuous years”. Please note carefully that this letter “DOES NOT GUARANTEE” the job and is being issued purely for documentation purposes of his wife’s OHIP coverage.

Further Nortel reserves the right at any time and without the prior notice to, or consent by, any employee, to amend or discontinue employment, any procedure, program, policy, or plan regardless of whether such procedure, program, policy or plan is or is not referenced in the employee’s original Offer letter.

Regards,

HR Nortel


Do have a sample of the letter that you got from your company? OHIP has clearly stated that we will not provide you insurance if you dont have that letter.

Kindly advice.
-A

for legal document - best is to add your wife's name to the "Tenancy agreement", speak with your landlord to get it modified, they can easily do it

and I do not know why you need letter from employer, if you have wp it clearly states the dates etc

I already have a wp and OHIP. This is all for my wife. I recently got married and my wife is now with me in Canada. She got an open work permit. But in order for her to get covered under OHIP she needs, a letter from my employer stating that my employer's intent is to hire me for 3 yrs no obligation.

I have been chasing after everyone at work to get thsi letter, but all I have been hearing from everyone is .. in today's date no employer in their right mind would give me such a letter.

I m in a huge catch 22 situation. The other thing is ... buying insurance doesnt help either. Because with most of the companies there is a wait period of a few months, before the insurance will start to kick in. We are hoping to get our PR status by then.

Buddy,

You need to get the letter from the company.. my friend did the same some time back

i will ask him to provide the format.

Thanks
S