The healthcare system in Canada is one of the key reasons why people decide to immigrate here. Once they become permanent residents in Canada, they have several questions about healthcare in Canada. Don’t worry; this blog has got you covered. Read on to clarify all your doubts regarding the Canadian healthcare system.
Is healthcare in Canada free?
All Canadian citizens and permanent residents pay their taxes every year. These taxes fund healthcare in Canada. It is mostly free for all Canadians though medications are an exception. You have to pay for prescription drugs and certain treatments.
When can I be eligible for public health care?
You need a health card to gain access to the benefits of public health care after becoming a permanent resident in Canada. It also provides you with certain financial coverage for specific emergency health services.
You may not be able to enjoy the benefits of public healthcare in Canada immediately after getting permanent resident status. Some provinces may take three months to process the healthcare benefits of newly landed permanent residents in Canada.
Province-wise waiting time for public health insurance coverage:
British Columbia- Two months
Ontario- No waiting period
Alberta- Three months
Nunavut- Three months
Manitoba- Up to three months
Nova Scotia- Three months
Prince Edward Island- Three months
Northwest Territories- Three months
Saskatchewan - Three months
Quebec- Up to three months
New Brunswick- Three months
Yukon- Three months
Newfoundland and Labrador- No waiting period
How to get the Health Card? When does it arrive?
The health card lets the medical professional know that you are registered with public healthcare in Canada. The application process for a health card varies from province to province.
For instance, let’s say you are a permanent resident of Edmonton. That means you have to follow the rules specific to Edmonton while applying for the health card.
Talk to our certified immigration consultants to learn the application processing rules of Edmonton and Alberta.
We will guide you through the entire application process efficiently.
Do I need both public and private health insurance?
The benefits of private health insurance are:
The waiting period is almost negligible if you apply for private health insurance.
Also, private health insurance provides coverage even during the waiting period.
Private health insurance provides coverage for needs that are not usually handled by public insurance. The needs may include dental checkups or visit to a medical specialist.
What if I need to visit a hospital or doctor for an emergency? What documents do I need if I just walk in?
You should visit the nearest hospital in case of a medical emergency. Bring your personal ID and health cards to the hospital. Also, an employee at the clinic will further guide you after assessing the severity of your condition.
How do I find a family doctor?
Family doctors are also known as family physicians or general practitioners. Several Canadians visit them because of appointment flexibility and patient-centric care. You can, however, visit the nearest hospital as well in case of emergencies.
You don’t have to wait in long queues to consult with a family doctor. Also, they provide advanced and consistent care experience to all patients.
Family doctors often decide on their own who they want to accept as patients. So, finding a reliable family doctor can be tedious. You can get recommendations from friends and family to find a reliable one easily.
You can try looking for family doctors online. For instance, if you are in Edmonton, you can search for “family doctors near Edmonton”. You can then call the clinic and book your appointment accordingly.
Here are some links that can help you find a family doctor:
Healthcare systems vary from province to province in Canada. Why don’t you give us a call and learn everything you need to know about healthcare in Canada? Our professional immigration consultants not only help you attain your permanent residence but also equip you with everything about healthcare in Canada.
The time isn’t easy for Iranians. Thus, the Canadian Government is trying to make things as easier as possible for them. The honorable Minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson announced new measures for Iranian residents on behalf of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. According to the new measure, Iranian temporary residents can extend their temporary stay from inside Canada from 1st March 2023.
How does it help Iranians living in Canada?
You can extend your stay here instead of returning home at this chaotic time. The new temporary measure lets you stay, study, or work anywhere in Canada hassle-free.
What Can Iranian Temporary Residents Expect from this New Measure?
Let’s say an Iranian student is pursuing their education in Edmonton, Canada on a temporary study permit. The new temporary policy lets you apply for an extension of the study permit and continue studying within Canada. These applications will also be processed on a priority basis. You don’t have to return to your home because the temporary residence permit has expired. Instead, you can apply for an extension and even switch between temporary immigration streams.
Here’s what Iranian temporary residents can expect from the new measure:
Iranians already living in Canada can opt for an open work permit pathway that lets them work for any employer and in any occupation in Canada. You don’t have to worry about the processing time since these applications receive the utmost priority.
The Canadian Government may waive some processing fees for Iranian temporary residents. Similarly, they have waived the PR travel document and passport fees for Canadian permanent residents or citizens living in Iran and wishing to return to Canada.
The Human Rights Defenders stream is one of the few programs that focus on promoting human rights. So, the new temporary public policy may bring some positive changes to such programs as well.
According to research, Iran was the eighth leading source for immigrants landing in Canada in 2022. In fact, about 11,105 Iranians got their permanent residence visa last year. Hence, the Canadian Government introduced this measure to protect and safeguard Iranians living in Canada and help Iranian families stay together.
Wrapping Up,
It is a difficult time for Iranians. Basic freedom and human rights are at stake in Iran right now. Hence, the Canadian Government has brought forth a new temporary public policy that lets Iranians extend their stay in Canada hassle-free. You can pursue your education or apply for a work permit extension.
Onkar Immigration is here to guide you through the entire application process. Our certified immigration consultants equip you with all the knowledge and information you need to get through the application process easier. Give us a call today.
Do you have immediate relatives living in Alberta as permanent residents?
Well, then there’s good news for you.
The updated AAIP has added having immediate family relatives to the eligibility criteria for the Alberta Express Entry stream.
What does it mean?
Let’s say you are shortlisted in the federal Express Entry pool with 500 others. Now your brother is a permanent resident in Alberta. So, you will have more chances at receiving an NOI from the Alberta Express Entry stream.
In short, immigration to Alberta is easier when you have immediate family relatives residing in Alberta as permanent residents/citizens.
Alberta Express Entry Stream | An Important Update
There are multiple streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). For instance, the Alberta Opportunity Stream is for foreign workers, Graduate Entrepreneur Stream for entrepreneurs and so on. The eligibility criteria hasn’t changed for any other stream under the AAIP. It impacts only the selection criteria of the Alberta Express Entry stream which targets foreign workers.
Outcome of the program update?
The Alberta Express Entry stream can now allocate about 25% of its NOIs to candidates with experience in specific occupations and immediate family relatives in Alberta. This can encourage and help more immigrants to settle in Alberta successfully.
The change in selection criteria can help Alberta address its labour shortage issues. There is a hige rate of job vacancies in Alberta due to which newcomers are all the more encouraged to settle here.
The new program update, however, led to massive growth in 2022. The private sector, for instance, added about 41,000 new jobs in the private sector.
AAIP and Alberta Express Entry Stream | Here’s What You Need To Know
Are you interested in immigrating to Alberta? Then the AAIP is the program for you. It manages eight streams which mainly target workers and entrepreneurs.
Eligibility criteria for the Alberta Express Entry Stream:
An active profile in the federal Express Entry pool (It is better if it has validity for over five months)
A statement of interest to move to Alberta permanently
An experience in an in-demand occupation in Alberta
At least a CRS score of 300
Your chances at getting a NOI improve if you:
Have a valid Albertan work experience or a job offer
Have an immediate family relative living in Alberta as a permanent resident or citizen
Complete your graduation in a Albertan post-secondary institution
You need to create and submit your profile to the federal express entry pool first. You will receive an NOI once your profile is selected. Now you have to convey your interest in applying to the AAIP and send them a copy of the NOI.
You will get an invitation to apply to the program once AAIP confirms that you’ve met the eligibility criteria. Submit an application in the federal pool and receive 600 CRS points extra. The completed applications are put in the eligible applications pool for further processing.
Looking For Professional Immigration Consultants in Alberta?
At Onkar Immigration, we have some of the most knowledgeable and professional immigration consultants in Alberta. They guide you through the complex application processes and help you settle here effortlessly. Alberta has several job vacancies across a plenty of sectors. Consult with us to make the most of the opportunities without delays.
The Canadian Government passed bill C-19 to let the IRCC conduct targeted express entry draws in 2023. This step helps Canada fix its labour shortage issues and meet economic needs. Recently, the IRCC held consultations with stakeholders and the public to receive feedback about this new Express Entry system. They also conveyed that the targetted draws will prioritize occupational background, economic sectors, residency status and more before sending them an ITA.
Read on to learn about the possible new categories included in the targeted draws.
Possible New Categories for Targeted Express Entry Draws
The new classification system comprises only a portion of ITAs. The CRS scores are still valid and can help you receive an ITA. The new categories meet two crucial criteria:
Solve labour shortages
Enable Francophone immigration and economic growth
Let’s check out the possible categories here as said by the IRCC.
Work experience in a specific sector
The IRCC may send an ITA based on your work experience in specific occupations that are facing chronic labour shortages. Here are the occupations prioritized in Express Entry between 2019 and 2021:
Professional occupations in PR, marketing & advertising
Administrative offices
Information systems analysts
Interactive media developers and computer programmers
Restaurant and food service managers
Cooks
User support technicians
Food service supervisors
Retail sales supervisors
Administrative assistants
Software designers and engineers
Accountants and financial auditors
International student graduates
International students have great potential in helping Canada fix labour shortages. Thus, there is a high chance of a category for graduates with a diploma in in-demand sectors or with a degree.
According to IRCC, international graduates are proficient in an official language, experienced and qualified. Thus, they can plan a huge role in contributing to the economy of Canada. At least 88,000 graduates acquired permanent residency in 2021 through Express Entry.
Temporary foreign workers
According to stakeholders, the current permanent residence pathways are not helping Canada fix its labour shortage issues. Thus, the new Express Entry system may have a category for temporary foreign workers. They can acquire their permanent residency through the targeted Express Entry draws.
About 168,000 temporary workers became permanent residents in Canada in 2021. It constituted about 64% of admissions in the category of economic immigration.
Francophone and bilingual candidates
Are you fluent in French? Then you may be able to apply for permanent residence through the targeted Express Entry draws. Yes, you may get ITAs on the basis of your proficiency in French.
Canada launched the Francophone Immigration Strategy in 2019. It aimed at bringing about 4.4% of new French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec by the end of 2023.
Final Thoughts,
Labour shortages and poor economic growth are not new in Canada. The government has proposed a new classification system for the targeted Express Entry draws in 2023. This blog has already given you an idea about the new possible categories to expect in the draws. The draws are expected to start in early Spring this year.
Want to Talk to an Experienced Immigration Consultant?
At Onkar Immigration, we house a team of experienced and proficient immigration consultants. We stay abreast of all the updates in immigration policies and pathways including Express Entry draws. Get in touch with us to know if you are eligible for an ITA under the new Express Entry system. We will help you get permanent residency in Edmonton, Alberta and Saskatchewan effortlessly.
The IEC program is one of the most sought-after programs for people between 18-35 years old. Once you get through it, you can work and travel in Canada for up to two years. The International Experience Canada pools are now open for the 2023 season. You will receive the first round of invitations on 9th January 2023.
You need to create an online profile first if you are eligible. You can participate in IEC 2023 only if you have the profile.
The question, however, is:
Are you eligible for IEC?
Let’s find out.
What is International Experience Canada or IEC?
The IEC program is an attempt by the Canadian government to fill labour gaps here. It lets youth from partner countries work and travel here for up to two years.
It consists of three streams such as:
Working Holiday
Do you wish to work for any employer in Canada? Then this visa is what you need. It lets you stay in Canada and move jobs at your convenience.
International Co-op
International students can work or complete an internship in Canada with this one. You will receive an employer-specific work permit.
Young professionals
The stream serves two main purposes. One is to let international students gain professional work experience in their fields of study. Two, students can pursue their desired career paths.
Are you Eligible for IEC 2023?
The eligibility criteria for International Experience Canada are:
You must be 35 years old maximum.
Your citizenship country should have an agreement with Canada.
Which Countries are Eligible for IEC 2023?
Youth from the following countries can apply for IEC:
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark (Danish citizens who reside in Greenland and the Faroe Islands are also eligible)
Estonia
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Ukraine
United Kingdom
How Brazilians, Americans and Indians Can Apply for IEC 2023?
Youth from India, the United States and Brazil can also apply for International Experience Canada. They can use a recognized organization or RO to participate in IEC 2023.
This one is perfect if you are looking for jobs in technical fields. The RO provides employer-specific work permits for Young Professionals and International Co-op (Internships) for students.
It offers employer-specific work permits for career development to young professionals. AIESEC is a non-profit organization focused on developing leadership in youth.
You can enjoy work and travel opportunities with this Canadian organization. They provide Working Holiday.
These three above are applicable to all the partner countries mentioned in the list, along with India, Brazil and more. The target market is youth between 18-35 years old. According to the IRCC Minister, the IEC quota will increase by 20%. This would allow about 90,000 youngsters to come to Canada from these countries. Italy also was included in the list on 14th November 2022.
Do You Want to Apply for the IEC 2023?
You may have several questions when it comes to applying for IEC 2023. Am I eligible for it? Which stream is the best for me? What is the process of applying for IEC? At Onkar Immigration, we provide you with accurate answers to all the questions you may have regarding this IEC season.
Our certified immigration consultants guide you through the entire process till you achieve your immigration goals. We assure you of minimum paperwork and hassle throughout the process.
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