Maple News reports that work permit holders residing and working in Ontario may qualify for public healthcare through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), under specific conditions. This access ensures newcomers can receive essential medical services from the day their applications are approved — with no waiting period currently in place.
OHIP provides a wide range of healthcare services, including family doctor visits, walk-in clinic access, emergency room services, diagnostic testing, and surgeries. For international workers temporarily living in the province, getting covered by OHIP offers both financial relief and peace of mind in navigating the Canadian healthcare system.
To be eligible, applicants must first reside in Ontario and be physically present in the province for at least 153 days in any 12-month period. Furthermore, they must spend at least 153 of the first 183 days after arrival in Ontario within its borders, and declare the province as their primary residence.
In addition to the residency requirements, potential applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
– They hold a valid work permit, have been employed full-time by an Ontario-based employer for a minimum of six months. In this case, spouses and dependents may also qualify for coverage.
– They are participating in the Live-In Caregiver Program or the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
– They have applied for permanent residency (PR) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and their application has been received and reviewed, confirming eligibility — even if a decision has not yet been finalized.
Workers who have applied to extend or renew an expired work permit may still be eligible, provided the new application was submitted before the original permit’s expiration and a decision is still pending. Under Canadian immigration law, this ensures the individual maintains valid temporary resident status.
For eligible individuals, once their OHIP application is approved, coverage starts immediately — eliminating the need to wait before accessing healthcare benefits. This change supports smoother transitions for foreign talent integrating into Ontario’s workforce and communities.
Maple News emphasizes that understanding your eligibility and applying promptly can help you avoid unexpected medical expenses and ensure continuity of care in your new environment.