OHIP enrollment — what nobody tells you about the 3-month wait
Ontario's OHIP has a 3-month waiting period and I wasn't prepared. What to do during the wait: (1) Check if your university has UHIP — UofT, York, and most Ontario universities include it automatically in student fees (~CA$450/year). (2) If you need a doctor during the wait, use Maple or Teladoc for virtual care (CA$49-79/visit). (3) Keep all receipts — if you have UHIP, most visits are reimbursed. After 3 months go to ServiceOntario in person (not online) — faster and they can usually give you a temporary health number same day.
Discussion (3 replies)
Just went through this process myself. One thing that saved me time was calling ahead to confirm what documents they'd accept. Some offices are stricter than others.
Perfect timing! I'm arriving next month and this guide is incredibly helpful. Did you have any trouble with the office being crowded?
Saved this post for later. Really thorough breakdown of the entire process. Will definitely share with my roommate who's just starting this journey.
Have thoughts on this post?
More Posts from CA
How I got my SIN in 25 minutes — step by step
Got my SIN today at the Service Canada office in downtown Toronto. Tip: arrive at 8:15 AM before they open. Bring passport + study permit + proof of address (a lease or even a utility account setup email works). The whole process took under 30 minutes. They print the SIN letter on the spot — no card, just a letter. Memorize the number immediately!
PGWP question — does my co-op count toward program length?
My 2-year master's program includes a 4-month co-op. Does IRCC count the full 24 months for PGWP or only 20 months of coursework? I've seen conflicting info online. My graduation letter says 24 months. Hoping for a 3-year PGWP!
From Waterloo to Shopify — my Canadian work permit journey
Graduated from UWaterloo in April, applied for PGWP in May, received it in July (2 years, 11 months — just short of 3 years because of program duration). Started at Shopify in August. The PGWP process was smoother than I expected — just needed my final transcript, the IRCC portal, and a credit card for fees. One year in and already building my Express Entry profile. Canada has been incredibly welcoming.
Important Disclaimer
This post represents personal experience only and is not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Immigration laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. Consult a licensed immigration attorney, certified tax professional, or official government resources for guidance specific to your situation.
Community Guidelines
Please keep discussions respectful and helpful. Don't share sensitive personal information (SSN, passport numbers, etc.). Report any violations to our moderation team.
View Full Guidelines →