Hi all,

I crossed the Canada border and activated my second IEC visa on Saturday there. I've been continuously employed in the same job but my OHIP card expired with my first visa. Do I need to wait the three months to renew it as it's a new visa or does the continued employment mean I can go get it straight away?

I've had a few dealings with Service Canada in the past month regarding OHIP (777 Bay St branch). In theory, you should be able to present your new work permit and they will extend your coverage dates to reflect this (however as we IEC holders are on 'Open' work permits, we have to prove full time employment, and our OHIP eligibility is tied to that).

Based on my recent experiences with them (and to save you multiple trips) they insist on 'proof of employment' letters, so I would type up a formal letter detailing when you started, your weekly hours (or full-time/part-time status, and if you are on a contract, your last day of employment) and get your supervisor/responsible colleague to name and sign it.

I have had documentary evidence, such as tax forms, a years worth of pay statements, employment contracts etc. refused or ignored......it appears that the good people at Service Canada would prefer a formal letter (which in theory could be written and signed by me/anyone), but when in Rome I suppose.

Hope this helps!

Thanks!

My employer did this for me last year so hopefully that works. =]

*Edit: My post should read Service Ontario not Service Canada.

Pretty sure they'll re-issue a new card dated to the expiry of your new permit. As usual, stump up at the desk with the paperwork and a letter from your employer explaining you've been continually employed except for any gap between your first permit expiring and the 2nd one kicking in.