Stumpylegs

Given that we are unsure on the delay on PR decision and it may still be hanging in waiting past August, we are looking at the possible need to get my partner over to Canada to activate her IEC. Her POE letter expires on the 4th of August.

I've read some information (granted non official sites and not this one) about CBSA officials turning away those without insurance in place that covers COVID 19 - however you now can't(well I can't) find any insurance which includes COVID 19 in the cover - Is there any truth in the matter?

In the UK non essential travel is banned, not quite sure emigration is essential, but you can go the shop and buy cigarettes!! - I know which is the biggest priority to me currently. But obviously hoping things may have relaxed somewhat over here by then.

Dependant on the situation both home and away then, the trip may well just be a fly over, sit in a hotel for 14 days to self quarantine and then come home job - granted it will shorten her time to get a skilled job, and for either of us to get skilled work experience in, but got to be somewhat realistic about that in current climates.

DarwinCharles

Hi and welcome,
My sister and her family are in the same boat but we are Canadian citizens relocating from UK.
I would imagine health insurance cover is expensive.

Have you seen anything on dates being extended due to the current issues? One would imagine they would be.

Currently it seems unlikely that a 14 day stint is possible since Airlines are doing citizen flights one way I believe. I could be incorrect...someone will chip in here but we're looking at a citizen link to await a flight for repatriation. Who knows when that will change.

My sister needs work too and that's proving hard as many places are locked down- unless they conduct online interviews and that's dependant on the performance of companies and if they stay open.

Canada also req 14 day Quarantine upon arrival with any symptoms but I'd say that's probably reqd morally even if you're asymptomatic. They have penalties in place.. however policed... for people caught endangering others lives.

The possibility of a job secured via telephone interview /online prior to arrival or organised prior and conducted in Canada is where many will need to look, if they can get to Canada.
I guess it could depend where you're going too.

​​​​​​

DarwinCharles

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...s-covid19.html

For anyone with COPR.

Stumpylegs

So dates are extended for COPR if you can't fly, nothing as of yet about IEC etc being extended.

the 14 day stint was more so she could quarantine for 14 days - then fly back home to save losing IEC

We don't particularly need work right away, although there isn't much to do as a tourist currently either - Realise jobs will be extremely hard to come by before this whole situation blows over ( especially for her to get and in A/B NOCs to get me an open work permit at least) - but getting out there via IEC - activating it, then returning at a later date once the world is in a better place, getting me an open work permit etc. Then with a years work experience a piece we'd be up to 449 and providing i went back into my trade, I'd be eligible for FST - job offers obviously push this even higher.

Reference flights, I can still book flights from the UK to Calgary - BA seem to have availability from the end of April, but that may/will be pushed back. KLM will fly me into Toronto this week apparently from Manchester!! which gets her into the country and IEC kicked off if needed.

But its been a requirement for a while you have to have insurance to cover the whole duration of your work permit which insurers like to charge a premium for, trouble is now every policy states "excludes cover for COVID 19 and related claims" and I've read a couple of rumours that CBSA are specifically looking to ensure it doesn't exclude COVID 19 cover at point of entry.

This lot all becomes null and void if my PR application comes through prior to July, as thats our route in, the IEC was seen as cheap insurance/back up plan to get us out there and give us a shot at this if EE didn't come through.

DarwinCharles

Short of finding a hot with food service or if they have been allowed to remain open (air bnbers were said to have been refunded) I was under the impression no stop was allowed between airport and hotel so it literally would be.. Airport.. Hotel.. Airport.
I
apologise, I do not know what they'll do about flights. I had read the BA had stopped flights to some cities.

The problem you have is likely going to be asked by many and will be addressed as time goes on. The situation there is just picking up and unless they can contain it better than the UK have, it's a very dodgy trip to take. Have you attempted to contact anyone and wait an eternity for a reply about this with officials?

Siouxie

It's not normal basic travel insurance that is required for the IEC work permit Insurance- it's 'backpackers/gap year' - which will repatriate in the event of serious illness, but also cover for basic medical in Canada and permit working. There's many suggestions as to which companies are best to use on last year IEC thread (and previous ones) - I suggest a good read over them. (Work permits are issued for the duration of the insurance cover only - the requirement is to have insurance that will cover for 2 years to get a 2 year work permit).

It's not optional to isolate upon arrival to Canada, it's now compulsary. I would be surprised if IEC LOI's weren't extended, no point in stressing about things right now.. save the money (which you would spend on a flight and 2 weeks quarantine) for the move over a little later... not only that but the likelihood of obtaining a job in the present climate are low unless she has specialised knowledge / experience.

Stumpylegs

Aye, im aware of that, and had got a couple of quotes in case we went down that route, its just the bit that I've read on a couple of sites (not posting links unless you want me to, as they aren't official and don't want to spread misinformation )- that CBSA are checking these policies for COVID 19 cover and not letting you enter the country without it - was just wondering if anyone else had heard it/there was any truth in it - I'm aware there is a CBSA employee on here who could possibly debunk/confirm such a rumour.


Apologies, think I may have misworded my original post, intention would be for her to quarantine for 2 weeks, then most likely fly straight back due to aforementioned current climate. as opposed to quarantine then try and job search.

Aye we are holding off until July before flying out, so any news on my PR app, or IEC LOI extension prior to then will be a great weight off our minds, but preparing as much as we can be before hand in case thats our only option.

Former Lancastrian

From the official websiteYour insurance must cover:

• medical care
• hospitalization and
• repatriation (returning you to your country in the event of severe illness, injury or death)

When you arrive at the port of entry, you must have health insurance valid for your entire stay in Canada. Having a valid provincial health card is not enough. Repatriation is notcovered by provincial health insurance.

If your insurance policy is valid for less than your expected stay, you will be issued a work permit that expires at the same time as your insurance.

If this happens, you will not be able to apply to change the conditions of your work permit at a later date.

I am not aware of any bulletin, policy or other that insists insurance must cover COVID 19. The following is also from the IRCC website
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...-students.html

Look at the specific info for foreign workers.

Stumpylegs

Magic, thank you, was hoping you'd post and confirm that you'd heard nothing, as I couldn't find anything official.

timballs

Excerpt below now been posted on https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...vid19/iec.html. Insurance providers I've tried are saying they won't cover for Covid-19 (unless purchased before 13:00 GMT on 16 March 2020). On the same link there are instructions on how to extend your PoE date.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________

Is health care insurance still required to come to Canada under the IEC program?

Yes, private health care insurance, which includes hospitalization and repatriation, is a mandatory requirement for International Experience Canada, unless you receive coverage from your employer or the province or territory where you will be working (limited to employer-specific work permits, and not in all cases).

It is up to a participant to ensure that they have adequate coverage including for COVID-19 testing or illness in light of the current pandemic. Health care coverage must be valid for the entire time you are in Canada and cannot be purchased in Canada. Having a valid provincial or territorial health card is not enough. Repatriation is not covered by provincial or territorial health insurance.

Please check with your insurance provider to find out if they will cover COVID-19 illness in case you become sick.

Canada border services officers will check for health care coverage at a port of entry. If you do not have sufficient coverage, you may be denied entry into Canada.