B4 Form Guide for entering Canada

[lleahdoll]

Yes you have to have insurance for 3 months, after 3 months you will qualify for Canada's insurance OHIP.

Hmm.. I can't find anything on it: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/after-checklist.asp

I just want to make sure it's a "you have to have it or they won't let you land" thing before I buy any. I never get sick, and have never been to the ER so it's not something I was planning on buying just to land, especially when I've already been here as a visitor for so long. You'd think that they'd be more worried about a visitor having to go to the ER as they could leave and not pay their bill. But someone who just landed will be staying, therefore you could bill them and they have nowhere to hide...

 

[Amalthea]

Maybe it's different for Ontario, or "OHIP", but in BC if you application shows "In Process" or "Decision Made" they will allow you to sign up for MSP.

 

[Amalthea]

and I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure I've seen folks in the Inland OWP thread get OHIP after they receive the open work permit. I'm going to look into this further, specifically for Quebec for you, too, Lleahdoll.

 

[lleahdoll]

and I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure I've seen folks in the Inland OWP thread get OHIP after they receive the open work permit. I'm going to look into this further, specifically for Quebec for you, too, Lleahdoll.

thanks so much Amalthea!! I searched heavily on cic.gc.ca and found nothing stating it was "law" that you needed travel insurance. And I've never seen that mentioned since being a member on this forum either...
Of course it's suggested to have travel insurance...it's also suggested to explore the area you'll be moving to, but it's by no means "law". I also read on cic.gc.ca that depending on your immigration status, emergency care is free (excluding ambulance I assume). And I've been to the local clinics here, you just have to pay after you see the doctor.

 

[lleahdoll]

Maybe it's different for Ontario, or "OHIP", but in BC if you application shows "In Process" or "Decision Made" they will allow you to sign up for MSP.

As far as provincial health insurance for Quebec, you have to wait 3 months to receive it after you land. Inland can get it during though, after AOR I think.
But as far as travel insurance, I've read nothing in the 2 1/2 years I've kept up with immigration policies.

 

[Amalthea]

BC Doesn't have a waiting period, but it looks like Quebec does. 3 months from your ~arrival~ in Quebec.. I'm no expert but here's what I've found for you, Leah.


"Usually, coverage under the Québec plan begins on the first day of the third month following the month of arrival in Québec [from another province, etc]." This is for establishing residence. To continue to remain covered by the plan, you must reside in Quebec for 6 mos of the Calender year to remain covered.

http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/registration/Pages/eligibility.aspx

Here is a list of the items required for Proof of Residence - Just your standard lease, sworn statement from tenant on lease and the owner...

http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/registration/Pages/proof-residence.aspx

As far as proof of presence in Quebec, they'll accept letters from employers, report cards, OR "a bank or credit card statement (in your name) showing that transactions were made in your account in Québec. Please note that online transfers or invoice payments do not demonstrate that you were in Québec during the period in question;"

http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/registration/Pages/proof-presence.aspx


Nowhere does it say anything about being a canadian citizen, landed permanent resident etc.. It appears they are more interested in whether or not you are physically residing and living in Quebec.
I can't say for certain, and I could be wrong, but you should certainly look into this further, Leah! With a screenshot of your ECAS showing Sponsorship Approval, you may already qualify for Quebec's health insurance.

 

[Amalthea]

Oh, just seeing your posts now You are probably right about it being 3 months from landing. I was just hoping it'd be 3 months from your arrival in Quebec!

This is the first I've heard of requiring travel insurance, though. I'm not sure about that. They tried to sell us travel insurance when we got our marriage licence, lol.

 

[lleahdoll]

BC Doesn't have a waiting period, but it looks like Quebec does. 3 months from your ~arrival~ in Quebec.. I'm no expert but here's what I've found for you, Leah.


"Usually, coverage under the Québec plan begins on the first day of the third month following the month of arrival in Québec [from another province, etc]." This is for establishing residence. To continue to remain covered by the plan, you must reside in Quebec for 6 mos of the Calender year to remain covered.

http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/registration/Pages/eligibility.aspx

Here is a list of the items required for Proof of Residence - Just your standard lease, sworn statement from tenant on lease and the owner...

http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/registration/Pages/proof-residence.aspx

As far as proof of presence in Quebec, they'll accept letters from employers, report cards, OR "a bank or credit card statement (in your name) showing that transactions were made in your account in Québec. Please note that online transfers or invoice payments do not demonstrate that you were in Québec during the period in question;"

http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/registration/Pages/proof-presence.aspx


Nowhere does it say anything about being a canadian citizen, landed permanent resident etc.. It appears they are more interested in whether or not you are physically residing and living in Quebec.
I can't say for certain, and I could be wrong, but you should certainly look into this further, Leah! With a screenshot of your ECAS showing Sponsorship Approval, you may already qualify for Quebec's health insurance.

I'm pretty positive you have to show COPR to get health insurance here in Quebec and your CSQ, most importantly. Haha Unless you're inland. So I can not receive it yet, sadly.

Lol my husband's bank tried to sell it to me when I said I was going back to the states to visit (we were exchanging currency).. I was like no, I'm FROM there. I havent had it since I turned 18 so I'm just use to it... lol

But, yeah idk how I'll show residency. Only my husband is on our lease currently bc our current landlords wanted my very personal information when we moved in and it's things they are not entitled to.. like they asked for my immigration number.. wtf? Idk, these people are lazy and weird so we're outta here after our lease is up in November! I have a credit card through my husband's bank account...

Unfortunately I can't see myself obtaining a job before those 3 months. What with not speaking French.

 

[Amalthea]

I'm pretty positive you have to show COPR to get health insurance here in Quebec and your CSQ, most importantly. Haha Unless you're inland. So I can not receive it yet, sadly.

Lol my husband's bank tried to sell it to me when I said I was going back to the states to visit (we were exchanging currency).. I was like no, I'm FROM there. I havent had it since I turned 18 so I'm just use to it... lol

But, yeah idk how I'll show residency. Only my husband is on our lease currently bc our current landlords wanted my very personal information when we moved in and it's things they are not entitled to.. like they asked for my immigration number.. wtf? Idk, these people are lazy and weird so we're outta here after our lease is up in November! I have a credit card through my husband's bank account...

Unfortunately I can't see myself obtaining a job before those 3 months. What with not speaking French.

Wow that's freaking crazy. Yeah, they don't need any of that information -___- Especially if they have your husband's info already. I don't blame you! I wouldn't give them that, either, especially if they're kinda sketch already.
One of the bullet points is a letter from the tenant on your lease, so your husband can vouch for your residency, but i'm not sure if they also require a letter from the owner or not. I think your presence should fine with the credit card statements

 

[lleahdoll]

Wow that's freaking crazy. Yeah, they don't need any of that information -___- Especially if they have your husband's info already. I don't blame you! I wouldn't give them that, either, especially if they're kinda sketch already.
One of the bullet points is a letter from the tenant on your lease, so your husband can vouch for your residency, but i'm not sure if they also require a letter from the owner or not. I think your presence should fine with the credit card statements

Yeah.. they also asked for his SIN when he applied for the apartment. They're legally not allowed to but it seems commonplace around Montreal bc competition for apartments is high. And at the time we didn't have time to look for another apartment.
They're nice to our faces and they know I've been a visitor since November 2013 so maybe they'd write something as well. Depends when I get PR/land though. We may be in a new place by the time I can get the health card.

 

[saria1]

Yeah.. they also asked for his SIN when he applied for the apartment. They're legally not allowed to but it seems commonplace around Montreal bc competition for apartments is high. And at the time we didn't have time to look for another apartment.
They're nice to our faces and they know I've been a visitor since November 2013 so maybe they'd write something as well. Depends when I get PR/land though. We may be in a new place by the time I can get the health card.

Oh I want to jump on this apartment hunting bandwagon, but I'll be moaning about our experience.

I was so burned up last week. I submitted for a house out in BC. I filled out the entire application, listing our NJ addresses and that we've owned our home since 2006. For proof of income I submitted our 1040's from the past 2 years, with our SSN's blacked out. I also gave them my SIN, which is useless, since I have 0 Canadian credit, but I did attach a copy of our recent FICO scores (Discover card gives monthly FICO's, for free) both of us are well into the high 7's. Two days pass, nothing, I emailed the agent. She responds that there have been several other offers also being reviewed she'll get back in a day or two. Then 20 mins later, she emailed again, asking me to email the application to her other email addy. I complied. About 20-30 mins later she sends a "snarky" email asking how my husband could live there for 9 yrs without a SIN.... I lost it, the NJ attitude I've acquired wanted to explode in a scathing response. It was rather apparent she hadn't looked at our application until just now, and she had no FRUCKING clue what she was looking at, and she calls herself a real estate agent.... I explained the obvious; we are in NJ and moving to BC, it would be quite clear if she took a minute to review the entire application. She "said" she would get back to us the next day..... Next day came and went, many times over, no response, NOTHING.

I'm debating whether to call the agents manager and make light of her incompetence and blatant disregard of an applicant, or just let it go and slam the agent in a online review.

 

[AshleyAnne]

Great post!
Curiosus... how would you suggest we value sentimental items? That will be probably 50% of my belongings I bring over as make up and clothes and things are already here from me visiting.
I'll also be bringing quite a few books, cds, dvds. They're all over 7 years old at least. How do I value those? In a garage sale or being sold to someone they'd probably barely be a dollar.. haha

Also, when I travel back home to get my belongings, I'll probably bring my tablet with me. It was bought here in Canada though so what do I do with that?

For sentimental value, I simply put 0$ as there is no replacement value to the item.

For your books, cd's and dvd's I had originally called the border and talked to a lead supervisor and I asked the same thing (how do I go about putting value on all my goods). She stated that it's simply what would you sell it for at a garage sell. Now as far as electronic effects such as computers, monitors, console games; I would suggest either digging through the receipts to find the actual value if it is fairly new, or a respectable estimate as to what you feel by a quick research on the model of the item.

Your tablet should be mentioned for the goods to follow, because they do take note of that b4 form for them and when you do present your goods they will reference(to my knowledge, haven't been able to get my goods to follow across yet). My wife had brought belongings down to the states while she was a student and it was mentioned by the border agent I spoke with, that it would be in the best interest to still document the items she brought even being purchased in Canada( I did note that it had previously been purchased in Canada ie: her jewelry).

Being prepared and respectable with your list and how you format will aid you when you talk to the agent, it is between you and the agent as to whether they feel you are trying to play games. So having everything prepared and organized is a plus for you.

I hope this helps!

 

[AshleyAnne]

How do you determine an items value. Its not the sticker (paid for brand new) price is it?

It has to be the depreciated value of the item, right? If so how do you determine how much something is worth?

And how much does it really matter anyways? If you say 10 sweaters at $10 each are they going to pull them out and inspect and determine sweater A is worth $15 and sweater B is worth $25?

Ya, I quoted another post that responded, it's more of what you would sell the items for at a garage sell type of thing. For clothes, I simply put Clothes/50+/500$ - I didn't catalog every item to that extent. It's more the high value items they care about, even then its dependent on the agent as to how far they will go with your goods. That's why I prepared myself for the agent that was having the piss off of a day.

 

[AshleyAnne]

Did they actually want to confirm that you had health insurance? First I hear of this.

From experience of being an extended visitor they wanted me to be covered. Having purchased the insurance for my extended visit prior to becoming a PR, when I talked to the border agent they said it would be recommended. It's all on you really, if they do want you to have it, they will allow you to enter and come back once you have obtained the insurance.

 

[lleahdoll]

Oh I want to jump on this apartment hunting bandwagon, but I'll be moaning about our experience.

I was so burned up last week. I submitted for a house out in BC. I filled out the entire application, listing our NJ addresses and that we've owned our home since 2006. For proof of income I submitted our 1040's from the past 2 years, with our SSN's blacked out. I also gave them my SIN, which is useless, since I have 0 Canadian credit, but I did attach a copy of our recent FICO scores (Discover card gives monthly FICO's, for free) both of us are well into the high 7's. Two days pass, nothing, I emailed the agent. She responds that there have been several other offers also being reviewed she'll get back in a day or two. Then 20 mins later, she emailed again, asking me to email the application to her other email addy. I complied. About 20-30 mins later she sends a "snarky" email asking how my husband could live there for 9 yrs without a SIN.... I lost it, the NJ attitude I've acquired wanted to explode in a scathing response. It was rather apparent she hadn't looked at our application until just now, and she had no FRUCKING clue what she was looking at, and she calls herself a real estate agent.... I explained the obvious; we are in NJ and moving to BC, it would be quite clear if she took a minute to review the entire application. She "said" she would get back to us the next day..... Next day came and went, many times over, no response, NOTHING.

I'm debating whether to call the agents manager and make light of her incompetence and blatant disregard of an applicant, or just let it go and slam the agent in a online review.

Wow. I am sorry you were treated so poorly. It's obvious she doesn't know how to do her very important job. She's playing with people's lives...
Good luck with your house hunt though!

For sentimental value, I simply put 0$ as there is no replacement value to the item.

For your books, cd's and dvd's I had originally called the border and talked to a lead supervisor and I asked the same thing (how do I go about putting value on all my goods). She stated that it's simply what would you sell it for at a garage sell. Now as far as electronic effects such as computers, monitors, console games; I would suggest either digging through the receipts to find the actual value if it is fairly new, or a respectable estimate as to what you feel by a quick research on the model of the item.

Your tablet should be mentioned for the goods to follow, because they do take note of that b4 form for them and when you do present your goods they will reference(to my knowledge, haven't been able to get my goods to follow across yet). My wife had brought belongings down to the states while she was a student and it was mentioned by the border agent I spoke with, that it would be in the best interest to still document the items she brought even being purchased in Canada( I did note that it had previously been purchased in Canada ie: her jewelry).

Being prepared and respectable with your list and how you format will aid you when you talk to the agent, it is between you and the agent as to whether they feel you are trying to play games. So having everything prepared and organized is a plus for you.

I hope this helps!

Wouldn't my tablet be just on my initial "goods" list? Not goods to follow? Just to clarify, I'm in Canada right now. When I get PR, I'll be flying to the states to get my belongings that are stored away. I'll be bringing my tablet down to the states and then back into Canada.
I figured it'd be a good idea to find the receipt. We bought it online so we might have the email stored somewhere. Luckily my tablet has dropped in value bc the screen is cracked... hahah xD

From experience of being an extended visitor they wanted me to be covered. Having purchased the insurance for my extended visit prior to becoming a PR, when I talked to the border agent they said it would be recommended. It's all on you really, if they do want you to have it, they will allow you to enter and come back once you have obtained the insurance.

They enforced you to have it when you extended your stay, or...? I've extended my stay and it's almost up now and travel insurance has never been enforced. Same when I cross the border. So, I might just take the risk of not getting any.