Immediate family coming from US

[jessiechaoren]

Hi everyone!! I got a situation here and hopefully you guys can help me with it.

My husband and I are currently working in the US. This year his company decided to transfer him to Canada and helped us both to get the work permit (for me this is a open work permit). While this Covid thing is happening, I am not really sure if I can come with him to Canada. Either of us are Canada citizen or permanent resident. I am going through the IRCC website, somewhere it said that you can reunite with your immediate family member who is in Canada temporarily and you don't need a written authorization if you are coming from the US. Somewhere else said you cannot come to Canada if you are a immediately family member to a work permit holder. I am really confused. In my situation, I am 3 month pregnant and if my husband go to Canada, chances are I am going to have this baby on my own in the US. Really don't want that to happen. Please help!!!

Thanks to all!!!

 

[PrincessButtercup]

Is your husband already in Canada, and if not, when does he have to be there?

 

[jessiechaoren]

Is your husband already in Canada, and if not, when does he have to be there?

Thanks for replying! Right now we are still in the US. We are planning to move as soon as the work permit comes through, which I think will be in the next 2-3 weeks.

 

[PrincessButtercup]

Here's what I think ... I think that you can probably accompany him BUT he is going to have to show the airline agent AND the Canadian Border Patrol agent proof of his employment in Canada. Bring the employment letter, work permit and ANY supporting documents that shows that he has been sponsored by his job to relocate to Canada, and then you should be ready to show your Open Work Permit, as well as proof that you are married, such as your marriage certificate (yes it may seem obvious, but to the airline gate attendant and Border Patrol you could just be anyone accompanying him). It is better to be safe with a packet full of documentation, than be turned away at the border. Spouses are allowed into Canada to visit their spouse residing in Canada. Anyone please jump in if I am incorrect!

There is also the health insurance issue. Any American health insurance plan is null and void in Canada. Each province has different requirements for eligibility for health insurance. Ontario, for instance, is very strict about when you can get their insurance (OHIP). There is a very good chance that even in 6 months when you are due, you will not have Canadian health insurance by then. I don't even know if "Visitor to Canada" health insurance plan would cover a pre-existing condition such as a pregnancy and birth. Please do more digging into health insurance eligibility in the province you'd be moving to before deciding to come up or stay home. I'm assuming that if you stay home and give birth in the US that you would be covered by his (or even your own, if you are working) health insurance?

Lastly, if you decide to come up in the near future, you both will be required to quarantine for 2 weeks immediately upon entry; if you really want to be prepared, fill out the ArriveCan app: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html#a1.1 prior to landing in Canada.

 

[jessiechaoren]

Here's what I think ... I think that you can probably accompany him BUT he is going to have to show the airline agent AND the Canadian Border Patrol agent proof of his employment in Canada. Bring the employment letter, work permit and ANY supporting documents that shows that he has been sponsored by his job to relocate to Canada, and then you should be ready to show your Open Work Permit, as well as proof that you are married, such as your marriage certificate (yes it may seem obvious, but to the airline gate attendant and Border Patrol you could just be anyone accompanying him). It is better to be safe with a packet full of documentation, than be turned away at the border. Spouses are allowed into Canada to visit their spouse residing in Canada. Anyone please jump in if I am incorrect!

There is also the health insurance issue. Any American health insurance plan is null and void in Canada. Each province has different requirements for eligibility for health insurance. Ontario, for instance, is very strict about when you can get their insurance (OHIP). There is a very good chance that even in 6 months when you are due, you will not have Canadian health insurance by then. I don't even know if "Visitor to Canada" health insurance plan would cover a pre-existing condition such as a pregnancy and birth. Please do more digging into health insurance eligibility in the province you'd be moving to before deciding to come up or stay home. I'm assuming that if you stay home and give birth in the US that you would be covered by his (or even your own, if you are working) health insurance?

Lastly, if you decide to come up in the near future, you both will be required to quarantine for 2 weeks immediately upon entry; if you really want to be prepared, fill out the ArriveCan app: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html#a1.1 prior to landing in Canada.

Wow!! Thanks so much for your help. Really appreciate it!

As for health insurance, I think my husband's company is going to cover it, they made it clear in the offer letter that even the first 3 month they are going to help us purchase the health insurance so we can stay covered. But you are right, for something like pregnancy and birth, definitely needs more research.

And thanks for introducing the app! That will definitely come in handy. Thanks again for your answer!