• Your MSP card will expire at the end of the month that your work permit expires. To get a new one, fax a copy of your new work permit along with your MSP # to 250-405-3595 (more contact info can be found at http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/contacts.html). If your new MSP card doesn't arrive until after your old one has expired, you may have to pay for doctor visits and get reimbursed. Similarly, in emergencies, they can push it through, so don't worry if you have to go to the hospital. Note that on at least one occasion, they've updated that the MSP coverage information, but neglected to send out a new card, so if you don't get a new card within a month, call them back.

As a US citizen, you're best off getting a visa with the letter from the Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) as commented on the faculty relations website. This should give you a 3 year work permit. However, if they don't get you the HRSDC confirmation in time, you're still likely to be able to get a 1 year work permit by going to the border without one. My suggestion is to still get Human Resources to give you the HRSDC #, or you'll have to renew your visa more often later.

Steps to renew:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/extend-worker.html

Optimally, get this process started at least 3 months in advance by talking to the department's staff member who deals with this (currently Sharon Craddock). Ideally, you'll get a new HRSDC confirmation #; this takes 4-5 weeks. After you send in the forms, the processing time can be up to two months. You can check on the current wait time at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/times/process-in.html

If you are a US or Mexican citizen, you can get your visa renewed without the HRSDC #, though again, it will be for less time; they're supposed to give you a year, but they may give you more if you catch them in a good mood.

If you have sent the paperwork in too late and your current work permit will expire before your new one will be approved, give a copy of your payment receipt to the department staff person who deals with this (currently Sharon Craddock). You'll then continue to live here and to get paid (phew), but you can't leave the country because the folks at the border have no good reason to let you back in. People who need a visa to enter Canada should check with someone more official than this wiki to ensure that this is correct.

After the permit is renewed

After your work permit is renewed, various things will have expired:

• Get a new SIN card as in the steps above.
• Your MSP card will expire at the end of the month that your work permit expires. To get a new one, fax a copy of your new work permit along with your MSP # to 250-405-3595 (more contact info can be found at http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/contacts.html). If your new MSP card doesn't arrive until after your old one has expired, you may have to pay for doctor visits and get reimbursed. Similarly, in emergencies, they can push it through, so don't worry if you have to go to the hospital.

Canadian Immigration and Visa Info

Renewing Work Permits

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/extend-worker.html

Canada Tips

Work Permit

SIN

Information from Kevin Murphy

-- RachelPottinger - 10 Apr 2005