As a new immigrant to Canada or International Student, there are several questions you need to ask before childbirth in Canada. This article will guide you through several things and questions you need to understand before childbirth in Canada as an international student, visitor on visit visa and giving birth while on work permit.

Question 1: Does Canada operate citizenship by birth?

Answer: Yes. If you give birth in Canada, your child automatically becomes a Canadian citizen, regardless of your immigration status.

Question 2: What are the costs associated with childbirth in Canada?

Answer: The costs associated with childbirth in Canada vary depending on your immigration status and whether you are covered by provincial healthcare. If you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or covered by the provincial healthcare system, the costs associated with childbirth are minimal to none. However, if you are not covered by provincial healthcare, the costs can be significant and we have highlighted the costs below.

Question 3: Will my child be eligible for any benefits as a newborn Canadian citizen?

Answer: Yes. Newborn Canadian citizens are eligible for a number of benefits, including healthcare, education, and social security. However, the cost of these benefits is typically the responsibility of the parents. However, if you still do not qualify for provincial healthcare coverage of your province, you will pay most of his medical needs and associated costs out of your pocket.

Question 4: Can I stay back with my child after giving birth in Canada?

Answer: Whether or not you can stay back with your child after giving birth in Canada depends on your immigration status. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can stay in Canada for as long as you like. If you are on a work permit or study visa, you can stay in Canada for as long as your permit is valid. However, if you are on a visitor visa, you must leave Canada within six months of your entry date, even if your child is a Canadian citizen.

Additional information about the cost of childbirth in Canada for those not qualified for provincial health coverage

The estimated cost of childbirth in Canada for those who do not qualify for provincial health coverage is as follows:

• Antenatal care: $200
• Prenatal ultrasounds: $400
• Natural birth: $8,000
• C-section: $12,000
• Midwife: $2,500
• Cost per day in the ward: $3,500
• Cost for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): $9,000
• Ambulance: $500
• Cost per hour for helicopter transport: $2,800
• Obstetrician: $2,000
• Anesthesiologist: $1,500

Please note that these are just estimates and the actual costs may vary depending on the province or territory where you give birth, the type of birth you have, and any complications that may arise.

Also note: There is no medical insurance company in Canada that provides coverage for pregnancy and childbirth-related costs. If you are not covered or qualify for your provincial health coverage, you will cover the pregnancy and childbirth-related costs from your pocket. 

Canadian Provinces offering provincial health coverage to international students

The following provinces in Canada offer provincial health coverage to international students:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Saskatchewan

International students in other provinces and territories must purchase private health insurance to cover their medical expenses.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about provincial health coverage for international students in Canada:

• In most provinces, international students must have a valid study permit and be enrolled full-time in a recognized educational institution in order to qualify for provincial health coverage.
• There may be a waiting period before international students are eligible for provincial health coverage. This waiting period can range from three to 12 months, depending on the province.
• Provincial health coverage typically covers basic medical services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. However, it may not cover all medical expenses, such as dental care, vision care, and non-prescription drugs.

If you are an international student planning to study in Canada, it is important to research the provincial health coverage options in the province where you will be studying. You should also contact your educational institution to learn more about their health insurance requirements for international students.

As an international student, if you reside in other provinces, not mentioned above, you do not qualify for the provincial health system coverage and that means you must get private insurance to cover your medical-related costs while studying in Canada.

Frequently Asked Question

Can a parent(mother) apply for PR due to because she can’t leave her child behind when her study permit has expired?

No, a lawyer cannot help you apply for permanent residence (PR) due to your child's immigration status. Your child's immigration status does not exonerate you from leaving Canada if your visa expires. Kindly reapply for a visa instead of a lawyer.

There is no immigration pathway in Canada that allows parents to stay in Canada because they cannot leave their children behind. If your study permit expires, you must leave Canada, even if your child is a Canadian citizen.

If you want to stay in Canada permanently, you must apply for PR through one of the eligible pathways. You can find more information on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.