Clients must apply to IFHP to:

  • Acquire coverage if they have not done so before.
  • Renew IFHP coverage if coverage expired before April 10, 2016 and they are still eligible for coverage. As of April 10, 2016, the 12-month expiry date has been eliminated, so clients can continue to use their IFHP eligibility documents even after the expiry date on the document has passed, provided that the document is dated April 10, 2016 or later.
  • Request confirmation of coverage if the original IFHP eligibility document has been lost, stolen or destroyed. See “Prepare Your Application Package” below.

To apply for IFHP coverage complete the following steps:

1) Prepare the Application Package

The application for IFHP coverage should contain:

  • A completed Application for IFHP Coverage form (available at bit.do/ifhpapplication)
    • Complete all sections fully and truthfully
    • Only complete Section B if applying to confirm IFHP coverage in the case of lost or destroyed IFHP documents
    • Sections C and D are used to determine IFHP eligibility and coverage
    • A parent (or legal guardian) can complete and sign a copy of this application form for each child under 14 years of age
    • Applicants must sign the final section- Declaration of the Applicant.
  • Legible photocopy of ONE of the following documents:
    • Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD)
    • Interim Federal Health Certificate (IFHC)
    • Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
    • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
    • Single Journey Travel Document
    • Permanent Resident Card
    • Any other applicable documents issued to the client or his/her dependents by Canadian immigration authorities.

2) Submit the Application Package

  • Clients can apply online by creating a MyCIC account at bit.do/submitifhp and then selecting “Apply for the Interim Federal Health Program” under the heading “What would you like to do today?” The response to the application will be sent by email through the MyCIC account.
  • Clients can also apply by mail by sending all required documents in a package to the nearest Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) centre. Locations and mailing addresses can be found at http://www.bit.do/cicaddresses . The package should include:
    • The applicant’s name, address, and postal code in the upper left side
    • The recipient name (“Citizenship and Immigration Centre”), address and postal code
    • Sufficient postage

3) IFHP Application Review and Response

  • CIC will contact the applicant if an interview or more information or documents are required. The applicant will receive a response in 2-3 weeks as to whether or not the application is successful.

4) Contacting CIC

If there are changes in the client’s home address, family situation, or other factors in the application, the client can contact CIC via:

For any other questions regarding the application process, contact CIC:

For the most up-to-date information on how to apply for client IFHP coverage, please visit bit.do/cichowtoapply.