How to Immigrate to Canada While Pregnant

Choosing Canada to have a baby could be a great choice. It offers world-class medical care, a supportive environment, financial support, and the opportunity to experience Canada's diverse culture. Canada is an excellent choice for expecting parents from the prenatal period to beyond.

However, there are obvious concerns for pregnant women travelling, and this is no exception when visiting or immigrating to Canada. The guideline for pregnant women travelling to Canada is that you can travel at any point throughout your pregnancy but not after the eighth month. Travelling to Canada is perfectly safe as long as there are no known issues or concerns with the pregnancy.

Pregnant women who want to travel are strongly advised to visit a healthcare professional at least six weeks before their anticipated departure date.

Travelling to Canada When You are Pregnant

The fact that a visa applicant is pregnant, unless it is medically risky, does not disqualify a woman from obtaining a Canadian visa. As a result, the prerequisites for this are as follows: all Temporary Resident Visas demand that you have adequate money to pay for your hospital stay in order to give birth.

The recommended safest time to travel for pregnant women is between 18 and 24 weeks. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allow travelling to the country but not after eight months of pregnancy.

A certified healthcare provider should confirm your decision to travel and provide adequate documentation. Considerations should be made for the destination of travel, planned activities and available medical care in transit. Travelling pregnant women should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance coverage, as many policies do not cover pregnancy-related conditions in transit and hospital care for premature infants.

Vaccines and Sickness

Before getting vaccinated, travelling pregnant women must first seek a medical opinion from certified health care providers, and written documentation should be provided. Remember, inactivated vaccines are considered to be much safer. During vaccination, a healthcare provider should consider personal health, destination, distance to be travelled and the present risk of contracting that particular disease.

If travelling from an area where malaria is present, pregnant women should take anti-malaria medications in consultation with a certified health care provider. The medicine taken must be provided with a written document and taken by the pregnant woman during transit. Malaria can cause many health problems for the mother and child. If you develop fever and other symptoms of Malaria, medical attention should be sought immediately and upon arrival.

Travelling by Air

As it is very likely that you will travel by air to Canada, there are a few things you must know:

• Usually, air travel is the safest option for pregnant women
• Nearly all airlines restrict travel in late pregnancy and require written confirmation from a certified medical practitioner.
• As pregnant women are more susceptible to developing blood clots, airlines allow pregnant women to walk around occasionally. Exercise and stretch your legs while seated, preferably taking an aisle seat.
• You should avoid high altitude exposure during pregnancy. Your health physician should make the necessary certifications for your travel depending on the altitude of countries during transit.

Safe Food and Water Protective Measures

Pregnant women should take extreme caution when travelling, especially regarding food and drinking water, as it can cause health risks to mother and child.

Drink only boiled water, and disinfect it if it is from a commercially sealed bottle. Wash hands after using the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food.

You should travel with a well-stocked health kit with infection medications, prenatal vitamins, etc. Your healthcare provider should provide you with specific recommendations.

Regulations Around Your Unborn Child

Travel Regulations and Visas

Pregnant passengers may typically fly safely. Pregnant women can travel safely up to 36 weeks gestation without medical or obstetrical concerns.

There is a type of Temporary Residence Visas that permits pregnant women to enter Canada only to give birth. This visa does not exclude pregnant women from entering Canada, and authorities considering the application consider the pregnancy but do not use it as a basis to refuse someone's visa.

I'm Expecting. Can I Postpone the Medical Checkup Until After I give Birth?

No. Even if you are pregnant, you must get a medical checkup.

Certain aspects of the exam, however, may be postponed until after you give birth. In such scenario, your application will only be considered once all necessary medical conditions have been satisfied.

You should discuss your alternatives with the panel physician who will complete your medical exam.

Maternity and Paternity Benefits

Employment Security, Maternity and parenting benefits give financial help to the following people:

• Individuals who are not working because they are pregnant or have recently given birth or;
• Parents who are not working because they are caring for their newborn or newly adopted child

You may also receive up to $650 weekly, or 55% of your profits.

Maternity payments can be paid for up to 15 weeks. Maternity payments are only available for 17 weeks following the predicted or actual week of labour, whichever is later.

The Benefits of Giving Birth in Canada

Having a baby is a momentous event, and many people want to ensure they can give their child the best start in life. Choosing the right location to give birth is vital, and Canada is one of the best places to have a baby. Here are just some of the benefits of giving birth in Canada.

Access to World-Class Medical Care

Canada is a leader in healthcare, providing world-class medical care to those in need. Giving birth in Canada will give your baby access to the best medical professionals and facilities. This level of medical care is especially important during the prenatal period to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and baby.

A Supportive Environment

Canada has a strong culture of support for pregnant women, mothers, and families. This is evident in the wide range of services and resources available to ensure pregnant women's and new mothers' health and well-being. From maternity care to breastfeeding support and postpartum depression counselling, many services are designed to ensure the best possible experience for both mother and baby.

Financial Support

Having a baby can be expensive, but Canada offers a range of financial support programs for pregnant women and families. These programs include maternity leave, parental leave, and child tax benefits. This helps to reduce some of the financial pressure that comes with having a baby, allowing parents to focus on their little one and ensuring their family’s financial security.

A Rich and Diverse Culture

Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and giving birth in Canada will give your baby access to a rich and diverse culture. This means they will be exposed to different perspectives, cultures, and people, helping to shape their outlook and worldview.

How We Can Help You

Want to immigrate to Canada with your family? Our professional consultants can guide you every step of the way. Find out if you’re eligible to immigrate to Canada through one of its many routes.

FAQs

Can I get a job in Canada if I am pregnant?

Even if you are pregnant, you can still find a job in Canada. Employers who discriminate against or refuse to hire pregnant women are breaking the law.

Can I travel to Canada alone to give birth?

Having birth in Canada does not violate any rules or limitations imposed on a temporary residence. As a result, no provision under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) allows a temporary residence visa (TRV) to be denied based on the applicant's intention to give birth in Canada.

Can I give birth for free in Canada?

The country's publicly financed healthcare system frequently pays birth costs for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and overseas immigrants. It is frequently free and may cost a few hundred dollars, depending on your desired medical service.