Quebec couple faces $20,000 birth costs after work permit delay

A Quebec City couple nearing the birth of their second child may have to pay up to $20,000 for delivery because a delayed work-permit renewal left them without provincial health coverage.

Noémie Reine and Jérémie Seguin, who moved from France three years ago, are expecting their second child in a few weeks but risk a $20,000 medical bill because their Quebec health insurance was terminated after Seguin's work permit was revoked on June 19. Although the federal government approved a new permit at the end of July, the online status has not been updated, and the RAMQ revoked their coverage retroactively, also affecting Reine whose eligibility is tied to Seguin's permit.

The couple received confirmation of the renewed permit but still lack proof to restore insurance, leaving them to seek urgent clarification from the RAMQ. Their immigration lawyer notes that such delays have become common, with labour-market impact assessments now taking two to six months. The RAMQ acknowledges possible lag between permit revocation and its notification, urging families to submit renewal proof promptly to avoid further charges.