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Direct answer
Yes — but OHIP eligibility must come first. OAP requires DSM-5 ASD diagnosis, child under 18, Ontario residency, and active OHIP. Government-Assisted Refugees receive OHIP from day one. Convention Refugees and Protected Persons are eligible for OHIP and therefore OAP. Refugee Claimants face a 3-month OHIP waiting period — during that time the federal IFHP covers basic health, but <a href="/oap-funding-guide" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline font-medium">AccessOAP</a> registration cannot happen without active OHIP. Confirm specifics with AccessOAP at 1-844-727-8376.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
The Ontario Autism Program requires an active Ontario health card (OHIP) for registration. OHIP eligibility for newcomers varies based on immigration status.
Step 1: Determine OHIP eligibility. Contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-268-1154.
The Ontario Autism Program requires an active Ontario health card (OHIP) for registration. OHIP eligibility for newcomers varies based on immigration status.
Government-Assisted Refugees receive OHIP from day one in Ontario. No waiting period applies. Apply for OAP registration with <a href="/oap-funding-guide" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline font-medium">AccessOAP</a> as soon as you have an OHIP card and a confirmed DSM-5 ASD diagnosis.
Convention Refugees and Protected Persons are eligible for OHIP once permanent resident or protected person status is granted. A 3-month waiting period may apply in some cases. Confirm with ServiceOntario.
Refugee Claimants face a 3-month OHIP waiting period from the date they apply. The federal Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides basic health coverage during this time. OAP registration cannot be initiated while covered only by IFHP.
Privately Sponsored Refugees are eligible for OHIP and typically do not face a waiting period.
Step 1: Determine OHIP eligibility. Contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-268-1154.
Step 2: Apply for OHIP as soon as you arrive. The 3-month waiting period starts from the application date. Bring immigration documents and proof of Ontario residency.
Step 3: Confirm your autism diagnosis. OAP requires a DSM-5 ASD diagnosis. Contact <a href="/oap-funding-guide" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline font-medium">AccessOAP</a> about international documentation; a certified translation may be needed.
Step 4: Register with <a href="/oap-funding-guide" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline font-medium">AccessOAP</a> the day your OHIP card is issued at accessoap.ca or 1-844-727-8376. AccessOAP supports are available in multiple languages.
Settlement agencies including ACCES Employment, COSTI, WoodGreen, and the Toronto Newcomer Office help newcomer families navigate Ontario's health system.
MCCSS
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services — OAP eligibility
ServiceOntario
OHIP eligibility for newcomers — 1-800-268-1154
IRCC
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — Interim Federal Health Program
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
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