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 are generally not OHIP-eligible while their claim is pending — during that time the federal IFHP covers basic health, but AccessOAP registration cannot happen without active OHIP. Confirm specifics with AccessOAP at 1-833-425-2445.
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 AccessOAP 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. Ontario removed the three-month waiting period in March 2020, so coverage starts once the application is approved. Confirm your own situation with ServiceOntario.
Refugee Claimants are generally not OHIP-eligible while their claim is pending; the federal Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides basic health coverage during that 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 — Ontario removed the three-month waiting period in March 2020, so coverage starts once your application is approved. Bring immigration documents and proof of Ontario residency.
Step 3: Confirm your autism diagnosis. OAP requires a DSM-5 ASD diagnosis. Contact AccessOAP about international documentation; a certified translation may be needed.
Step 4: Start at AccessOAP.ca or call AccessOAP at 1-833-425-2445 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm ET) the day your OHIP card is issued. 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
OHIP waiting period, OAP waitlist restart, no funding transfer from another province — what to expect when moving to Ontario with an autistic child.
Whether international autism diagnoses are accepted for Ontario OAP registration, including documentation requirements and steps when rejected.
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.
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
As of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents ~300% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate