If you are a Canadian citizen applying for a Working Holiday Visa to France and you live in the province of Quebec, you’ll need to present a letter from RAMQ. It is listed as a requirement by French visa authorities.
But what exactly is this letter, why is it required, and how does one obtain it?
This article will walk you through everything you need to know.
The RAMQ Letter
The “RAMQ letter” refers to a document confirming that you will remain covered by the RAMQ during your stay abroad.
Once every seven years, Quebec residents are allowed to be away from Québec 183 days or more in a given calendar year, while maintaining RAMQ coverage. This is called the année septennale, or the 7-year provision. Source.
Provided they would normally be covered in Quebec, professional services such as visits to a physician, dentist, or optometrist are covered by the RAMQ. You will be reimbursed up to the rates in effect in Quebec.
Hospital services are also covered. This includes services received during a stay in hospital.
To request reimbursement from the RAMQ, visit the reimbursement page. The usual processing time for a reimbursement claim is 55 days.
Requirement for the France Working Holiday Visa
For the France Working Holiday Visa, the RAMQ letter is listed as a required document for Quebec residents. See the image below, which shows the documents that Canadian citizens must provide.
As shown, Quebec residents (but not Canadians from other provinces) may purchase repatriation insurance instead of medical insurance, provided they can show proof of coverage under the RAMQ’s 7-year provision.
Yes. If you have a RAMQ 7-year provision letter, you may choose between purchasing comprehensive medical insurance (medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation) or repatriation insurance only. However, you cannot forgo private insurance altogether. This requirement is clearly stated on France-Visas.
How to Obtain the RAMQ 7-Year Provision Letter
First, you’ll need to obtain the Temporary Departure from Quebec form.
This form can only be requested by calling the RAMQ. It is not available online.
You’ll need to call one of the following numbers:
The RAMQ will then mail you the appropriate form to complete. Please note that delivery of the form to your address generally takes 7 to 10 business days.
Once you’ve completed the form, mail it to the address indicated at the bottom. You will then receive your RAMQ confirmation letter.
If You Don’t Receive Your RAMQ Letter in Time
Be sure to allow plenty of time for processing. However, if your appointment at VFS Global (the third-party service provider that collects applications) is approaching and you still haven’t received your RAMQ letter, don’t panic.
According to reports from previous Working Holiday Visa applicants, you can submit the letter to the VFS centre by email after your appointment.
If You’ve Already Used Your 7-Year Provision
Some of you may already have spent an extended period outside Quebec and therefore used your 7-year provision.
As a reminder, the RAMQ’s 7-year provision may only be used once every seven years.
If this applies to you, you’ll be required to purchase comprehensive medical insurance, such as Globe WHV, for the entire duration of your Working Holiday stay in France (which is also our recommendation for all applicants from Quebec). It is not sufficient for you to purchase just repatriation insurance.
To prove that you’ve already used your 7-year provision, simply provide the confirmation letter you received previously.
During Your Second Year in France
The France–Canada Youth Mobility Agreement allows Canadian citizens to remain in France for up to two years under the youth mobility program.
However, the Working Holiday Visa issued to you is valid for only 12 months. To stay for a second year, you’ll need to apply for an autorisation provisoire de séjour through your local prefecture before your visa expires.
Because the RAMQ’s 7-year provision only covers one year, you will no longer be eligible for Quebec health insurance during your second year in France. You will therefore need to purchase comprehensive medical insurance, such as Globe WHV, covering medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation when applying for your second year.
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