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Financial assistance – Refugees
2-07-2017
The Canadian government has several programs to help refugees establish themselves in their new home.
Resettlement Assistance Program
Resettlement assistance is provided by the Government of Canada to Convention Refugees Abroad and, in some instances, to members of the Country of Asylum Class who have been identified as refugees with special needs and who have been admitted to Canada as government-assisted refugees. Refugees who claimed refugee protection from inside Canada are not eligible for this program. These funds are used to help pay for:
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meeting the refugee at the airport or port of entry;
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temporary accommodation;
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help in finding permanent accommodation;
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basic household items; and
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general orientation to life in Canada.
This money is also used to give the refugee income support for up to one year or until that person becomes self-sufficient, whichever comes first.
Immigration Loans Program
The Immigration Loans Program (ILP) helps government-assisted and privately sponsored members of the Convention Refugees Abroad and Country of Asylum. The ILP covers:
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costs of medical examinations abroad;
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travel documents; and
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transportation to Canada.
Loans are approved according to the applicant’s needs and ability to repay.
Assistance loans are also available to newcomers to cover expenses such as rental housing, telephone deposits and work tools.
Interest is charged on ILP loans. The interest rate is set each January by the Department of Finance.
Repaying your immigration loan
At any time, people facing hardships can request a review of their repayment arrangement.
If you need to talk to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or want to request a review of your repayment arrangement, you can contact IRCC-Finance by:
Telephone
Toll free: 1-800-667-7301,
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Eastern Standard time)
Please have your loan documents available when you call.
Email, fax or mail
Email: collection@cic.gc.ca
Facsimile: 819-934-3884
Mailing address: 365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa Ontario, K1A 1L1
Please clearly describe your situation and specify exactly what would like us to consider. Include your PAYEE number (located in the bottom right section of your statement) so that we can access your file.
Note that IRCC-Finance is available to discuss your immigration loan only. Information on other topics such as permanent resident cards, application status, and travel documents is available online.
Footnotes: Footnotes: This column is presented as a general source of information only and is not intended as a solicitation for business. Mohammed Yasin, CPA,CGA, is the principal of M. Yasin & Co. Inc., Certified General Accountants and has offices in Vancouver & Surrey,B.C.
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