Programs & Services for
Refugees in Canada
Explore government and NGO programs designed to support refugees and asylum seekers during settlement and integration in Canada.
Canada offers various programs and services to support refugees and asylum seekers during their settlement. These programs provide financial assistance, language training, healthcare, and settlement support. Below is a comprehensive guide to the main programs available.
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Provides financial and settlement support to government-assisted refugees and privately sponsored refugees during their initial settlement period in Canada.
Eligibility:
Government-assisted refugees and privately sponsored refugees in Canada for the first 12 months of arrival.
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Provides temporary health coverage to eligible refugees, refugee claimants, and other specified groups, including basic healthcare, emergency dental, vision care, and mental health services.
Eligibility:
Refugee claimants, protected persons awaiting permanent residence, and government-assisted refugees.
Immigration Loans Program (ILP)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Provides loans to help refugees and protected persons pay immigration application fees and cover transportation costs for moving to Canada or to another province/territory.
Eligibility:
Refugees and protected persons who need financial assistance with immigration costs.
Language Training (LINC/CLIC)
Various provincial and federal programs
Free or subsidized English or French language training programs specifically designed for immigrants and refugees, helping with settlement and employment preparation.
Eligibility:
Newcomers, including refugees and refugee claimants, who require language training.
Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Provides free online pre-arrival information to help refugees, protected persons, and newly arrived immigrants prepare for life in Canada before they arrive.
Eligibility:
Government-assisted refugees, privately sponsored refugees, and protected persons approved for permanent residence.
Canadian Orientation Abroad
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Provides orientation sessions to help refugees and other newcomers understand Canadian culture, rights, responsibilities, and settlement services before arrival.
Eligibility:
Government-assisted refugees and other designated groups before entering Canada.
Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents, or organizations, to sponsor refugees and help them settle in Canada by providing financial and social support.
Eligibility:
Sponsored refugees must meet refugee definition and be referred by UNHCR or another authorized organization.
Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Canada accepts refugees for resettlement based on UNHCR referral. The government provides processing, sponsorship, and settlement support for selected refugees.
Eligibility:
Refugees referred by UNHCR and selected through the government selection process.
Blended Visa Office-Referred (Blended VOR)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
A hybrid program that combines government selection and private sponsorship, allowing private sponsors to supplement government support for refugees.
Eligibility:
Refugees selected through the blended process with private sponsor involvement.
Refugee Claimants Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Allows rejected refugee claimants to request an assessment of risks to their personal safety if removed from Canada, including torture, cruel treatment, or danger to life.
Eligibility:
Refugee claimants whose claims have been rejected and who are facing removal from Canada.
Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) & Private Sponsors
A partnership program where the government and private sponsors jointly sponsor refugees, combining government financial support with private sponsor involvement and commitment.
Eligibility:
Refugees selected for the JAS program with approved private sponsors.
Welcome Place / Reception Centres
Various organizations (managed by settlement agencies)
Provides temporary accommodation, orientation, and support services for newly arrived government-assisted and privately sponsored refugees during their initial settlement period.
Eligibility:
Government-assisted refugees and some privately sponsored refugees upon arrival in Canada.
Important Information
Eligibility Varies by Program
Eligibility depends on your immigration status, the stage of your claim, and your province of residence. Contact the program directly for specific eligibility requirements.
Application Processes Vary
Each program has different application procedures and timelines. The links provided above contain official government information and application details.
Provincial Differences
Some programs, such as language training and settlement services, are also supported by provincial governments. Availability and details may vary by province.
Get Legal Help
If you need assistance with applications or understanding program requirements, consider consulting with a refugee lawyer or RCIC. Many may offer initial consultations at no cost.