Financial Assistance and Loans

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, members of the Country of Asylum Class who have been identified as Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) cases, admitted to Canada as government-assisted refugees. These funds are given to help pay for

  • meeting the refugee at the airport or port of entry;
  • temporary accommodation;
  • help in finding permanent accommodation;
  • basic household items; and
  • general orientation to life in Canada.

This money is also used to provide the refugee with 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) is funded from the federal government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. Repayments on the loans replenish this fund. Loans are approved according to the applicant’s needs and ability to repay.

Loans are largely given to government-assisted or privately sponsored members of the Convention Refugees Abroad and Country of Asylum classes.

  • the costs of medical examinations abroad;
  • travel documents; and
  • transportation to Canada.

Assistance loans are also available to newcomers to cover expenses such as housing rental, telephone deposits and work tools.

Interest is charged on ILP loans. The interest rate is set each January by the Department of Finance.

Interim Federal Health Program

Citizenship and Immigration Canada funds the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Refugee claimants, resettled refugees, persons detained under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, victims of trafficking in persons and the in-Canada dependants of these groups who are unable to pay for health care are eligible for benefits under the IFHP until they become eligible for provincial/territorial or private health plan coverage.

Under the Interim Federal Health Program, resettled refugees with provincial/territorial health coverage are provided with supplemental coverage for one year from the date of entry to Canada. Supplemental coverage includes health-care benefits similar to those provided by provincial social assistance plans to social service recipients, such as drugs, dental and vision care. This coverage can be extended up to 24 months for recipients identified with special needs.

For more information on the Interim Federal Health Program, visit the CIC website or call the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.

Medavie Blue Cross administers the IFHP. More information on IFHP is available on Medavie’s website or at the Medavie Customer Information Centre at 1-888-614-1880.