Settlement journey for refugees in Canada

The content below is offered in PDF format. For more information or to download the appropriate viewer, check the Help page.

Arriving in Canada

Refugees are welcomed at the airport by their sponsors or by local Service Provider Organizations.
Refugees are provided temporary housing, food and clothing ensuring essential needs are met.
Canada’s recently restored Interim Federal Health Program takes care of refugees arriving with health issues until they receive provincial health coverage.
Refugees sign up for orientation and learn about life in Canada.

Financial assistance is offered to those refugees in need for up to one year to help them settle in Canada by the federal government or private sponsors.
A range of settlement services are available to all newcomers to help them adapt to life in Canada.
Service Provider Organizations provide English or French language classes, orientation, and help newcomers in finding work and getting their foreign credentials recognized.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada supports youth and kids in schools across Canada through the Settlement Workers in Schools initiative.

Language training and other settlement services continue to be available until the refugee becomes a Canadian citizen.
Not all refugees can support themselves right away. For those who need continued support, P/T social assistance programs are available.
The long-term success of all refugees to Canada improves over time and is even more pronounced in the second generation.