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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 to Convention Refugees Abroad and members of the Source Country Class, and in some instances, members of the Country of Asylum Class, 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, Country of Asylum and Source Country classes. The loans may be approved to pay for:

• 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 administers the Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program. Refugees are eligible for full benefits under the IFH Program until their provincial health plan coverage begins. Once provincial coverage has started, refugees are eligible for supplemental coverage under the IFH Program, which covers emergency dental, vision and pharmaceutical care. For more information on the IFH, see the FAS Benefit Administrators Ltd. Web site.

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