Refugee Resettlement and Settlement Programs in Canada Prepared by Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) International Organization for Migration (IOM) Table of Contents Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) -- Slide 3 Before Departure & Being a Permanent Resident -- Slides 4-8 Resettlement Programs -- Slides 9-39 Settlement Programs -- Slides Important Documents -- Slides Provincial and Federal Health Care -- Slides Immigration Loan Programs (ILP) -- Slides Glossary -- Slide 62 Service Provider Organizations (SPOs): Who Are They? Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) are important partners of the Government of Canada. SPOs are funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and various other Canadian stakeholders (Provincial and Territorial Governments, through charitable donations and private funding) to assist and facilitate the settlement and integration of newcomers. SPOs are typically non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). SPOs provide services for resettlement and settlement programs. They can assist newcomers (and new Canadian citizens as well, if required) from initial settlement to finding jobs and making connections in the community. Before Departure: Declare Changes Make sure that the Canadian Embassy is aware of your family composition, civil status, and if there have been any changes since your resettlement interview (marriage, divorce, birth, death, etc.) The One-Year Window of Opportunity Provisions allow you to sponsor family members in the year after you arrive in Canada. If you wish to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children under the One-Year Window of Opportunity Provisions, you must have declared them before resettling to Canada, without which, it may be impossible to ever do so. Individuals must have been a family member at the time of your application and continue to be a family member when a final decision on the One-Year Window application is made. REMEMBER: Declaring a change in your status or family composition will not jeopardize your resettlement to Canada. Before Departure: Bring Your Documents Bring all available documents with you: Birth, death (in the case of a deceased spouse), marriage certificate and divorce documents School records, description of college or university-level courses, diplomas Vaccination records, medical records, etc. Translation of documents can be done once you are in Canada, but there may be fees. Translation fees are not covered directly by CIC and may not be covered by SPOs. Resettled refugees become Permanent Residents upon arrival. Permanent Residents: Your Rights and Obligations As a Canadian Permanent Resident, you will: Have access to most social benefits, including partial or full health care coverage Be able to live, work or study anywhere in Canada Be able to apply for Canadian citizenship Be protected by the laws of Canada and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms As a Canadian Permanent Resident, you are expected to: Pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels Take care of yourself, your family, your community, Canadas heritage, and the natural environment Respect the rights and freedoms of all people in Canada, no matter their race, age, gender, religion or sexual orientation. In Canada, everyone is equal before the law. As a Canadian Permanent Resident, you will: Use financial assistance for what it is intended Return financial assistance you are not entitled to Attend any interview requested by CIC or MIDI Actively learn the language (English or French) as soon as you arrive, and even start before departure, if you can Look for employment If you are receiving income support from CIC or Sponsor, you will: Emploi-Qubec Inform CIC or Emploi-Qubec as well as your sponsors if you receive any employment income Report any changes in your family situation Give a one-month notice to CIC in case of a change of address Permanent Residents: Your Rights and Obligations Before you come to Canada: Always declare changes (birth, death, marriage, divorce, etc.) Dont be afraid to declare the changes. It will not jeopardize your resettlement to Canada. After you arrive in Canada: As a Permanent Resident, you have rights and obligations You can access free resettlement and settlement services funded by the Government of Canada and others SPOs are non-profit organizations that provide help and support to newcomers, including refugees Translation of documents may be provided free of charge by an SPO to support your settlement and integration Summary and Key Points CIC provides protection to thousands of refugees each year through its resettlement programs: Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) Program Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) Program The Province of Qubec offers similar programs, except for the Blended sponsorship. In Qubec, the Ministre de lImmigration, de la Diversit et de lInclusion (MIDI) is responsible for the selection, arrival and integration of immigrants. MIDI SPOs that receive CIC or MIDI funding are typically non-profit and NGOs. Resettlement Programs except Qubec GARs destined to all provinces except Qubec receive support through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP), which is funded and administered by CIC. Under RAP, GARs receive income support for up to 12 months, or until they become self-sufficient, whichever comes first. GARs are encouraged to seek employment once they arrive in Canada, even while receiving RAP income support. GARs are not required to pay back the income support they receive from the Government for the first 12 months, unless otherwise stated. GARs will receive their first payment from CIC while they are at the reception centre or while they are with the SPO responsible for them. After the first payment, they will receive monthly payments. Income support aims to be in accordance with provincial basic social assistance rates in the GARs province of residence. If still not employed after 12 months, one can apply for provincial social assistance. The income support is intended to cover basic needs and will not be enough to send money back home. Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) Program Your monthly income will be based on the size of your family and the age of all family members. Additional allowances may be provided to cover the costs of childrens school supplies, of special dietary needs due to a medical condition, and of particular needs during pregnancy or for a newborn. The first payment is meant to cover basic needs, such as: Rent and basic services (heating, electricity and telephone) Staple foods (flour, rice, sugar, etc.) Clothing (including winter outdoor clothes, if not already provided) Linen (bed covers, pillows, sheets, towels, if not already provided. Basic furniture, such as beds and a dining table (not including television, computer or living room furniture) REMEMBER: You will sign a legal agreement with the Government of Canada to use the money for these purposes only and not for anything else. If you lose or misuse this money, it will not be replaced. Additional costs from decisions such as moving to a new location may not be covered by the Government of Canada. Income Support for GARs Income Support for GARs Resettled in Qubec In Qubec: GARs receive support through provincial social assistance (Aide sociale) from the day of arrival, until they become employed. GARs will receive their first cheque a few days after arrival, and subsequent payments each month. Apart from the social assistance cheque, GARs will also receive a cheque from the MIDI a few days after arrival. This second cheque is meant to pay for basic needs, such as food, clothing, household goods, linen, etc. Social assistance payments will be adjusted according to the GARs level of income when he/she starts working. In Qubec, there are allowances for attending full-time French courses. There may be additional allowances for daycare and transportation. Montral In Qubec: Refugees will receive their Certificat de slection du Qubec (CSQ) from MIDI representatives upon arrival at the Montral airport. This document facilitates access to Government services (health, education, social assistance, etc.). Transportation from the Montral airport to the final destination is provided by MIDI (usually by bus). Additional Information for GARs resettled in Qubec French is the official language in Qubec. Free French language instruction is available after registering with the MIDI. There are 3 different language course formats: Regular full-time: 25 or 30 hours per week for 8 months Regular part-time: 4, 6, 9 or 12 hours per week during the day, evening or weekend Specialized courses: for those with specific language needs Qubec City in the winter time The Province of Qubec Emploi-Qubec Upon arrival, you will be asked by CIC or Emploi-Qubec to confirm how much money and/or assets you are bringing to Canada. You must declare all assets, valuables and money you have and/or expect to receive at a later date on the Declaration of Funds and Assets document. The immigration officer will assist you to complete this legal document. RAP income support is only affected if you bring more than: CAN $5,000 for the principal applicant CAN $2,500 per dependent, including spouse and children Working while receiving income support In Qubec: In Qubec: You can earn up to 200$(single) or 300$(couple) per month. Additional income will be deducted from your social assistance allowance. In other provinces: If your earned income is less than 50% of your monthly RAP income, it should not affect your income support payments. If your earned income is more than 50% of your monthly RAP income, your support will be decreased accordingly. Declaration of Funds and Assets Upon arrival at your final destination, staff from the local SPO or NGO will wait for you at the airport. In large cities, a staff member or interpreter will most likely be available to welcome you in your language. In small cities, it may be more difficult to locate a trained interpreter who speaks your language; however, every effort will be made to find one. The SPO or NGO will make arrangements to take you to your temporary accommodation. There are two types of temporary accommodation for GARs: reception centres or hotels. In places where there is no reception centre, you will be placed in a modest hotel. In Qubec, the first few days are generally spent in a hotel. An NGO will help you find permanent accommodation. Reception centres and hotels for GARs are all modest and clean. Reception Centres or Hotels for GARs Upon arrival, you may be provided with: New linen (if in a hotel, linen will be bought separately) Body soap, shampoo and other toiletries Baby formula, sanitary napkins and diapers Laundry detergent Access to laundry facilities at the reception centre or a laundromat near the hotel Reception centres and hotels offer various options for food: Cafeteria-style: Some reception centres provide home-cooked meals 3 times a day Private kitchenette: Some reception centres provide units with a kitchenette for your own use Eat-out: If staying at a hotel, no food will be provided on-site. You may be provided with vouchers or cash to eat at a place nearby. Reception Centres or Hotels for GARs Rooms vary in size Most rooms have a private sink Some reception centres offer rooms with a private bathroom Other centres provide shared bathrooms (shared with others of the same gender) Reception Centres: What to Expect? Some reception centres provide 3 meals a day, such as COSTI in Toronto Other centres, such as Welcome Place in Winnipeg, have apartments with a private kitchenette Most reception centres have coin-operated laundry machines so you can wash and dry your clothes Reception Centres: What to Expect? Temporary accommodation may be provided for a few days or weeks Meals and services will be available outside the hotel Hotels: What to Expect? Shortly after arrival, reception staff will provide GARs with an immediate orientation session. They will give welcome packages with essential information about settling in Canada and in their new city. Newcomers are encouraged to ask questions during these group sessions. Generally, it is necessary for refugees to leave the reception centre as soon as more permanent accommodation is found, in order to make room for other refugees who will be arriving. Refugees placed in reception centres will normally stay for 2-3 weeks before they find more permanent accommodation. Refugees staying in a hotel may have to leave sooner, possibly in less than a week. REMEMBER: After refugees leave the temporary accommodation, they are no longer entitled to stay in temporary accommodation again, even if they move to another city or province. Reception Centres or Hotels for GARs Moving Cities While GARs are free to move to another place in Canada, the Government of Canada encourages GARs to stay in the same place for at least one year. This will allow GARs to benefit from the services planned for them, such as assistance in securing permanent accommodation and in facilitating their move. In order to avoid any delays in receiving monthly income support, GARs are strongly encouraged to remain in the city to which they were destined. After refugees leave the temporary accommodation, they are no longer entitled to stay in temporary accommodation again, even if they move to another city or province. The Government of Canada is not responsible for any of the costs incurred during a secondary move. If you require further assistance after moving to your permanent accommodation, you may receive a life skills orientation. NOTE: This program is only offered to GARs and JAS cases, and does not apply to services offered in Qubec. This orientation is meant to help you cope with everyday things that may be unfamiliar to you, and help you transition into independent living. The following areas may be covered: Where to buy affordable food and find groceries familiar to you How to prepare nutritious meals, handle food in a hygienic manner, how to store food, etc. How to pay your bills How to make a budget and live on a fixed income Understanding the transit system and where to get tokens/passes Making and keeping appointments Information about your community Electricity and appliances Apartment rental issues Education and child care Life Skills Orientation After you have received a complete orientation, including an explanation of the RAP, and the RAP Income Support Agreement, you may have an interview with a CIC Officer or a SPO employee. The CIC Officer or SPO employee will explain your benefits and responsibilities. If needed, an interpreter will be provided. The interview is designed to explain the income support that you will receive as a GAR. The Income Support Agreement will be signed during the interview. It is important that you answer questions accurately and that you understand the details of the Income Support Agreement before you sign the documents. GARs Interview with a CIC Officer Questions that may be asked by the CIC Officer: How much money do you have? Do you expect to receive money from any other source? Do you have any other personal assets, such as gold or other valuables? What is your family composition? Do you understand the following conditions under which the Government promises to provide assistance to you? IMPORTANT: Make sure that you understand all of the clauses before you sign the agreement. RAP Agreement The income support for GARs is a privilege. Staff from the local SPO or NGO will be waiting for you at the airport. They will take you to your temporary accommodation where you will stay for a few days or weeks. Reception centre (in large cities) Hotel (in Qubec and small cities) First days: You will be provided with basic necessities, as well as receive an orientation session and welcome package. First weeks: You will sign the RAP Income Support Agreement. You will also receive help to look for more permanent accommodation. Emploi-Qubec. REMEMBER: In order to continue receiving your monthly income support, you must live in the city that was assigned to you. If you move, start or stop working, change your marital status, have a birth or a death in the family, you must report the changes to CIC or Emploi-Qubec. Key Points for GARs Through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can engage in the resettlement of refugees from abroad. As members of organizations, associations and groups, citizens and residents can sponsor refugees from abroad through Groups of Five, Community Sponsorship, and Sponsorship Agreement Holders. Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs) receive settlement support from their sponsors for up to 12 months, or until they become self-sufficient, whichever comes first. Sponsor-referred cases are usually initiated by private sponsors in Canada. Private sponsors submit the refugee sponsorship application for a refugee who is known to them. Sometimes however, private sponsors in Canada are advised about available Visa Office-Referred (VOR) cases. VOR cases refer to refugees who have been identified by Canadian Visa Officers overseas for resettlement to Canada. Private sponsors are alerted to their case and encouraged to sponsor them. Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program Sponsoring groups will provide care, lodging, settlement assistance and support for the duration of the sponsorship period. Sponsoring groups are responsible for the financial and emotional support of the refugees which they sponsor. Some sponsors, may have limited resources and rely heavily on donations. The financial support of sponsors is given on the basis of need. Refugees are expected to contribute to their own settlement costs. Both the sponsor and the sponsored refugee must fulfill their obligations. Private sponsors will: Receive you at the airport Arrange for your accommodation and provide you with basic furniture Provide adequate clothing (may include used clothing that is in good condition) Offer advice and provide orientation to your new community Assist you with local transportation Help you access local services, shopping, banking, etc. Register you and your family for health care, and help you find a family doctor and other required medical care Provide financial as well as social and emotional support Inform you of settlement services available in your community Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program SponsorsPrivately Sponsored Refugees Help you settle in Canada Offer settlement assistance to you during the period of sponsorship Provide you with financial support to cover living expenses Help you to apply for your Social Insurance Number, provincial health insurance card, etc. Do your part and work alongside your sponsor to become independent Be aware that your sponsors can only give you settlement assistance while you live in the same area or agreed place of resettlement You are not entitled to Government support, such as social assistance, during the period of your sponsorship Keep your medical, immigration, and other documents in a safe place (do not lose or give them to others) Responsibilities of Sponsors and PSRs SponsorsPrivately Sponsored Refugees Can help you enroll in English or French language classes Connect you with possible employers and help you look for a job Assist your family with school registration Make you aware of all available settlement services Counsel you on how to budget your money Be willing to learn English or French You are responsible for finding and maintaining a job You have an obligation to register and send your children to school You should make full use of the settlement services offered in your community Budget your expenses so that you can manage to live with the basic support you will receive Responsibilities of Sponsors and PSRs SponsorsPrivately Sponsored Refugees Can inform or remind you about your obligation to repay the immigration loan that you incurred to pay for the travel and medical fees Can offer you information and advice Your sponsorship group will typically consist of either committed volunteers, relatives and/or acquaintances in Canada You are responsible for repaying your immigration loan You must take responsibility to make your own decisions about your future You are not expected to pay your sponsor for resettling you to Canada Responsibilities of Sponsors and PSRs Government Assisted RefugeesPrivately Sponsored Refugees Referred by UNHCR or a similar referral organization Are usually referred by the sponsor SPO representative will pick you up at the airport Your sponsor will pick you up at the airport in the community of final destination On arrival, PSRs to Qubec are encouraged to go to the MIDI airport reception counter to receive integration services and information Income support provided and administered by the Government (CIC or Emploi-Qubec) Financial support provided and administered by the sponsoring group (relatives/group of citizens) Other financial support provided by the Government (i.e., allowances for attending MIDI French language classes) GARs and PSRs: Whats the Difference? Government Assisted RefugeesPrivately Sponsored Refugees Temporary accommodation for a few days or weeks at a reception centre or hotel Assistance with finding household goods and arranging furniture to be delivered to your accommodation Sponsors will bring you to your temporary accommodation, which will be identified prior to your arrival Permanent accommodation may be at your sponsors residence (a relative), in a house administered by the sponsor or in an apartment that will be provided for you GARs arriving between Oct. 15 and Apr. 15 will receive winter clothing, if they do not have these already Sponsors will help you find appropriate and affordable winter clothing Immediate and essential support and services are provided by SPOs or NGOs Immediate and essential support will be provided by the sponsoring group PSRs also have access to settlement services offered by SPOs GARs and PSRs: Whats the Difference? Your sponsor can only give you settlement assistance while you live in the same area or agreed place of resettlement. Your sponsor will be the main provider of care and support. You can also access settlement services offered by local SPOs immediately upon arrival. REMEMBER: Sponsorship is intended to lead refugees to self-sufficiency. Sponsoring groups are encouraged to help refugees find employment, however, they cannot force them to accept a job offer. Sponsors are, however, permitted to adjust their financial support downward if a refugee refuses to take a reasonable job offer. In Qubec, PSRs attending MIDI French language classes are eligible for an attendance allowance (up to $115 per week) during the first year of sponsorship. PSRs may also be eligible for child care allowance and travel or transportation allowance. Key Points for PSRs Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program Similar to Visa Office Referred refugees, the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program is designed to resettle refugees referred to Canadian visa offices abroad by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). It is a cost-sharing arrangement between Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and private sponsors. BVOR refugees are eligible to receive up to 6 months of RAP income support, with their sponsor providing another six months of financial support. Private sponsors will help them with basic necessities (i.e., food, housing, clothing), settlement, integration, moral and emotional support for the duration of the sponsorship period. BVORs are typically selected from refugee populations that the Government of Canada has identified as a priority for resettlement. Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) is a joint resettlement effort between private sponsoring groups and the Government of Canada. Refugees sponsored under JAS usually require more assistance and financial resources due to a medical condition or other special needs. Financial assistance is provided by the Government through the RAP, while private sponsors provide settlement help and emotional support to the refugee. RAP financial assistance can be provided to JAS refugees for up to 2 years. In exceptional cases, the private sponsor may provide support for up to 3 years. Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) Program PROGRAMSRAPSUPPORT DURATIONIFHP Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) Program Yes 12 months Federal Government Basic Coverage Supplemental Coverage Prescription Drug Coverage Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program No (except POE) 12 Months Private Sponsor Basic Coverage PHPD Coverage Blended VOR (BVOR) Program Yes, for 6 months 12 Months 6 Months Government (only financial) 6 Months Sponsor Basic Coverage Supplemental Coverage Prescription Drug Coverage Receive full coverage for 12 months Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) Program Yes 24 months Finances: Government Settlement Support: Sponsor Basic Coverage Supplemental Coverage Prescription Drug Coverage Summary of the Resettlement Programs Assistance upon arrival at the airport: Some SPOs offer services at Canadas main airports, such as Immigration Reception and Information Services (IRIS) at Toronto Pearson International Airport and Community Airport Newcomers Network (CANN) at Vancouver International Airport. Outside major cities, either SPOs or the sponsors will meet you at to the airport to bring you to your temporary accommodation. MIDI has an office at Montrals Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport to welcome and assist newcomers. Connecting flights: Assistance will be provided if you have a connecting flight, or if you need to book a hotel (in the event that the departure of your connecting flight is the next day). The hotel costs will be added to your transportation loan. REMEMBER: The baggage allowance for domestic flights is reduced, so you may incur additional fees. Services for Newcomers at Select Airports CIC funds an extensive network of immigrant service providing organizations that are able to provide settlement advice and assistance to newcomers. Many provincial Governments also provide support to immigrants. Most cities have settlement organizations that help newcomers begin their life in Canada. Some organizations offer all these services directly, and some will link you to other agencies that can help. How to find settlement services in your community: CIC Living in Canada Tool:CIC Services for Newcomers:Immigrate and settle in Qubec Immigrate and settle in Qubec:quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/refugees-other/index.html Speak with your settlement counsellor and/or sponsor Settlement Services for Newcomers Settlement services Settlement services are free for permanent residents. Note that education is not considered a settlement service, although settlement services are sometimes offered in public libraries, schools or community centres. Needs assessment and referral services: Help newcomers understand their settlement needs and develop a settlement plan; leading to referrals to settlement and other community-based services. Information and orientation: Help newcomers make decisions about their settlement and understand life in Canada. Language instruction: Help newcomers develop official language skills to live and work in Canada. Employment-related services: Help newcomers find jobs based on their skills and education. Community connections: Help establish social and professional networks so newcomers become involved in their communities. Support services: Child-minding, transportation assistance, interpretation and translation and other support services may be offered by settlement service provider organizations. Settlement Services Needs assessments and referral services: Needs assessments and referrals help to identify services that will be useful to your settlement. You could be referred to other services such as: Language classes Health care services Employment services Counselling services Education services Needs assessment and referrals are usually conducted through developing a settlement plan (or assessment) early on with a receiving SPO. Information and orientation: Information sessions and workshops on a variety of topics: Life in Canada (dressing for winter, heating, etc.) Employment (writing a rsum, preparing for a job interview, etc.) Education (school system, adult education, child care, etc.) Housing (types of accommodation, looking for rentals, laws, etc.) Money (taxes, banking, budgeting, etc.) Services in the community (public transportation, shopping, etc.) Rights and responsibilities (Canadian laws, gender equality, etc.) Some SPOs may be able to provide services in your first language. Settlement Services Language training: Free English (LINC) or French (CLIC) language instruction programs are available for all adults. Programs are flexible and they can be offered on a full-time or part-time basis, in-person (in a classroom) or online. Language assessments (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are made to determine the newcomers language level. Placement tests can be done at LINC/CLIC assessment centres: LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) CLIC (Cours de langue pour immigrants au Canada) Some programs may have a waiting list, so it is recommended to sign up right away. Language classes can orient newcomers and facilitate social, cultural, and economic integration by including information about life in Canada and specific information about the city and province where they are. Settlement Services Employment-related services: Employment-related services will vary depending on the community or SPO. SPOs can assist newcomers determine which services can best meet their needs. Some employment-related services include: Assistance with writing a rsum and cover letter How to fill out a job application Research about local employers and labour market information Job-search tips and interview skills Job-specific language training for newcomers with a high level of English or French (example: medical terms for a nursing position) How to find jobs that match skills and qualifications Mentoring or short-term job placements Connecting with employers (networking, job fairs, etc.) Settlement Services Community connections: Foster active and meaningful connections between newcomers and host communities. Enable newcomers to develop a sense of belonging while helping communities better understand the contributions of newcomers. Activities include: Settlement workers in public institutions (e.g. schools and libraries) Community-based group events and activities (e.g. field trips, recreational events) Targeted matching and networking (e.g. conversation circles, individual and group matching, homework clubs, youth engagement) Settlement Services Support Services: Support services are available for many of the challenges you may face with your resettlement. Services are available if: You have a disability You need assistance with transportation to settlement programs You require translation and interpretation services Short-term crises counselling services which deal with personal or family crises you may face during your settlement are available. These counsellors may refer you to more targeted, publicly-available services. Information and orientation ISANS Halifax, Nova Scotia LINC language class Ottawa, Ontario Employment support ICA Victoria, British Columbia Community connections Toronto North LIP Toronto, Ontario Settlement Services and SPOs The first few days in Canada will be busy. The SPO or your sponsors will assist you to obtain important documents, apply for benefits and services, and other important matters. In the case of children, the SPO will help you with school registration. Social Insurance Number (SIN): Important to apply for a SIN right away Required by the Government to participate in all benefit programs Required by employers, and others, for income tax purposes Provincial health insurance: Required to get free medical services from doctors, clinics, hospitals, etc. Application should be submitted right away as there may be a waiting period (maximum 3 months) for the health insurance to start The SPO or your sponsors may also help you: apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB); open a bank account ; apply for immigration of your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children under the One-Year Window of Opportunity Provisions. Obtaining Important Documents Social Insurance Number (SIN) Ontario Health Card Qubec Health CardBritish Columbia Health Card Important Documents After completing all of the arrival procedures in Canada, you will become a Permanent Resident (PR). The Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) is your document and you should never lose it or throw it away. It is a lifetime proof of your original entry to Canada. You will also need to present it to the Government to apply for certain benefits and services, such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Your PR card will be mailed to the address that appears on your Confirmation of Permanent Residence. If the address has changed, please inform the authorities at the Port of Entry in Canada. If you do not know the address, the PR card can be sent to a SPO in your area. Permanent Resident (PR) Card The PR card is mailed about 6-8 weeks after your arrival in Canada. It is the official proof of your status as a Permanent Resident in Canada. This wallet-sized plastic PR card is required for all Permanent Residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada and it will serve as one of your main identity documents. If your PR card is lost, the IMM 5292 document is required in order to apply for another one. Your PR card expires in 5 years, but your PR status does not expire with it. Before the expiry date, you should begin the process of applying for a new card. You will need to provide proof that you met the residency requirements (currently 730 days within each 5-year period ). The PR card is not a travel document; however, if you leave the country, you will need to show this card in order to return to Canada. As a PR, you will need to use your existing passport to travel outside of the country. If you have no passport or, in any other special circumstances, you can apply for a Canadian travel document. You will need to follow the visa requirements established between the country you plan to visit and the country that issued your passport. When planning to travel, if you are still receiving income support from your sponsors, from RAP, or from social assistance, you must notify the administrators of your financial support. They will adjust your income support for the duration of your stay outside of Canada, if appropriate. While you are receiving income support, it is very likely that you will not be able to afford to travel outside of Canada as the costs can be prohibitive. Extended absences from Canada could jeopardize your Permanent Resident status. Additionally, returning to your home country could result in a CIC investigation and a cessation application of your refugee protection. Traveling Outside of Canada As a PR, you are entitled to provincial/territorial health insurance. Most medical costs are covered by the health care system, such as doctor visits, medical tests, emergency care, vaccinations, hospital stays, etc. In some places you will be eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance upon arrival. In other jurisdictions, such as British Columbia, Ontario, Qubec, Nunavut and Yukon Territories, there will be a waiting period (maximum 3 months). In addition to provincial/territorial health insurance, you may be also eligible for temporary coverage under the Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program. The type of health insurance coverage and duration depends on your sponsorship category. It is recommended that you bring a three-month supply of medication as well as a doctors prescription for the medication you are bringing with you to Canada. Provincial Health Insurance Qubec Under the IFH Program Resettled refugees who are or were receiving monthly income support through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) or its equivalent in Qubec are eligible for IFHP type 1 coverage: Government-Assisted Refugees Joint Assistance Sponsorship Program Refugees Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees Certain people who are being resettled in Canada as a result of a public policy or humanitarian and compassionate considerations on the CIC Ministers own initiative Certain refugees sponsored by organizations with whom CIC has entered into cost-sharing agreements Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program Type 1 Coverage includes: Basic coverage, which is available until they become eligible for provincial health insurance, including: Hospital services Services of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals Laboratory, diagnostic and ambulance services While receiving RAP income support or the equivalent in Qubec, they can also receive supplemental health care benefits for up to maximum of two years from arrival, including: Prescribed medication and other pharmacy products Limited dental and vision care Prosthetics and devices to assist mobility Home care and long-term care Psychological counselling provided by a registered clinical psychologist Post-arrival health assessments Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program Privately Sponsored Refugees who do not receive and have not received monthly income support through the RAP, or its equivalent in Qubec, are eligible for IFHP type 3 coverage. Type 3 includes: Basic Coverage, which is available until they become eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance, including: Hospital services Services of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals Laboratory, diagnostic and ambulance services Public Health or Public Safety (PHPS) Prescription Drug Coverage, which includes prescription medications and related products, only if required to prevent or treat a disease posing a risk to public health or to treat a condition of public safety concern. These medications and vaccines are covered for the duration of the sponsorship. Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program The Immigration Loan Program (ILP) usually covers the medical assessment fees incurred during the overseas processing of your resettlement to Canada, and the transportation fees from your point of departure to your final destination in Canada. Interest is charged and you are responsible to repay the loan as soon as possible. The interest rate established for 2015 is 1.38%. There is an interest-free period (1 to 3 years) for the loan payment. The time allotted for payment depends on the loan amount. Generally, the time given to completely pay the loan is from one to six years. The maximum loan amount is CAD $10,000. Immigration Loan Programs (ILP) Within a few months of arrival in Canada, you will receive a statement from the collection services of CIC. The statement will show the balance owing, how much to pay and when to begin making payments. If you do not receive this letter, contact CIC or inform your SPO. You must officially notify CIC if you are not able to meet the repayment terms of the loan. Arrangements can be made to reduce the amount of the monthly payments. You may also start making the loan payment right away: By making a deposit to CIC through your bank, or By sending your payments by mail to CIC (contact details are included on the loan document you receive abroad) REMEMBER: Payments must be accompanied by one of the following: A copy of your loan document Your loan number Your file number from the Canadian Embassy Immigration Loan Programs (ILP) All newcomers are strongly encouraged to access settlement services. The SPOs are there to help you. Use them! Language instruction is very important. It will help you to integrate into the community and to find employment. Take care of your documents and keep them in a safe place, especially your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292). Apply for all important documents, benefits and services as soon as possible. Apply for your provincial or territorial health insurance card right away. If you are taking medication on a regular basis, bring a three-month supply and the prescription from your doctor abroad. REMEMBER: A few weeks or months after you arrive, you will start to repay your immigration loan. Summary and Key Points Questions? Refugee Resettlement and Settlement Programs in Canada Prepared by Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) International Organization for Migration (IOM) Glossary BVORBlended Visa Office-Referred CANNCommunity Airport Newcomers Network CICCitizenship and Immigration Canada COSTICentro Organizzativo Scuole Tecniche Italiane CPPCanada Pension Plan CSQCertificat de slection du Qubec GARGovernment-Assisted Refugee IFHInterim Federal Health Program ILPImmigration Loan Programs IRISImmigration Reception and Information Services JASJoint Assistance Sponsorship Program MIDIMinistre de lImmigration, de la Diversit et de lInclusion NGONon-Governmental Organization PRPermanent Resident PSRPrivately Sponsored Refugee RAPResettlement Assistance Program SINSocial Insurance Number SPOService Provider Organizations VORVisa Office-Referred