Details on transfer payment programs
Transfer payment programs spending of $5 million or more
Canada-Quebec Accord Grant / Subvention versée en vertu de l’Accord Canada-Québec
General information
Start date:
Financial compensation to the province (in the form of a grant) is based on the Canada-Québec Accord relating to Immigration and Temporary Admission of Aliens, which came into force on April 1, 1991.
End date:
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment:
Grant
Type of appropriation:
The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions:
Ongoing
Link to departmental result:
Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports
Link to Department’s program inventory:
Settlement
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, signed in 1991, Canada has devolved settlement and integration responsibility to Quebec, and provides Quebec with an annual grant that notionally covers settlement and integration services to permanent residents in the province.
The objectives of the Accord are the preservation of Quebec’s demographic importance within Canada; and the integration of immigrants into that province in a manner that respects the distinct identity of Quebec.
Under the Accord, Canada is responsible for defining overall immigration objectives, national immigration levels and admissibility, selecting applicants in the family sponsorship class and protected person class, determining refugee status in Canada, and granting citizenship. The Accord provides Quebec with exclusive responsibility for selecting economic immigrants destined to the province (with admissibility decision resting with Canada) and for resettled refugees destined to the province (amongst individuals identified as refugees from abroad by Canada), as well as the settlement and integration of all permanent residents. This program uses transfer payment funding from the grant for the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration.
In accordance with section 26 and Annex B of the Canada-Quebec Accord, Canada is required to provide compensation to Quebec for these services, where it is established that:
- the reception and integration services (referred to in sections 24 and 25 of the Accord) offered by Quebec correspond, when considered in their entirety, to those offered by Canada in the rest of the country; and
- those services are offered without discrimination to any permanent resident in the province, whether or not that permanent resident has been selected by Quebec.
Results achieved:
The Government of Quebec is responsible for developing and publishing its own immigration legislation and policies. It reports to the provincial National Assembly on its own expected results related to immigration.
While Quebec has jurisdiction over reception and integration of immigrants destined to the province, the Accord specifies that the services covered by the grant must correspond to services offered by Canada in the rest of the country. To that end, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) Joint Committee (Comité mixte) has the mandate to “study, at least once a year, reception and integration services provided by Canada and Quebec” (Annex A, sections 3(g) and 23(b)) and to ensure that comparable services continue to be offered to newcomers across the country. The comparative study is currently conducted biennially, as per the Joint Committee’s decision in 2017, which the committee upheld in 2023.
Since 2014, the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee has tabled seven comparative studies that show reception and integration services for newcomers to be generally comparable in both jurisdictions, therefore meeting the requirements of the Accord.
The last comparative study covering the 2022–23 reporting period was approved at the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee meeting on December 7, 2023. The study demonstrated that during the reporting period, both orders of government resumed in-person service delivery and focused on continuing to adopt digital innovation and to align programming with changing immigration realities. The study continued to use the methodology developed jointly with Quebec in 2020–21, including indicators of comparison to better understand the comparability of services in both jurisdictions, which will continue to be used as a baseline for future comparisons. The next biennial study covering the 2024–25 reporting period has been launched with Quebec in June 2025 and is expected to be tabled at the Joint Committee in Fall 2025.
Findings of audits completed in 2024–25:
Not applicable (N/A)
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25:
Next evaluation is planned for 2026–27.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:
As required by the Canada-Quebec Accord, IRCC and MIFI meet on an annual basis to coordinate the implementation of Canada’s and Quebec’s policies related to the immigration and integration objectives outlined in the Accord. The most recent Joint Committee was held in Montreal in January 2025. Intergovernmental meetings were also held on a biweekly basis.
As required by the Canada-Quebec Accord, IRCC and MIFI also meet regularly to coordinate the implementation of the Accord. In 2024, IRCC and MIFI agreed to meet quarterly, and the most recent Comité d’application was held in May 2025.
Under the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee, bilateral engagement continues to ensure that reception and integration services offered by Canada and Quebec are comparable.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022–23 Actual spending |
2023–24 Actual spending |
2024–25 Planned spending |
2024–25 Total authorities available for use |
2024–25 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 726,729,000 | 775,064,000 | 775,064,000 | 867,335,000 | 867,335,000 | 92,271,000 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 726,729,000 | 775,064,000 | 775,064,000 | 867,335,000 | 867,335,000 | 92,271,000 |
Explanation of variance:
Actual spending is higher than planned due to adjustment in the final payment. The final payment is based on a formula in the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration.
Francophone Immigration Support Program
General information
Start date:
December 18, 2023
End date:
March 31, 2028
Type of transfer payment:
Grants and Contributions
Type of appropriation:
The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions:
2023–24
Link to departmental results:
- Entry to Canada of eligible visitors, international students and temporary workers is facilitated
- Facilitation of temporary entry helps to generate economic benefits
- Potential permanent residents admitted to Canada, outside Quebec, who identify as French-speaking
- Immigrants and refugees achieve economic independence and contribute to labour force growth
Link to the department’s Program Inventory:
Settlement
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
This Program aims to better integrate the Francophone lens into the immigration continuum by strengthening the engagement of Francophone communities in activities promoting Francophone minority communities (FMCs) abroad, activities promoting immigration programs and activities aimed at identifying, supporting and recruiting French-speaking candidates to immigrate to Canada.
Results achieved:
In 2024–25, the Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration (CIFI) funded 13 projects, representing an investment of approximately $10.2 million under the Francophone Immigration Support Program. This investment supported the program’s three core activity streams: 1) Collaborative selection projects; 2) Promotion of FMCs abroad; and 3) Case studies, innovation and applied research.
These projects aim to strengthen FMCs, by reducing barriers to Francophone immigration, promoting these communities and immigration programmes overseas and facilitating the recruitment of French-speaking candidates.
Immediate outcomes in 2024–25 included:
- Helped to develop strategies and recruitment efforts to address critical shortages of qualified French-speaking workers in various sectors critical to FMCs, notably in education and early childhood education;
- Informed French-speaking candidates about immigration pathways in FMCs;
- Supported partnerships between provincial governments and Francophone organizations to implement coordinated recruitment approaches, align training pathways and improve credential recognition; and
- Launched targeted studies to better understand systemic barriers and inform immigration policies and programs.
Findings of audits completed in 2024–25:
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25:
Next evaluation is planned for 2026–27.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:
In 2024–25, the CIFI engaged a wide range of stakeholders through established mechanisms such as the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration, the IRCC-CFSM table (Communautés francophones en situation minoritaire), Francophone organisations, post-secondary institutions, and economic development organizations outside of Quebec. More specifically, with respect to the recruitment of French-speaking teachers, the CIFI engaged with the Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires and their Tripartite Committee members, which includes provincial and territorial ministers of education, representatives of the Council of Ministers of Education Canada and national Francophone organizations working in schools. Funding opportunities were shared amongst the stakeholders.
Updates and opportunities were shared via IRCC’s CIFI website, and departmental communication tools.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022–23 Actual spending |
2023–24 Actual spending |
2024–25 Planned spending |
2024–25 Total authorities available for use |
2024–25 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 1,216,667 | 1,041,360 | 111,587 | (1,105,080) |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 2,433,333 | 2,608,640 | 2,342,210 | (91,123) |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 0 | 0 | 3,650,000 | 3,650,000 | 2,453,797 | (1,196,203) |
Explanation of variance:
The Francophone Immigration Support Program was launched in 2024–25 as part of the Official Languages Action Plan. Actual spending is lower than planned as a result of delays associated with the analysis and negotiations of new agreements.
Funding to Continue Providing Support to Asylum Claimants
General information
Start date:
June 2024
End date:
March 31, 2025
Type of transfer payment:
Grant
Fiscal year for terms and conditions:
2024–25
Link to departmental result:
Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada
Link to Department’s program inventory:
Asylum
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
In recognition of the exceptional costs incurred by the influx of asylum claimants between 2021 and 2024, as announced by the Prime Minister and the Premier of Quebec in June 2024.
Results achieved:
$581.3M was provided as compensation in recognition of the influx of asylum claimants – stemming back to arrivals as early as 2021 – to the province. This was administered as a stand-alone payment in recognition that the province of Quebec has been disproportionately affected by the volumes of individuals seeking assistance in Canada. This was part of the $750M funding commitment made by the Government of Canada in June 2024.
Findings of audits completed in 2024–25:
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25:
An evaluation is planned for 2026–27.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:
In response to the disproportionate number of asylum claimants received by the province of Quebec and other communities, the Department assembled a Federal Provincial/Territorial Asylum Working Group with the aim of identifying avenues for collaboration regarding asylum reception. Following the closure of this working group, the Department engaged provinces and territories on immigration levels and asylum claimant volumes – resulting in several provinces committing to receive asylum claimants who have volunteered to relocate to smaller communities in Canada.
The program continues to leverage existing Departmental engagement opportunities with Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration to provide updates on the Interim Housing Assistance Program and voluntary relocation efforts when required.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022–23 Actual spending |
2023–24 Actual spending |
2024–25 Planned spending |
2024–25 Total authorities available for use |
2024–25 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 581,300,000 | 581,300,000 | 581,300,000 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 0 | 0 | 0 | 581,300,000 | 581,300,000 | 581,300,000 |
Explanation of variance:
In recognition of housing and immigration-related challenges caused by the irregular border crossing at Roxham Road between 2021 and 2023, an agreement was reached in June 2024 with the Government of Quebec to provide federal funding through a grant.
Interim Housing Assistance Program
General information
Start date:
March 21, 2019
End date:
March 31, 2027
Type of transfer payment:
Grants and contributions
Type of appropriation:
The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions:
2024–25
Link to departmental result:
Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada
Link to Department’s program inventory:
Asylum
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
Since 2017, Canada has experienced an increase in asylum claims. Provinces have called for support in managing the downstream impact of asylum flows, including interim housing pressures. While housing matters have traditionally fallen under the purview of provincial and municipal jurisdictions, the Government of Canada recognizes the need for all levels of government to work together to address pressures on the shelter system, and to ensure that claimants have the supports they need to achieve housing independence.
With a view to supporting asylum claimants in quickly achieving housing independence while awaiting determination of their claim, the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) will provide funding to provinces, municipalities, and community organizations to help:
- Adopt sustainable, cost-effective approaches to addressing the housing needs of asylum claimants; and
- Build capacity to receive and address the housing needs of claimants in jurisdictions across the country.
Results achieved:
Through Budget 2024, the Government committed to the renewal and extension of the Program with $1.1B in funding over a three-year period (2024–2027). The first year of this three-year commitment focused on concluding the old reimbursement model of the Program to refocus collaborations towards more forward-looking, sustainable and cost-effective response models.
In accordance with this plan, $526.3M in funding was allocated to 16 provinces and municipalities in recognition of costs incurred in providing interim accommodations for asylum claimants and for investing in the early adoption of reception centres and transitional models. These allocations mark the end of the transition period for the IHAP – after which funding will be determined through the assessment of proposed eligible activities.
Findings of audits completed in 2024–25:
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25:
An evaluation is planned for 2026–27.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:
IRCC conducted a call-out for claims to reimburse eligible funding recipients for costs incurred related to providing interim housing accommodations for asylum claimants. IRCC engaged provinces and municipalities following a written request for claims to assess for reimbursement eligibility. Once eligible costs were determined and funding envelope limitations were accounted for, approved funding amounts were agreed to and received by recipients.
With the renewal of the Program and its new, broadened eligibilities, IRCC also received proposals from eligible provinces, territories and municipalities seeking to adopt more sustainable and cost-effective models to assist claimants towards housing independence. IRCC has undertaken engagement and provided technical briefings in support of this process and will respond to these funding proposals in 2025–26.
The Department continued to engage provinces through existing fora to enhance collaboration and support models aimed at building capacity to support asylum claimants while they await a determination on their claim.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022–23 Actual spending |
2023–24 Actual spending |
2024–25 Planned spending |
2024–25 Total authorities available for use |
2024–25 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 164,300,000 | 259,948,780 | 0 | 543,390,629 | 526,277,373 | 526,277,373 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 164,300,000 | 259,948,780 | 0 | 543,390,629 | 526,277,373 | 526,277,373 |
Explanation of variance:
At the time the Departmental Plan was presented, no resources were yet allocated to the IHAP in fiscal year 2024–25. Announcements for the renewed program were made as part of Budget 2024 in April explaining why actual spending is higher than planned.
International Migration Capacity Building Program
General information
Start date:
First launched as the Migration Policy Development Program in 2003. It was renamed the International Migration Capacity Building Program in 2019.
End date:
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment:
Grant
Type of appropriation:
Funds are appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions:
2022–23
Link to departmental result:
Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada
Link to Department’s program inventory:
Asylum
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
The International Migration Capacity Building Program (IMCBP) provides funding to eligible grant beneficiaries for initiatives that advance global migration policies and programs, in support of Canada’s migration and humanitarian objectives.
The objective of the IMCBP is to support the development of well-managed migration systems that facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration through:
- the advancement of capacity building efforts; and,
- an increase in the development and exchange of migration-related information and expertise.
The IMCBP aligns with standard qualitative as well as, results-based measurement practices, such as the inclusion of outcomes, indicators, and targets. These performance measures will assess the effectiveness of initiatives to contribute to:
- strengthening migration and refugee protection systems in sending, transit and receiving countries;
- facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration, while deterring irregular migration; and,
- promoting open, evidence-based discourse on migration and refugee issues.
Results achieved:
In 2024–25, IRCC continued to invest in new and ongoing projects that strengthen migration and protection systems internationally.
Key funding streams include IMCBP the core envelope, the Americas Capacity Building Envelope, and cooperation with Global Affairs Canada’s International Climate Finance.
Two funding streams concluded in 2024–25: the Migration Cooperation and Engagement Envelope, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Comprehensive Action Plan for supporting displaced Afghans in Central Asia and Pakistan.
IMCBP projects delivered measurable results by building capacity in migration governance and service delivery through technical assistance, training, and provision of equipment.
Key accomplishments included:
- In Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, IRCC supported the production and dissemination of an awareness-raising infomercial documentary on the risks of migrant smuggling. It was widely published online and was included in training material for Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) platform, reaching over 7,000 youth.
- In Brazil, IRCC supported the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) work to ensure protection and socio-economic integration of Haitian and Afghan refugees in Brazil. In 2024, over 1,000 Afghan refugees received essential information on available protection services, including referrals to shelters and legal aid, and nearly 300 Haitian refugees received support to better access the labour market and integrate into local communities.
- IRCC partnered with the IOM in Uruguay in 2024, supporting the Uruguayan government’s efforts to expand regular pathways and provide regularization through family reunification. This included the establishment of a migrant reference and orientation centre in Montevideo to provide migrants with direct access to key services including legal assistance, employment guidance, and social support.
- In Mexico, IRCC supported the UNHCR in developing a multi-service reception centre in Tapachula, Chiapas, which officially opened in March 2025. The centre provides comprehensive services to migrants and asylum seekers, including pre-registering asylum claims, and providing information on accessing employment opportunities, healthcare, and gender-focused support.
- Since 2023 in Central Asia, IRCC has partnered with the IOM to support their Comprehensive Action Plan for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries. In 2024, activities supported the strengthening of government capacities to respond to emergencies and protect vulnerable migrants and displaced people. For example, in Kazakhstan, capacity building sessions were provided to border service personnel on curbing migrant smuggling and, in Tajikistan, vocational and technical skills programs were offered to 118 Afghan refugees and Tajiks in order to support Afghan refugees to access the labour market in Tajikistan and online.
- With funding from Canada’s International Climate Finance, IRCC built on previous climate mobility work in Mexico by partnering with the IOM and Rainforest Alliance on a project on Strengthening climate adaptation to address the adverse environmental drivers of migration in agriculture- and resource-dependent communities in Southern Mexico. In 2024, the IOM began developing a policy toolkit to provide decisionmakers with practical tools to integrate migration, environment, and climate change considerations in local adaptation and development policies.
- In the Philippines, IRCC partnered with the IOM to support their collaboration with the Government of the Philippines to raise awareness of fair and ethical recruitment standards amongst relevant stakeholders, including private recruitment agencies. In 2024, a total of 365 individuals from private companies, recruitment agencies, and industry associations received basic orientation and information on fair and ethical recruitment principles.
Findings of audits completed in 2024–25:
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25:
N/A
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:
In 2024–25, IRCC continued to maintain regular engagement with implementing partners (e.g., UNHCR, IOM), who reported on implementation progress and post-completion outcomes. Scoping and monitoring missions were conducted in the countries of the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Central Asia, to assess results of funded projects and to identify future opportunities.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022–23 Actual spending |
2023–24 Actual spending |
2024–25 Planned spending |
2024–25 Total authorities available for use |
2024–25 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 19,650,000 | 26,449,996 | 27,200,000 | 27,200,000 | 27,200,000 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 19,650,000 | 26,449,996 | 27,200,000 | 27,200,000 | 27,200,000 | 0 |
Explanation of variance:
Actual spending is equal to planned spending as a result of continued oversight of the program's priorities.
Resettlement Assistance Program
General information
Start date:
1951 as the Adjustment Assistance Program; Resettlement Assistance Program in its current form was implemented in 1998.
End date:
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment:
Grants and Contributions
Type of appropriation:
The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions:
2018–19, updated in 2024
Link to departmental result:
Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports
Link to Department’s program inventory:
Refugee Resettlement Program
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides direct financial support and funds the provision of immediate and essential services to government-assisted-refugees and other eligible recipients as identified in the RAP terms and conditions.
RAP contributes to the objectives of Sections 3(2) (b) , 3(1) (a), 3 (1) (c), and 3(1) (i) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to respectively: “Fulfill Canada’s international legal obligations with respect to refugees and affirm Canada’s commitment to international efforts to provide assistance to those in need of resettlement;” “Permit Canada to pursue the maximum social, cultural and economic benefits of immigration”, “to support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy, in which the benefits of immigration are shared across all regions of Canada;” and “Promote the successful integration of permanent residents into Canada while recognizing that integration involves mutual obligations for new immigrants and Canadian society”.
Results achieved:
In 2024–25, IRCC continued to meet the immediate and essential needs of Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) and certain other eligible clients through the RAP. Pre-departure services continued to be provided to resettled refugees (GARs, Privately Sponsored Refugees [PSRs], Blended Visa Office-Referred [BVORs]), and other eligible clients who elected to use these services.
A total of 18,865 GARs received at least one RAP service in 2024–25 (excluding those in Quebec).Footnote 1 GARs resettled to Canada (outside of Quebec) generally receive up to 12 months of income support under RAP. In 2024–25, a total of approximately 15,800 GARs received RAP income support.
The availability of affordable rental housing continued to be a challenge in communities across Canada. As a result, RAP faced pressures due to extended stays of clients in temporary accommodation and delays in moving clients into more permanent accommodation. In response, RAP continued to provide funding to Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) to implement additional housing search supports and provided additional supports to clients on as-needed basis through the Housing Top-Up Initiative. As of March 2025, the average days a RAP client spent in temporary accommodations had fallen to 24 days (as compared to 41 days in March 2024).
Individuals arriving in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) by March 31, 2024, and who applied by June 30, 2024, were eligible for a one-time transitional financial assistance (TFA) through the RAP. Eligible clients received $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child, to help support their immediate needs. During this period, 15,725 CUAET holders were approved for TFA payments. Since the online application for transitional financial assistance was launched in June 2022, 296,780 CUAET holders have been approved for payment.
IRCC also delivered transitional financial assistance through RAP to 455 clients through the Canada-Gaza TFA Initiative. Similar to CUAET clients, eligible clients arriving through temporary measures for Gaza were eligible for $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child.
IRCC provided financial assistance through RAP to clients arriving in Canada through the Family-based humanitarian program for Colombians, Haitians and Venezuelans. During this period, 8,330 clients were approved and received the one-time financial assistance payments equivalent to three months of RAP income support.
Findings of audits completed in 2024–25:
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25:
Previous evaluation completed in 2024. Next evaluation is planned for 2028–29.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:
For clients arriving through the Gaza and Americas initiatives, the Department provided letters to clients and their anchor Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member upon approval of the visa application. These letters outline available benefits, including eligibility criteria and instructions on applying for TFA upon arrival in Canada.
IRCC also engaged on a regular basis with RAP SPOs, to address administrative and implementation issues and challenges.
In 2024–25, IRCC resumed the work of the IRCC-RAP Sector Working Group. The working group is jointly led by IRCC and the RAP SPO Network. It provides refugee resettlement stakeholder organizations (that have a role in GAR resettlement) and IRCC with a platform to share information and perspectives on program and policy issues related to supports and services for GARs, and other resettled refugees.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022–23 Actual spending |
2023–24 Actual spending |
2024–25 Planned spending |
2024–25 Total authorities available for use |
2024–25 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 495,718,572 | 420,988,234 | 94,890,328 | 96,390,328 | 95,496,930 | 606,602 |
| Total contributions | 415,603,358 | 427,642,672 | 368,588,162 | 379,588,162 | 342,102,637 | (26,485,525) |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 911,321,930 | 848,630,906 | 463,478,490 | 475,978,490 | 437,599,567 | (25,878,923) |
Explanation of variance:
Actual spending is lower than planned mainly due to less GAR arrivals than planned.
Settlement Program
General information
Start date:
2008
End date:
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment:
Grants and Contributions
Type of appropriation:
The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions:
2023–24
Link to departmental result:
Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports
Link to Department’s program inventory:
Settlement
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
For Canada to realize the economic, social and cultural benefits of immigration, newcomers must integrate successfully into Canadian society. The IRCC Settlement Program plays a major role by assisting immigrants and refugees to overcome barriers specific to the newcomer experience so that they can undertake their longer-term integration on a similar footing to other Canadians.
The Settlement Program aims to provide newcomers with the information required to make informed decisions, language skills adequate to their settlement and integration goals, and the support they need to build networks and gain meaningful employment in Canada. IRCC funds the delivery of settlement programming across the country and outside Canada and provides support for initiatives that contribute to the capacity enhancement of recipient organizations.
Results achieved:
In 2024–25, IRCC spent approximately $1.1 B to support the settlement needs of newcomers (outside of Quebec) through the Settlement Program. IRCC administers the Settlement Program to help newcomers settle and adapt to life in Canada. Through a national Call for Proposals (CFP) process, successful applications are recommended for funding through funding agreements to support organizations across Canada (outside of Quebec) to deliver essential settlement and resettlement services to newcomers.
IRCC launched a national CFP 2024 in November 2023 to solicit proposals for funding agreements with Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Program service provider organizations (SPOs) across Canada, outside of Quebec. In 2024, the Department negotiated and signed 802 agreements with a total 3-year value of $3.2B. Over 520 unique organizations will receive funds to deliver programming, with most agreements beginning April 1, 2025, and ending March 31, 2028.
In 2024–25, the Settlement Program supported 667,070 newcomers in Canada and 59,415 with pre-arrival services overseas, for a total of 688,845 unique clientsFootnote 2 served through direct services. The Settlement Program funds over 550 service provider organizations to provide direct and indirect services, including close to 80 francophone service providers, which support the integration of French-speaking newcomers into francophone-minority communities.
To understand and address the needs of newcomers, 323,985 newcomers received comprehensive needs and assets assessments to guide their settlement journeys, followed by referrals to various IRCC-funded and/or other community services, including mental health and legal services. This represents a slight decrease of approximately 4% relative to the previous year. Information and orientation services to increase knowledge of life in Canada on topics such as community resources, finding a place to live, building your community, education opportunities, and finding employment were provided to 551,160 newcomers. Tailored supports remain available to newcomer populations that face additional barriers to services and who are at increased risk of marginalization.
Furthermore, 133,370 newcomers participated in IRCC-funded language training to improve their knowledge and use of Canada’s official languages, an increase of 10% relative to the previous year. In contrast, clients receiving language assessments declined by about 9% from 116,820 in 2023–24 to 106,915 in 2024–25. The decline of clients receiving language assessments is in part due to decreased demand for assessments resulting from the conclusion of special initiative programs.
To increase knowledge about and access to the labour market, a suite of employment-related services were accessed by 85,790 newcomers in 2024–25. These volumes are similar to volumes reported in the previous year. Through Community Connection activities, 133,810 clients received services to network with Canadian peers, learned to access services in the community, and created linkages with local organizations. This is an increase of approximately 8% relative to 2023–24. Following the 2024 CFP for Settlement Services, pre-arrival services were expanded to include enhanced foreign credential recognition (FCR) focused supports. These services provide clients with a step-by-step FCR action guide, facilitate connections with regulatory bodies, mentors, and employers, recommend appropriate training, and assist with preparation of documentation required by regulators.
IRCC leads several periodic assessments of the effectiveness of the settlement program including the Annual Settlement Outcomes Report, the Annual Report on Project Implementation and Outcomes, and the Annual Report on Umbrella Organizations.
Findings of audits completed in 2024–25:
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25:
An evaluation of Local Immigration Partnerships is planned for 2025–26 and an evaluation of Employment-Related Services is planned for 2026–27.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:
In 2024–25, IRCC developed supports to assist the CFP 2024 process. This supportive engagement included five national webinars attended by over 1,300 participants for successful applicants. Webinars provided information regarding the negotiation process and addressed questions in real time to facilitate the successful negotiation of new agreements.
The Settlement and Integration Service Delivery Committee (SISDC), brings together IRCC and representatives of the Settlement Sector that are funded by the Department to discuss and address administration and service delivery issues, including operational ideas for effective investment in settlement programs and processes. In 2024–25, SISDC held three meetings with the broad objective of identifying key issues in the area of grants and contributions delivery, as well as trends and risks to help position SPOs to deliver high-quality settlement and resettlement projects. Themes the SISDC established for discussion included data privacy and cybersecurity within Canada’s Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Programs, and understanding and improving the overall state of the settlement sector, including organizational retention and professional development.
The Settlement and Integration Policy and Program Committee (SIPPC) brings together IRCC and representatives of IRCC funded Settlement Umbrella Organizations to identify emerging trends and issues related to the delivery of federal Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Programs, to foster welcoming communities, and to share promising practices. In 2024–25, SIPPC held four meetings to understand the needs of settlement organizations and to help inform IRCC policy decisions. Themes for discussion included technology within Canada’s Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Programs, directing specific and meaningful actions to address racism, and advancing reconciliation, accessibility, equity, and inclusion.
The National Settlement and Integration Council (NSIC) has been IRCC’s main mechanism for information exchange and the sharing of innovative and promising practices among the settlement sector, institutions and other partners, key settlement, resettlement and integration stakeholders, provincial/territorial governments, and other federal government departments.
Francophone Focus
IRCC also supported 13 Réseaux en immigration francophone (RIF) and the Comité atlantique sur l’immigration francophone (CAIF) to help Francophone and Acadian minority communities better attract, welcome and integrate French-speaking newcomers. In 2024–25, the RIF and the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada raised awareness of the Francophone integration pathway through various events and forums such as the annual Semaine nationale de l’immigration francophone funded by IRCC. Following the success of the Welcoming Francophone Community Initiative’s pilot, which ended in March 2024, IRCC has renewed the initiative for up to four more years and is expanding it in up to ten additional communities, for a total of 24 communities.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022–23 Actual spending |
2023–24 Actual spending |
2024–25 Planned spending |
2024–25 Total authorities available for use |
2024–25 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 17,155,774 | 18,856,413 | 55,000,000 | 18,495,022 | 18,483,476 | (36,516,524) |
| Total contributions | 956,360,675 | 1,060,401,578 | 1,127,125,131 | 1,160,980,109 | 1,107,436,959 | (19,688,172) |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 973,516,449 | 1,079,257,991 | 1,182,125,131 | 1,179,475,131 | 1,125,920,435 | (56,204,696) |
Explanation of variance:
Actual spending is lower than planned spending mainly as a result of delays in the execution of activities related to the nature of the work performed, limited programming under the Service Delivery Improvement envelope as well as recipient organisations reducing activities to adapt to future year allocations.
Transfer payment programs spending of under $5 million
Annual Assessed Contribution to the International Organization for Migration
General information
Start date:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading United Nations (UN) agency in the field of migration, having joined the UN system as a related organization in 2016. Canada was a founding member of the IOM in 1951 but withdrew membership in 1962. Canada subsequently rejoined the organization as a full member in 1991 and has paid its annual Assessed Contributions ever since.
End date:
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment:
ContributionFootnote 3
Type of appropriation:
Funds are appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions:
2010–11
Link to departmental result:
Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada
Link to Department’s program inventory:
Asylum
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
Contributions to the IOM allow Canada to:
- Participate in the organization’s governance and decision-making mechanisms, including evaluation and audit, and budget setting practices.
- Enhance its knowledge on global trends and approaches to managed migration.
- Advance its international priorities on migration, which include: helping to ensure the orderly and humane management of migration; promoting international cooperation on migration issues; and assisting in the search for practical solutions to migration problems.
- Provide humanitarian assistance for migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons.
- Deliver IRCC programs in the areas of resettlement, migration health and capacity building.
As an IOM member, the Department has an increased capacity to meet its objectives related to:
- Managed migration that promotes Canadian interests and protects the health, safety and security of Canadians.
- International recognition and acceptance of the principles of managed migration consistent with Canada’s broader foreign policy agenda.
Results achieved:
The IOM is a Member State-led international organization, and annual assessed contributions provide Canada with the opportunity to directly influence the development of IOM programs and policies and support the organization’s administrative budget.
In 2024–25, IRCC advocated for issues and policies to shape the global migration agenda in ways that align with Canada’s priorities on migration and protection. Key areas of focus included promoting well-managed migration pathways, gender responsive migration programming, and the promotion of balanced public narratives on migrants and refugees. IRCC also leveraged its membership to call for enhancing the efficiency of international migration governance structures, including institutional accountability and oversight.
As a Member State, Canada continued to benefit from engagement with international experts and migration officials through participation in IOM meetings. These engagements contributed to the Department’s understanding of global migration dynamics and the evolving priorities on migration related challenges and opportunities faced by other countries and regions. These insights helped inform IRCC’s approach to domestic policies and programs.
Findings of audits completed in 2024–25:
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25:
Next evaluation is planned for 2027–28.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:
IRCC is the lead federal department overseeing the institutional relationship between the IOM and the Government of Canada. In 2024–25, IRCC actively participated in IOM institutional governance and policy meetings, which allowed Canada to influence the organization’s governance and decision-making, examples include but are not limited to:
- Meetings with IOM officials ensured that the delivery of IOM’s services to Canada and capacity are aligned with Canada’s migration policies, priorities, and targets;
- Canada advocated for IOM to prioritize their policies to reflect Canadian interests, such as the benefits of well-managed migration and the importance of integration, the promotion of gender mainstreaming in IOM’s policies and programs, and the upholding of integrity efforts including the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation; and,
- As a major donor, Canada emphasized the importance of strong financial oversight, consistently urging IOM to increase transparency and strengthen governance to maximize value for Canada and other Member States.
In June 2024, IRCC also hosted the head of IOM and other senior officials for a Canada-IOM High-Level Dialogue in Canada. The meetings focused on ongoing and emerging areas of cooperation to advance Canada’s migration and refugee protection programs and priorities, as well as to anticipate and respond to global and regional migration trends. Discussions covered challenges and opportunities in migration and humanitarian protection, updates on migration situations in conflict- and disaster-affected regions, and key topics such as disaster response, climate-induced migration, complementary migration pathways, labour mobility, and Francophone immigration.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022–23 Actual spending |
2023–24 Actual spending |
2024–25 Planned spending |
2024–25 Total authorities available for use |
2024–25 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 2,657,574 | 3,286,603 | 3,360,551 | 4,010,551 | 3,836,775 | 476,224 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 2,657,574 | 3,286,603 | 3,360,551 | 4,010,551 | 3,836,775 | 476,224 |
Explanation of variance:
The amount represents the yearly membership payment to the IOM. Variance is attributable to the membership fee increase.
Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants
General information
Start date:
April 2013
End date:
March 31, 2026
Type of transfer payment:
Contribution
Type of appropriation:
The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions:
2018–19
Link to departmental result:
Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada
Link to Department’s program inventory:
Asylum
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
The Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants (GAIM) program has two primary functions: to manage the consequences of disrupting migrant smuggling events that target Canada; and to encourage transit countries to cooperate with Canada’s migrant smuggling interceptions efforts, by assuring that Canada will cover the cost of assisting eligible intercepted persons.
The GAIM program does this by funding a third party to:
- provide basic needs and medical care to intercepted irregular migrants;
- voluntarily return migrants and assist in their reintegration; and
- deliver information and awareness activities in migrants’ countries of origin, with the aim of discouraging participation in irregular migration.
Results achieved:
In 2024–25, funding for the GAIM program provided $935,435 in contributions. These funds ensured operational readiness to provide to repatriation, housing, food and medical care for stranded migrants; as well as continuing the safe migration campaigns in Sri Lanka. Nearly 9,000 individuals participated in safe migration campaign sessions in 2024–25, which provided participants with information on the importance of opting for regular migration routes, and the dangers associated with irregular channels and using human smuggling syndicates to cross international borders. This assistance contributed to the overall discouragement of human smuggling and irregular migration, while ensuring intercepted migrants have basic needs, including shelter, water, food, and emergency medical care; are treated in accordance with international principles of protection including protection against refoulement; and are returned to their countries of origin if determined not to be in need of protection as per international principles of protection.
Findings of audits completed in 2024–25:
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25:
Next evaluation is planned for 2027–28.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:
The IOM is responsible for engaging directly with the final recipients of assistance, including intercepted irregular migrants, and potential migrants who participate in safe migration campaigns and trainings. The IOM then reports back to IRCC through regular progress reports, which include counts of migrants identified and supported through the program.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022–23 Actual spending |
2023–24 Actual spending |
2024–25 Planned spending |
2024–25 Total authorities available for use |
2024–25 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 2,365,150 | 1,000,000 | 0 | 2,000,000 | 935,435 | 935,435 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 2,365,150 | 1,000,000 | 0 | 2,000,000 | 935,435 | 935,435 |
Explanation of variance:
Funding for the GAIM program ended in fiscal year 2022–23 and has not since been part of planned spending. The program is currently reliant on temporary funding, from internal reallocations. The variance between authorities for use and actual expenses is consistent with the program being designed to ensure operational readiness and when funding is only used where there is a need to support intercepted migrants. However, there were less intercepted irregular migrants than expected which explains the variance between authorities available for use and actual expenses.