Resettlement: After arrival in Canada

(REF-OVS-9)

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

After arriving in Canada, refugees will be further assessed at the port of entry before being admitted into Canada. After they are admitted, refugees are provided with assistance to start their new life in Canada.

Arrival at Canadian port of entry

Processing by Canadian Border Services Agency
General description of further processing of refugees at port of entry before they are admitted to Canada

Resettlement Assistance Program services – Port of entry
Description of support services available at designated ports of entry

Assistance for refugees

Support for payment of loans received
Available loans for refugees after they are admitted to Canada, eligibility criteria, processing steps and repayment requirements

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
Financial and essential services provided to government-assisted refugees for the initial year after they arrive in Canada

Sponsor support and post-arrival requirements
Sponsors are required to provide financial and other supports to refugees. Support varies depending on the needs of the refugee(s).

For information about programs in Canada, see newcomer services and pre-arrival services for refugees.


Cases for priority or special processing
Considerations for assessing and processing special or priority case groups. Includes cases referred for urgent protection, vulnerable cases, public policies, applicants who are persecuted on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity expression (SOGIE-LGBTQI) and other groups requiring special attention.

Resettlement: Program delivery partners – roles and responsibilities
Key partners within and outside of IRCC and their respective responsibilities regarding resettlement.

Temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of specific refugees previously sponsored by a sponsorship agreement holder
Following the cancellation of a Sponsorship Agreement Holder’s (SAH) sponsorship agreement, refugee applicants sponsored by that SAH who have received a positive sponsorship decision, will have 90 days to find a new sponsor

For other processing stages, refer to:

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2025-06-16