Permanent residence for extended family of former Afghan interpreters: After you apply

How we process applications

Once we receive your application, we’ll review it to make sure

• you included all the required documents
• it’s complete
• you meet all the eligibility requirements

If your application isn’t complete

We’ll return your application to you. Once you add the missing pieces, you can resubmit it. Your application may not be considered if the program is full.

If your application is complete

We’ll send you an acknowledgement of receipt. We may also ask you, and any family members you include in your application, to

• come in for an interview, if we need more information
• give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics), if required
• complete medical exams, if you haven’t already done them
• get police certificates for anyone who is 18 years of age and older on your application

If we approve your application

We’ll contact you to let you know and provide more information on the next steps. You should stay in touch with your family in Canada and keep them updated on the status of your application. This will help them prepare for your arrival.

We’ll also let your family member in Canada know when to expect you to arrive in Canada.

Before you leave for Canada

Before you and your family leave for Canada, we will

• cover the costs of any medical services you need before you travel to Canada, including
  • an immigration medical exam
  • treatment for medical conditions that would otherwise make you inadmissible to Canada (for example, tuberculosis)
  • medical supports you need to travel safely to Canada
  • routine vaccinations
  • disease outbreak control
• provide services overseas, through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), while we process your application
  • This may include temporary housing in the country you’re travelling through (if possible).
• give you access to the Immigration Loans Program, which lets you get a repayable interest-free loan to cover your travel costs to Canada
• help you book your travel through the IOM (there’s a fee to use this service)

Once you arrive in Canada

Get health care coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program

Through this public policy, you’ll have limited and temporary health care coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), including

• basic benefits (until you’re eligible for provincial or territorial health care insurance outside the IFHP)
• up to 12 months of supplemental benefits and prescription drug coverage

Get financial help through the Resettlement Assistance Program

You’re also eligible for a one-time payment equal to 3 months of income support through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP). You don’t need to apply for this, but you do need to give us your Canadian banking information for direct deposit. Your family member in Canada will have the email address where you can send your Canadian banking information.

This money, along with the support you’ll get from your family in Canada, will help you and your family start your new life in Canada.

Get help settling in Canada

While we’ll give you access to some health care coverage and financial services, we also expect your family member in Canada to help you (and anyone coming with you). Your family member should

• find temporary housing for you before you arrive (make sure you follow quarantine requirements if you aren’t vaccinated)
• pick you up at the airport when you arrive or arrange transportation for you from the airport
• help you set up a bank account with a Canadian financial institution and send your banking information to us (for your one-time income support payment)
• help you apply for provincial or territorial health care coverage, including your new health card
• work with you to find permanent housing

You’ll also have access to free newcomer services that can help you

• learn about working in Canada and finding a job
• learn English or French
• sign up your children for school
• find skills development and training opportunities
• get services targeted to women, seniors, youth and LGBT2 people
• find other supports available through the Settlement Program

If we refuse your application

We’ll send you a letter and let you know why we refused your application.