Refugee-Specific Settlement Programs in Canada: Complete

Canada's Commitment to Refugees

Canada has a long and proud history of welcoming refugees from around the world. From the Vietnamese boat people in the 1970s and 80s to the Syrian refugee resettlement initiative, Canada has consistently been among the world's top refugee resettlement countries. In recognition of this commitment, the United Nations awarded the people of Canada the Nansen Refugee Award in 1986 — the only time an entire country has received this honour.

The Canadian refugee system operates through three main streams: Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs), Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs), and Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees (BVORs). Each stream provides different levels and types of support, but all refugees receive access to settlement services designed to help them build new lives in Canada.

This guide outlines the specific programs and services available to refugees, beyond the general newcomer services that all immigrants can access.

Types of Refugee Resettlement in Canada

Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs)

GARs are refugees referred by the UNHCR or another referral organization and selected by the Canadian government. They receive:

• Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP): Income support for up to 12 months (or until they become self-sufficient, whichever comes first). The amount is equivalent to provincial social assistance rates.
• Start-up allowance: A one-time payment to cover essential items like furniture, kitchen supplies, linens, and basic clothing.
• Temporary housing upon arrival, typically in a hotel or temporary accommodation, followed by help finding permanent housing.
• Airport reception and transportation to their initial accommodation.
• Settlement services: Orientation to life in Canada, help with essential tasks (SIN, health card, banking, school registration), and referrals to community services.

GARs are matched with settlement agencies across Canada that provide ongoing support during their first year.

Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs)

PSRs are sponsored by groups of Canadian citizens or permanent residents (Sponsorship Agreement Holders, Groups of Five, or Community Sponsors) who commit to providing financial and settlement support for 12 months. Sponsors provide:

• Financial support (rent, food, clothing, transportation, and other necessities) for 12 months
• Emotional and social support (helping with settlement tasks, introducing the family to the community)
• Orientation to life in Canada

PSRs often have stronger social connections from the start because of their relationship with their sponsors, which can accelerate settlement.

Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees (BVORs)

BVORs are a hybrid: the government provides 6 months of RAP income support, and a private sponsoring group provides an additional 6 months. This combines government and community resources.

Financial Support for Refugees

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)

The RAP provides monthly income support to GARs for up to 12 months. The amount is based on provincial social assistance rates and family size. As of 2026, approximate monthly amounts are:

• Single individual: $800–$900/month
• Couple: $1,200–$1,400/month
• Family of four: $1,800–$2,200/month

These amounts are intended to cover basic living expenses while refugees access language training and employment programs.

One-Time Start-Up Allowance

GARs receive a one-time allowance for essential household items. The amount varies by family size but typically ranges from $1,500 (single) to $3,000+ (large family). This covers:

• Basic furniture (beds, table, chairs)
• Kitchen supplies (pots, pans, utensils, dishes)
• Linens (towels, bedding)
• Winter clothing (if arriving in cold months)

Additional Financial Benefits

Refugees are also eligible for:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Monthly tax-free payments for families with children under 18. See our CCB guide.
• GST/HST Credit: Quarterly payments to help low-income individuals and families. See our GST/HST credit guide.
• Provincial social assistance: After RAP support ends (12 months), refugees who haven't yet achieved self-sufficiency can apply for provincial social assistance (Ontario Works, BC Income Assistance, etc.).
• Employment Insurance (EI): Once employed for the required number of insurable hours, refugees qualify for EI like any other worker.

Health Coverage for Refugees

Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)

The IFHP provides temporary health coverage to refugees and refugee claimants who are not yet eligible for provincial health insurance. Coverage includes:

• Hospital and doctor services
• Laboratory, diagnostic, and ambulance services
• Prescription medications
• Dental care (limited)
• Vision care (limited)
• Mental health counselling
• Pre-natal and post-natal care
• Immunizations and preventive care

IFHP coverage is more comprehensive than most provincial health plans because it recognizes the elevated health needs of refugee populations. Coverage continues until provincial health insurance begins (after the waiting period ends in most provinces).

For more on health insurance, see our provincial health insurance guide and our health card application guide.

Mental Health and Trauma Support

Many refugees have experienced significant trauma before arriving in Canada. Specialized mental health services include:

• Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) — Toronto: Comprehensive mental health services for survivors of torture and war.
• Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST): Counselling, group therapy, and community support.
• RIVO (Quebec): Network of organizations supporting victims of organized violence.
• Settlement agency counsellors trained in trauma-informed care
• IFHP covers psychological and psychiatric services

See our mental health resources guide for more options.

Housing Support

Finding affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for refugees in Canada. Support includes:

• Temporary housing upon arrival: GARs are provided temporary accommodation (often a hotel) for the first few weeks while permanent housing is arranged.
• Settlement agency housing support: Workers help refugees find affordable rentals, understand lease agreements, and navigate landlord-tenant relationships.
• Rent supplements and housing subsidies: Some provinces and municipalities offer rent supplements for refugees and low-income newcomers.
• Social and co-operative housing: Refugees can apply for subsidized housing through municipal housing authorities. Waitlists can be long but priority may be given to vulnerable populations.
• Furniture banks: Free donated furniture for refugees and low-income newcomers. Available in most major cities.

For more on housing, see our affordable housing guide and co-op housing guide.

Employment Support

Employment is the path to self-sufficiency, and refugees have access to specialized employment programs:

• KAIROS Refugee Employment Program: Employment preparation, job matching, and mentorship.
• ACCES Employment (Ontario): Sector-specific employment programs with refugee-specific supports.
• Settlement agency employment services: Resume writing, job search skills, workplace culture orientation, and connections with refugee-friendly employers.
• Language training with employment focus: LINC programs with workplace English components.
• Credential recognition support: Help navigating the credential assessment process for refugees with professional qualifications. See our credential recognition guide.

Education and Language Training

• LINC classes: Free English language training for adult refugees. Free childcare often available. See our LINC guide.
• School enrollment for children: Refugee children have the right to attend Canadian schools. Schools provide ESL support and settlement assistance.
• Post-secondary education: Several Canadian universities offer refugee scholarships and dedicated support programs, including the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program.
• Literacy programs: For refugees with limited formal education, literacy programs provide basic reading and writing instruction alongside language learning.

Refugee Claimant-Specific Information

Refugee claimants (people who make a refugee claim after arriving in Canada) have a different set of supports than resettled refugees:

• IFHP coverage: Health coverage while the claim is being processed.
• Open work permit: Claimants can apply for an open work permit once their claim has been referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
• Legal aid: Free or subsidized legal representation for the refugee hearing. Legal aid clinics specializing in refugee law exist in most major cities.
• Settlement services: Claimants can access many (but not all) settlement services available to permanent residents.
• Shelter and housing: Emergency shelters and refugee-specific housing support.

Tips for Refugees Settling in Canada

1. Connect with your settlement agency immediately. Your settlement worker is your most important resource in the first year.
2. Enroll in language classes as soon as possible. English or French proficiency is the single biggest factor in successful settlement.
3. Apply for all financial benefits you're entitled to: CCB, GST/HST credit, provincial benefits. Settlement workers can help with applications.
4. Register your children for school. Education is free and mandatory for children ages 6–16 in Canada.
5. Seek mental health support if needed. There's no stigma, and services are available in many languages.
6. Build community connections. Attend community events, join a place of worship, connect with your cultural community, and participate in settlement programs.
7. Keep all your documents safe. Your COPR, travel document, health card, and other immigration documents are essential. Make copies and store them securely.

Final Thoughts

Canada's refugee settlement system is among the most comprehensive in the world, but navigating it can be overwhelming — especially when you're recovering from trauma and adjusting to an entirely new life. The key is to connect with support services early and often. You don't have to figure everything out alone.

Your settlement agency, your sponsor group (if privately sponsored), and the broader Canadian community are here to help you build a safe, stable, and fulfilling life in Canada.

For more settlement guides, explore our articles on first weeks in Canada, finding employment, and building social connections.