Refugee Claimant Services and Support in Canada

Canada has a long and proud tradition of providing protection to refugees fleeing persecution, violence, and human rights abuses. If you've arrived in Canada as a refugee claimant (also called an asylum seeker), you have legal rights and access to a range of services designed to help you rebuild your life in safety. Navigating the refugee claim process while settling into a new country can be overwhelming, but understanding the support systems available to you is the critical first step. This guide explains the services and resources available to refugee claimants in Canada.

Understanding Your Status as a Refugee Claimant

A refugee claimant is someone who has applied for refugee protection in Canada and is waiting for their claim to be decided by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). This is different from a government-assisted refugee (GAR) who was selected abroad and arrived with permanent residence status. As a claimant, you have the right to remain in Canada while your claim is being processed, and you have access to several essential services.

After making your claim, you'll receive a document acknowledging your claim and be scheduled for an eligibility interview and eventually a hearing before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB. The entire process from claim to decision can take 6-24 months depending on the complexity of your case and current backlogs.

Immediate Needs: First Days in Canada

Emergency Shelter

If you arrive without a place to stay, contact your local emergency shelter or settlement agency immediately. Major cities have shelters specifically for refugee claimants:

• Toronto: Contact 311 or visit a YMCA refugee shelter. The city also operates an interim housing program for refugee claimants.
• Montreal: Contact PRAIDA (Programme régional d'accueil et d'intégration des demandeurs d'asile) at 514-484-7878
• Vancouver: Contact the Immigrant Services Society (ISS of BC) at 604-684-2561
• Ottawa: Contact the Catholic Centre for Immigrants at 613-232-9634

Food and Basic Needs

Food banks across Canada serve refugee claimants without question. Most require only a piece of ID or your refugee claim documents. Many mosques, churches, temples, gurdwaras, and community organizations also provide free meals and basic supplies to newcomers in need.

Healthcare for Refugee Claimants

Refugee claimants in Canada are covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides temporary health coverage similar to provincial health insurance. IFHP covers:

• Hospital services and doctor visits
• Laboratory, diagnostic, and ambulance services
• Prescription medications
• Prenatal and obstetric care
• Dental care (emergency and essential services)
• Vision care (basic eye exams and corrective lenses)
• Mental health counselling and services
• Immunizations and preventive care

To access IFHP, you need your refugee claim document and an IFHP certificate. Present these when visiting a healthcare provider. Not all doctors accept IFHP, so call ahead to confirm. Settlement agencies can help you find IFHP-accepting healthcare providers in your area. For more information, visit the IRCC IFHP page.

Mental Health Support

Many refugee claimants have experienced trauma, and mental health support is a critical part of settlement. The IFHP covers mental health counselling. Additionally, specialized organizations provide trauma-informed care:

• Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT): Toronto-based, serves survivors nationwide
• RIVO (Réseau d'intervention auprès des personnes ayant subi la violence organisée): Montreal-based trauma support
• Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST): BC-based mental health services

Legal Support for Your Refugee Claim

Having a lawyer for your refugee hearing significantly increases your chances of a positive decision. Several options are available:

Legal Aid

Most provinces provide legal aid for refugee claimants. This means a lawyer will be assigned to your case at no cost if you can't afford one. Apply as soon as possible after making your claim:

• Ontario: Legal Aid Ontario — call 1-800-668-8258
• Quebec: Commission des services juridiques
• BC: Legal Services Society
• Alberta: Legal Aid Alberta

Free Legal Clinics

Many settlement agencies and law school clinics offer free immigration legal services:

• Refugee Law Office (Ontario): Specializes exclusively in refugee law
• University legal clinics: Law schools at U of T, Osgoode, McGill, UBC, and others operate free clinics
• Community legal clinics: Located across the country, many specialize in immigration and refugee law

Warning: Only work with licensed lawyers or accredited representatives. Beware of immigration consultants who are not licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Unlicensed consultants can harm your case.

Work Permits for Refugee Claimants

Refugee claimants can apply for a work permit to support themselves while their claim is being processed. Since recent policy changes, eligible claimants can apply for a work permit once their claim has been referred to the IRB. Processing times vary but are typically 2-4 months.

While waiting for your work permit, you may be eligible for provincial social assistance (welfare). Each province has different rates and eligibility rules, but refugee claimants are generally eligible for basic income support and emergency benefits.

Education for Children

Children of refugee claimants have the right to attend public school in Canada at no cost. This right exists in every province and territory. You do not need permanent residence or a work permit to enroll your children. Contact your local school board to register. Schools often have settlement workers and English/French language support programs for newcomer children.

Language Training

Refugee claimants are eligible for federally funded language training:

• LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada): Free English classes available in most communities
• CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada): Free French classes in Quebec and francophone communities
• Many settlement agencies offer informal language conversation circles and tutoring
• Some programs include childcare and transportation assistance

Settlement Services

Settlement agencies across Canada provide free services to refugee claimants including:

• Orientation to life in Canada
• Help finding housing
• Assistance with government forms and applications
• Community connections and social programs
• Employment readiness programs
• Translation and interpretation services
• Referrals to other services

Find settlement services near you through IRCC's services finder tool.

Financial Assistance

Provincial Social Assistance

If you cannot support yourself while waiting for a work permit or claim decision, you may be eligible for provincial welfare:

• Ontario Works: Approximately $733/month for a single person
• Quebec Social Assistance: Approximately $750/month for a single person
• BC Income Assistance: Approximately $935/month for a single person (including shelter allowance)

Apply at your provincial/territorial social services office. Bring your refugee claim documents.

Canada Child Benefit

Refugee claimants with children may be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), which provides monthly tax-free payments based on family income and the number of children. Apply through the CRA once you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

The Refugee Claim Process

1. Making your claim: At a port of entry (airport, land border) or at an inland IRCC office
2. Eligibility determination: IRCC or CBSA determines if your claim is eligible to be referred to the IRB
3. Basis of Claim form: You must complete this form within 15 days, detailing why you need protection. This is the most important document in your claim — get legal help.
4. Hearing preparation: Work with your lawyer to prepare evidence, witness statements, and country condition documentation
5. IRB hearing: You present your case before an IRB member. This is typically a non-adversarial process, but thorough preparation is essential.
6. Decision: You may receive the decision at the hearing or by mail within weeks
7. If accepted: You can apply for permanent residence
8. If rejected: You may appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) within 15 days or apply for judicial review at the Federal Court

Key Organizations Supporting Refugee Claimants

• UNHCR Canada: unhcr.ca
• Canadian Council for Refugees: ccrweb.ca — policy advocacy and information
• Romero House (Toronto): Transitional housing and support for refugee claimants
• Matthew House (Toronto, Ottawa): Shelter and settlement support
• Kinbrace (Vancouver): Housing and community for refugee claimants
• Welcome Collective (Montreal): Free furniture and household goods

If you are a refugee claimant in Canada, know that you are not alone. Canada has a robust system of legal protections, healthcare, and settlement services designed to support you through the claim process and beyond. Reach out to a settlement agency in your community today — they are there to help, and their services are free and confidential.