Resettlement: Preparation for departure to Canada
(REF-OVS-8)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Many arrangements may be required in preparing the refugee before departure to Canada: travel documents, booking travel, necessary financial and medical support and communications to advise recipients in Canada of the upcoming arrival of the refugee.
Visa and travel documents
Documents required before travel to Canada.
Monetary loans before departure
Available monetary loans for refugees to support travel and settlement in Canada, eligibility criteria, processing steps and repayment requirements.
Travel arrangements
Transportation bookings, accommodations during travel, baggage, service animals and other arrangements for travelling to Canada.
Notification of visa approval (PSR program)
Communication to sponsors in Canada about approval and upcoming arrival of refugee.
Pre-departure medical services
Available medical services for approved refugees while still abroad waiting to depart for Canada.
Orientation for life in Canada
Training is provided to inform refugees about what to expect during travel and after arrival in Canada.
For information about orientation 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