Counselling immigration loan applicants
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
When issuing a loan, a designated officer must ensure that the loan applicant is fully aware of and understands the meaning and nature of the loan agreement. The loan applicant’s legal responsibilities and obligations, with respect to the terms and conditions for the repayment of the loan, must be clearly explained.
To avoid any misunderstanding that the loan applicant may have, the designated officer refers to the terms and conditions or the reverse side of the loan agreement, which describes the terms of the loan and payment options and provides other information that the designated officer needs to counsel the loan applicant.
By signing a loan agreement, loan applicants certify all of the following:
- They are of the legal age of majority (18 years or older).
- They understand the terms and conditions associated with the loan agreement.
- They will comply with the stated terms and conditions for loan repayment.
Loans exceeding CAN$ 15,000
In migration offices where the International Organization for Migration (IOM) prepares travel arrangements for refugees selected for resettlement, the total amount of the transportation loan does not exceed CAN$15,000, given that the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) absorbs the additional fees, per the memorandum of understanding (MOU). For all other classes of immigrants, the $15,000 loan maximum does not apply.