Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) is a contribution program. It has two main components: income support and assistance for a range of immediate essential services.
Immediate and essential services are delivered by Service Provider Organizations (SPOs), generally within the first 4-6 weeks of a newcomer’s arrival in Canada. Activities include the following:
- meeting newcomers at the airport or final destination in Canada
- providing temporary accommodation
- providing basic orientation to Canada, life skills training and financial orientation
- assisting in finding permanent accommodation
- referring to other settlement programs
Eligibility
- Immigration categories eligible for support
- Exceptions
- Qualifying for income support and eligibility period
- Roles and responsibilities
Allowances
Income support allowances can be basic (provided to all RAP recipients) or conditional (provided only under certain circumstances). Certain allowances are provided one-time only, while others are provided on an ongoing monthly basis.
Calculating and delivering income support
- Pro-rating and personal assets
- Calculating income support (cheque timeline)
- Delivering income support (issuing cheques)
- Calculating the 50% additional income incentive
- One-year window of opportunity and RAP income support