What to Expect As a New Refugee in Canada (Step by Step)
Summary of Key Points:
The refugee process in Canada includes making a claim, an eligibility interview, a refugee hearing, and a final decision. Essential preparation involves gathering documents like identity papers, police reports, and medical records.
Immediate steps upon arrival include orientation by immigration officials, finding temporary accommodations in reception centers or hotels/hostels, and initial administrative tasks like obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN), opening a bank account, registering for healthcare, and enrolling children in school.
Next steps should include enrolling in language classes through government programs like LINC and community centers, seeking job search assistance via employment agencies and resource centers, and accessing mental health support.
Refugees settling in Canada for the long term should secure permanent housing with the help of NGOs, understand their rights as tenants, continue their job search and education for better employment opportunities, and integrate with local communities through groups and cultural events.
What to Expect As a New Immigrant in Canada (Step by Step)
Canada is often viewed globally as a haven for refugees—but the process for claiming this status to enter the country isn’t always easy, and clear information can be hard to find. That’s why our team at Panel Physician has created this guide to help walk you through the steps involved.
From securing your medical documentation to enter Canada to finding accommodations, the information below provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in becoming a refugee to Canada. Use what you learn below to prepare for your journey and begin your new life.
The Refugee Process in Canada: An Overview
Canada's refugee process is designed to offer protection to people who face persecution in their home countries. As a refugee claimant, you'll go through several steps:
Making a Claim: You can claim refugee protection upon arriving in Canada, either at a port of entry or at an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office.
Eligibility Interview: An officer will interview you to determine if you're eligible to make a refugee claim.
Refugee Hearing: If eligible, you'll attend a hearing at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), where your case will be reviewed.
Decision: The IRB will decide if you're a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.
Preparing for the Process
Gather and organize any documents that support your claim, including:
Identity documents
Police reports
Medical records (see below)
Any other evidence of persecution in your home country
Not all refugees need a full Immigration Medical Exam (IME) to enter Canada—but you may require a Medical Diagnostic Test. Learn the differences between IME vs. MDT requirements here and find out which one you’ll need.
We also recommend that many refugees to Canada seek legal assistance for support with the more challenging aspects of claiming refugee status. Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal help to refugees—find a list of legal aid offices here.
Immediate Steps: What to Expect Upon Arrival
Orientation
When you disembark in Canada, you will be greeted by immigration officials and possibly representatives from resettlement agencies. They will guide you through initial procedures and provide orientation about life in Canada.
Temporary Accommodations
Upon arrival in Canada, refugees are often provided with temporary housing. This might include:
Reception Centers: These centers, like the Toronto Newcomer Office, offer short-term accommodation and essential services.
Hotels or Hostels: In some cases, you may be placed in hotels or hostels temporarily. Organizations like COSTI Immigrant Services help in arranging these accommodations.
Initial Administrative Tasks
You’ll need to complete several important administrative tasks to set yourself up for success in Canada once you enter. Here’s a list of the immediate ones:
Social Insurance Number (SIN): Apply for your SIN at a Service Canada Centre. This number is crucial for working and accessing government services.
Bank Account: Open an account with banks offering newcomer services like RBC or TD Canada Trust, which provide multilingual assistance and newcomer packages.
Healthcare Coverage: Register for provincial health care insurance. In Ontario, for example, contact Service Ontario to enroll in OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan).
School Enrollment: Contact the local school board to enroll your children in school. In cities like Vancouver or Toronto, the school boards have newcomer services to assist with this process.
Medium-Term Steps: Accessing Services & Resources
The steps above will help you get into Canada and get your bearings—but then you’ll need to start planning for the future if you intend to stay here. Here are the next areas where you should focus:
Language Classes
Government Programs: Enroll in free language classes offered by the government through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.
Community Centers: Local community centers often offer language classes. The YMCA is a notable provider.
Job Search Assistance
Employment Agencies: Agencies like ACCES Employment and Skills for Change offer specialized services for newcomers, including job counselling and resume workshops.
Resource Centers: Visit local employment resource centers (like WorkBC in British Columbia) for access to job postings, workshops, and individual counselling.
Mental Health Support
Counselling Services: Organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offer counselling services.
Support Groups: Join support groups through community centers or religious organizations to connect with others who have similar experiences.
Long-Term Steps: Completing the Integration Process
If you intend to spend a significant portion of your life in Canada, there are a few more things you should consider for the distant future. Here’s a list of areas to focus on once you can turn your attention to long-range planning:
Permanent Housing
Local NGOs: Contact NGOs like Habitat for Humanity or the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada for assistance with permanent housing.
Tenant Rights: Educate yourself about tenant rights in Canada through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) or provincial tenant boards.
Employment
Job Services: Continuously engage with job agencies and government employment services for job opportunities.
Further Education: Consider enrolling in courses or certification programs at local community colleges or universities to enhance job prospects.
Community Integration
Community Groups: Join local community groups based on interests or cultural background. Websites like Meetup.com can be useful to find such groups.
Cultural Events: Participate in local cultural events and festivals to understand Canadian culture and meet new people. Local libraries and community centers are good sources of information about such events.
The Road to Lasting Success & Security in Canada
Remember, resettling in a new country is a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself, seek support when needed, and gradually, you will build a new home in Canada.
Finally, it’s important to understand that you don’t have to do everything at once—just focus on the next step in front of you and you’ll gradually complete everything you need to do.
Schedule your Immigration Medical Exam here if you haven’t already, then work your way through each section above to make sure that your journey to Canada goes as smoothly as possible.
