Refugees: the first year in Ontario
Learn about the support that refugees receive during their first year settling in the province.
By the numbers
- 6
- 36
- 23,000+
- 11,000+
Settlement timeline
Before arrival
Typically, sponsors are notified two weeks before privately sponsored refugees arrive.
RAP agencies and Malton Neighbourhood Services (MNS) for government-assisted refugees are also given two weeks’ notice. RAP agencies are community-based organizations that provide temporary accommodation, alongside immediate and essential services to government-assisted refugees. MNS is a settlement agency that provides welcome services at Pearson International Airport.
Arrival
At the airport, all refugees:
- have their identity verified
- are provided with permanent resident documents
- are issued a Social Insurance Number
The airport welcome service also distributes government and settlement organization information to every refugee that arrives.
Government-assisted refugees
The airport welcome service welcomes government-assisted refugees, and ensures they make connecting flights or find their transportation to the right RAP.
Some refugees may be provided with temporary accommodation in the city of arrival while they wait for transportation to their new home community.
Privately sponsored refugees
Sponsors welcome refugees at the airport and provide transportation to their new Ontario accommodations.
Immediate and essential services
All refugees receive:
- access to health professionals for support with immediate health and mental health needs and vaccinations
- help opening a bank account and information about budgeting and the cost of living in Canada
- assistance with applications for government programs and subsidies, including the Interim Federal Health Program and OHIP
- orientation and information about rights and responsibilities, including issues related to landlord/tenant relations, family law and parenting obligations
- an assessment of their needs, capacities and aspirations in order to develop an individualized settlement plan. This includes appropriate referrals to local support services in the neighbourhood where the refugee family will be living
Government-assisted refugees
For government-assisted refugees, RAP agencies provide:
- essential services
- temporary accommodation and meals for at least two weeks
- assistance finding and moving to more permanent housing
- help with formal registration for the federal income support program for government-assisted refugees
Privately sponsored refugees
For privately sponsored refugees, their sponsors and local settlement agencies provide:
- temporary accommodation
- assistance in finding permanent housing (if it isn’t already secured)
- orientation to how income support will reach the refugee family
2 - 6
Initial settlement
All refugees receive comprehensive support to help them settle into their new communities. This includes helping refugees to:
- enrol their children in childcare, school or community programs
- connect with school-based settlement workers, where available
- develop community and social connections
- enrol in language training classes
- access employment assistance, mentoring and training services
- access occupation-specific language training, bridging programs, and credential assessment
- understand the labour market and find employment
- find a family doctor and other health professionals to provide support with ongoing health and mental health concerns
Government-assisted refugees
For government-assisted refugees, RAP agencies provide:
- referrals to services in the community where they will be living
- holistic case management services, including home visits and accompaniment to key appointments to ensure refugees are properly connected to other service providers. This is provided through the Client Support Service (CSS) Program.
Privately sponsored refugees
Sponsors work with local settlement agencies to ensure refugees receive the support they need. Sponsors provide emotional support and practical assistance to refugees, including home visits and accompaniment to key appointments to ensure they are properly connected to other service providers.
Community integration
At this stage, refugees become increasingly independent, but still require some help from community-based settlement agencies and other organizations. All refugees get assistance to:
- address any challenges related to settlement and immigration transition issues, health and mental health concerns
- deal with any landlord/tenant issues
- continue pursuing educational and employment goals
- continue building community connections and participate in community or volunteering activities
Government-assisted refugees
RAP agencies, through the Client Support Service Program, continue providing support for up to 12 months.
Privately Sponsored Refugees
Sponsors continue providing emotional and practical support, at least until the end of the first year in Canada.