Canada is seen as a refuge for many, but getting refugee status can be tough, and information may be hard to find. Here, our Ottawa and Orleans immigration panel physicians share information about becoming a refugee and how to immigrate to Canada.
Immigration to Canada: What to Expect
The blog post below offers a thorough outline of the process for becoming a refugee in Canada, from obtaining your medical records for entry to finding accommodations after you arrive. Use this information to prepare for your journey and start your new life.
The Refugee Process in Canada: An Overview of How to Immigrate to Canada
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 apply for refugee protection upon arriving in Canada, either at a port of entry or at an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office.
- Eligibility Interview: Once you've applied, an officer will interview you to determine eligibility for your 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 needing protection. The Convention refugee class includes those who are outside of their home country and cannot return based on a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, nationality or membership in a particular social group, such as gender or sexual orientation.
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 (MDT). Please feel free to contact our panel physicians to learn more about what you may 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 offer short-term accommodation and essential services.
- Hotels or Hostels: In some cases, you may be temporarily placed in hotels or hostels. Organizations like COSTI Immigrant Services help arrange these accommodations.
Initial Administrative Tasks
Once you enter, you’ll need to complete several important administrative tasks to set yourself up for success in Canada. Here’s a list of the immediate ones:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): You can 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, such as RBC or TD Canada Trust, which offer 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 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: You can 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 with similar experiences.
Long-Term Steps: Completing the Integration Process
If you plan to spend a considerable amount of time in Canada, there are some additional things you should consider for the future. Here's a list of areas to focus on when you can start planning for the long term:
Permanent Housing
Local NGOs: For assistance with permanent housing, contact NGOs like Habitat for Humanity or the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada.
Tenant Rights: Educate yourself about tenant rights in Canada through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) or provincial tenant boards.
Employment
Job Services: Connect regularly with job agencies and government employment services to stay updated on job opportunities.
Further Education: To enhance job prospects, consider enrolling in courses or certification programs at local community colleges or universities.
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 immerse yourself in Canadian culture and expand your social circle. Local libraries and community centers are valuable resources for information about such events.
The Road to Lasting Success & Security in Canada
Remember, moving to a new country takes time. Be patient, seek support, and you will soon make Canada your home.
Finally, it’s important to understand that you don’t have to do everything at once. Focus on the next step, and you’ll gradually complete everything you need to do.
