Canada’s Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) offers targeted financial support to exceptionally high-needs refugees, covering transportation and initial settlement costs to ease financial burdens. Refugees arriving in Canada often face significant obstacles, and this initiative helps those with complex needs start a new life without worrying about immediate financial constraints.
The RAP helps cover costs, including travel expenses and essential settlement support, reducing or even eliminating the need for resettled refugees to take on loans through the Immigration Loans Program (ILP). Refugees experiencing barriers like limited literacy, senior status, or disabilities may be eligible for RAP contributions.
How Requests Are Approved
To ensure this funding reaches those in need, requests for RAP assistance are carefully reviewed by IRCC’s Resettlement Policy and Program Branch (RPPB). Each case undergoes a detailed assessment, and approvals are granted based on available funds and individual refugee circumstances.
Requests can be submitted pre- or post-arrival by designated RAP service providers and must outline the refugee’s exceptional needs. Examples of factors considered include:
- Single-parent households
- Large families with dependents
- Survivors of violence or trauma
- Physical or mental health conditions needing long-term care
- Absence of support networks in Canada
Post-Arrival Requests and Support
Once refugees arrive in Canada, service providers can request RAP assistance for essential non-refundable costs like household items or employment support. However, RAP contributions do not cover refundable expenses like rental security deposits or Canada Child Benefit advances.
Requests must be submitted by the refugee’s 10th month in Canada to allow sufficient processing time before loan repayments begin. If approved, the refugee is informed and their loan statement updated to reflect RAP contributions, providing relief and helping them integrate into Canadian society.
Streamlined Approval for RAP Support
Certain cases, including Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) cases and One-Year Window of Opportunity (OYW) cases, are eligible for streamlined RAP contribution approvals. These applications don’t require the same level of documentation due to the pre-existing support requirements.
Reconsideration of Denied Requests
If a refugee’s situation changes after a denied request, the RAP service provider may resubmit for reconsideration. Additional documentation or new circumstances could lead to an updated RAP contribution decision, offering renewed financial support for refugees to achieve stability in Canada.
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