Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated guidance (November 19, 2025) on the partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM plays a critical role in supporting newcomers through several key government programs, including the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP), and the Immigration Loans Program (ILP).
What Does the International Organization for Migration Do for Canada?
Through active agreements with IRCC, the IOM provides several essential supports for resettled refugees, protected persons, and other newcomers before they arrive in Canada:
1. Pre-Departure Medical Services (IFHP)
- Medical exams, treatment, and travel supports are provided to refugees and eligible clients before they leave for Canada.
- This includes:
- Full immigration medical exams
- Treatment for health issues that could bar entry on public health grounds
- Immunizations and communicable disease control
- Medical escorts or devices needed for safe travel
- For more details, see: Get medical services before you leave for Canada
2. Pre-Departure Resettlement Supports (RAP and COA)
- The IOM helps RAP-eligible clients with:
- Completing accurate applications (especially for government-assisted refugees)
- Arranging selection interviews and necessary logistics (interpreters, transport, accommodations)
- Providing Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) sessions—delivered virtually, by phone, or in-person across many international sites.
- COA resources are available in multiple languages and formats, including videos and apps.
- More: Canadian Orientation Abroad
3. Movement Assistance and Immigration Loans Program (ILP)
- The IOM coordinates:
- Travel to Canada, including arranging flights, transit documentation, and escorts for vulnerable travelers as needed
- Help with exit permits and sometimes requests to waive exit fees
- Assistance during travel, especially in transit countries or when emergencies arise
- Access to Canada’s Immigration Loan for travel expenses—repayment required by the client, with IOM charging a support fee
- For details: Loans for transportation to Canada
How to Contact and Coordinate with the IOM
IRCC migration offices serve as the main contacts for local IOM offices. They:
- Coordinate day-to-day resettlement activities
- Plan for new refugee movements, caseload projections, and large-scale missions
- Resolve issues, report incidents, and request additional resources
- New IRCC refugee coordinators should connect with IOM contacts and attend local COA sessions
The Resettlement, Family and Humanitarian (RFH) branch in Ottawa remains the IOM’s main federal contact for large-scale coordination and persistent program queries.
Why This Matters
This update clarifies processes, resources, and communication lines, ensuring continuity and efficiency for refugees, regional staff, and service partners. With IOM’s global reach and multilingual support, Canada strengthens its commitment to smooth, humane refugee resettlement and integration.
If you are a newcomer, sponsor, or service provider, knowing these IOM supports can help you navigate immigration processes, secure necessary pre-departure health services, and access orientation and travel aid before your arrival in Canada.
IRCC’s renewed partnership with the IOM means safer, better-supported journeys for refugees and immigrants—covering health, orientation, and travel funding every step of the way. For more information, visit IRCC’s official IOM guidance page.
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