2.C Settlement and Integration
C.9 What costs need to be considered and who covers them?
(iv) For costs borne by sponsored refugees, are there any programs to cover these costs?
How Canada Does It
While not required, sponsoring groups may offer to absorb the costs associated with sponsored refugees’ travel to Canada. Otherwise, sponsored refugees may apply for loans with the Government of Canada to cover these costs. These loans must be repaid in monthly installments starting thirty days after their arrival. To alleviate this burden on refugees, some organizations may also offer grants or frequent flyer points to cover a variety of costs for refugees such as travel, housing, education, and counselling services. Sponsored refugees choosing to pursue secondary education must pay tuition fees and may be entitled to the same loans and grants as other Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Sponsored refugees may apply for loans with the Government of Canada to cover the costs of transportation to Canada. These loans must be repaid in monthly installments starting thirty days after their arrival. The larger the loan amount, the more time the sponsored refugees are granted to repay the loans (see A.8(ii)). Transportation loans may impose a significant financial burden on refugees who have not yet gained employment or integrated into life in Canada. As a result, while not required, sponsoring groups may offer to absorb the costs associated with travel to Canada. In exceptional cases, the Canada has waived the costs of travel (e.g. in the resettlement of 25,000 Syrian refugees in late 2015 and early 2016).
Some organizations may also offer grants or frequent flyer points to cover a variety of costs for refugees such as travel, housing, education, and counselling services. Typically, sponsoring groups need to reach out to these organizations so their sponsored refugees benefit from their support.
As permanent residents, sponsored refugees are eligible to study anywhere in Canada. Sponsored refugees choosing to pursue post-secondary education will be responsible for covering tuition costs. However, like all permanent residents, they may be eligible for provincial educational loans and grants. Many universities, colleges, and other organizations offer scholarships and bursaries to help refugees access tertiary education (see 2.C.4(iii)).