Canadian Refugees - Basic Facts for Clinicians
Who Is a Refugee?
The UNHCR defines a refugee as someone who has been forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or violence, with a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Main Types of Refugees in Canada
Resettled Refugees
* Have permanent resident status on arrival
* Applied for refugee status while overseas, referred by the UNHCR
* Include Convention Refugees (under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention)
Refugee Claimants (Asylum Seekers)
* Come to Canada to seek asylum at the border or from within the country
* Allowed to stay as temporary residents while their claim is processed by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
* Not eligible for provincial health coverage until their claim is processed
Sponsorship Programs
Type | Who Funds It |
Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) | Federal government for up to 1 year |
Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs) | Approved private sponsor for up to 1 year |
Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVORs) | Government provides 6 months income support; private sponsor provides 6 months financial and 1 year social support |
Health Coverage at a Glance
* Resettled refugees in Alberta: Eligible for IFHP on arrival. Apply for PHN through AHCIP as soon as possible. Process typically takes a few weeks.
* Refugee claimants: Covered by IFHP until claim is processed. Not eligible for AHCIP until then.
* Rejected claimants: Still covered by IFHP until they are accepted, deported, or abandon their claim
See IFHP Coverage Guide for Clinicians for full coverage details.
Settlement Services in Calgary
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) provides settlement and integration services to all refugees in Calgary and Southern Alberta, including housing assistance, language training, school registration, job placement, and legal and social support.
Refer patients to CCIS for settlement needs: ccisab.ca