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Making a Refugee Claim at the Border
An Information GuideTable of
contents
REFUGEE PROTECTIONImportant steps that you are legally obligated to follow as part of the refugee process
CAN I MAKE A CLAIM?Describes who is and who is not eligible to make a refugee claim in Canada
REFUGEE PROCESS IN CANADAStep by Step Process for Refugee Determination In Canada
LEGAL HELPWho can represent you at your hearing, tips on how to find legal counsel, Legal Aid
THE REFUGEE HEARINGThe IRB, the PIF and the step by step process of how your refugee hearing works
WHAT IF I AM REFUSED?Outlines options if you are refused at your refugee hearing
IMMIGRATION MEDICALS/ HEALTH SERVICESAll the information you need to know about your mandatory medical exam and
how to obtain essential health services
WORK AND SCHOOLDescribes your rights to work and attend school
REPORTING CHANGE OF ADDRESSTo whom and how you report any change of address
INCOME SUPPORTWhat to do if you don’t have any money for rent, food and clothing
CHOOSING TO LIVE IN NIAGARAA profile of communities in Niagara
WHERE CAN I GET HELPA list of organizations that can help you between Buffalo and Toronto
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Editor:
Researcher:
Legal Advisors:
Editorial Contributors:
Financial Support:
Graphic Design:
Theresa Anzovino
Manuel Hernandez
Michael Foster, Community Legal Services Niagara South,
Deyanira Benavides, Community Legal Services Niagara S
Annette Tennier, Rod McDowell, Sue Morrison,
James McNair, Shirley McNair
Ontario PLURA, an organization that provides funds through thePresbyterian,
Lutheran, United, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches to help groups of
disadvantages people get social change projects started.
Gerardo Lopez, Open Mind - Graphic Designers, www.omdesigners.com
10 - 11
YOUR FIRST STEPS
IN YOUR FIRST DAYS
How Can The Fort Erie
Refugee Reception Centre
Help Me When I arrive at
the Border?
Your first priorities after you enter Canada are:
HOUSING :Find a temporary place to stay. If you do not have family or friends that you can stay with, there areshelters that can help you
ORGANIZATIONS THAT CAN HELP : Find a community organization that can help you.
FIND LEGAL HELP AND SUBMIT PIF : Because the time you have to complete your Personal Information Form (PIF) is very short ( 28 days) you should find legal counsel as soon as you can after entering Canada. If you want a lawyer to help you but cannot afford one, apply immediately for Legal Aid
Referrals for shelter
Information package on the Refugee Process
Orientation Sessions for First Days in Ontario
Referrals to other organizations in destination community
A light meal
Emergency transportation
A rest area and children’s playroom
Access to telephone for contact information
Free Internet Access
www.settlement.org
www.cic.gc.ca
www.irb.gc.ca
www.cleo.on.ca
www.femulticulturalcentre.org
www.legalaid.on.ca/en/getting/Immigrat
ion.asp
www.fcjsisters.ca
www.directioncanada.gc.ca
Website of the
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving
Immigrants with information for your new
life in Canada
Website of Citizenship
and Immigration Canada with information
on immigration and refugee processes,
application forms etc.
Website of the
Immigration and Refugee Board of
Canada
Website of Community
Legal Education Ontario legal fact sheets
on immigration and refugee law and other
areas of law
You can
download extra copies of this information
package
Website for Legal Aid in Ontario
that can provide you with information on
getting help for immigration and refugee
matters and the location of the Legal Aid
Office or Community Legal Clinic nearest
to you
Website for FCJ
Hamilton House Refugee Project that has
excellent information on the Canadian
Refugee Determination process and links
to other sites
Information for newcomers and non-
Canadians on going to Canada
We provide first step assistance for your first day:
Making a Refugee Claim at the Border
An Information GuideMaking a Refugee Claim at a Canadian Border
1Make a Refugee Claim At The Border
2Eligibility Immigration decides if you are eligible to make A refugee claim. If yes, you receive a package of documents
Citizenship andImmigration Canada
Refugees and persons needing protection are people in or outside Canada who fear returning to their country of nationality or habitual residence. In keeping with its humanitarian tradition and international obligations, Canada provides protection to thousands of people every year.
Through its refugee protection system, Canada offers safe haven to persons with a well-founded fear of persecution, as well as those at risk of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
The Canadian federal government helps refugees resettle in Canada. The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program allows Canada to uphold its humanitarian traditions. In addition to government efforts, private sponsorships enable organizations and groups of individuals to assist refugees and other people in similar circumstances to rebuild their lives in Canada.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) selects refugees who are seeking resettlement in Canada. To be eligible for coming to Canada, refugees must not have another option within a reasonable time. Before accepting a person as a refugee, CIC will make sure that person cannot go home to their country of nationality or usual residence or stay in the country where they have been given
RAPP
OVED
3Give Immigration The Address of Where You Will Live In Canada (family, friends, shelter)
4Complete Immigration Medical Examination with a Designated Medical Doctor
5Apply immediately for Legal Aid if you want a lawyer but cannot afford to pay for one
6Submit your Personal Information Form (PIF) in 28 days
to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
7Apply for Permission to Work , only afterMedicalExamination and PIF are submitted)
8Hearing with Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Youwill be contacted in advance with a date for your hearing. This can take between 3 months 16+ months.
9Report ANY Change of Address. Every time you change your address you MUST report this to Immigration AND The IRBIRB
Interview With Immigration At The Port Of Entry. You will have
fingerprints and photographs taken. You will be asked why you are seeking
refugee protection in Canada. An interpreter is provided for you if you
request one. If Canada Immigration finds that you are eligible to make a
claim you will be referred to the Refugee Protection Branch of the
Immigration and Refugee Board.
You Will Receive A Package of Documents. This package
contains very important papers including your Personal Information Form,
Immigration Medical Forms and a list of doctors who can do these medical
examinations, Federal Interim Health Coverage, A Notice To Appear before
the Immigration and Refuge Board and a conditional removal order.
Legal Representation. If you choose to be represented by a lawyer or
any other person at your hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board
(IRB), you should select counsel as soon as possible after your arrival in
Canada. See the section on Legal Help for more suggestions.
Legal Aid. If you cannot afford to pay for a lawyer, you should apply
immediately to Legal Aid for assistance. See the section on Legal Help for
more information.
Submit Your Personal Information Form To The Immigration and Refugee Board. You must do this within 28 days
from the day you receive your documents.
Complete Immigration Medical Examination Within 60 days. See Section on Immigration Medicals.
Report Any and All Changes of Address. You must inform
Canada Immigration and the Immigration and Refugee Board of any change
of address within 10 days after moving. Otherwise, you will be in violation of
Immigration Laws. As well, you may not receive important mail. See Change
of Address
Applying To Work in Canada. You must apply for permission to work
in Canada (it is called an employment authorization). You can only apply
after Immigration has received your Immigration Medical Examination
results and after you have submitted your Personal Information Form to the
Immigration and Refugee Board. See Section on Working in Canada.
Hearing With Immigration and Refugee Board. Your case is
presented to the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and
Refugee Board. A decision can be made immediately at the end of your
hearing or a written decision can be mailed to you. See Section on Refugee
Process in Canada.
CONVENTIONREFUGEES
Are people who have lefttheir home country and have a well founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Youmust prove that you fit at least one of these categories
.
PERSONS IN NEED OF PROTECTION
Are individuals whose removal
to their home country would
subject them personally to:
A) Danger of torture; OR
B) Risk to their life; ORC) Risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
AnInformationGuide
REFUGEE
PROTECTION
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AnInformationGuide
Through its refugee protection system, Canada offers safe haven to persons with a well-founded fear of persecution, as well as those at risk of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
The first step to making a refugee claim in Canada is for Canada Immigration to determine if you are eligible. If Immigration finds you eligible to make a refugee claim, then your case is sent to the Immigration and Refugee Board. You will have to convince the Immigration and Refugee Board (which is independent from Citizenship and Immigration Canada) that you have a realistic fear of persecution in your home country. They will make a decision based on your personal testimony, any documents that you may have and documents about your home country.
You are NOT eligible to make a refugee claim in Canada if any of the following circumstances apply to your case:
� Convention Refugee protection was granted to you inanother country to which you can return OR
� You applied for refugee protection in Canada and were refused OR
� You came to Canada from or through a designated “safe third country” where refugee protection could have been claimed OR
� You are found to be a security risk, a violator of human rights, a serious criminal or a person involved in organized crime
� Your previous refugee protection claim was withdrawn,abandoned or you were found ineligible
Canada’s refugee protection
system has two components:
The Refugee and Humanitarian
Resettlement Program, for people
seeking protection from outside of
Canada. Decisions for these claims
are made at Canadian embassies or
consulates overseas.
T h e I n - C a n a d a R e f u g e e
Protection Process, for people
seeking protection at a Canadian
border (port of entry) or from within
Canada (called an inland claim). A
claim is made by notifying an officer
of Citizenship and Immigration
Canada (CIC) at any port of entry or
at a Canada Immigration Center
within Canada. The CIC officer will
determine if the claim is eligible to be
heard and will refer eligible claims
to the Refugee Protection Division
of the Immigration and Refugee
Board. If no decision has been made
by a CIC officer within three days,
the claim will be deemed referred.
CAN I MAKE A
REFUGEE CLAIM?
This publication contains general information only. Each situation is unique. The law can also change. You should consult with a lawyer or a community legal clinic for your own case. This information was current as of August 2002.
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REFUGEE PROCESS
IN CANADA
AnInformationGuide
HELPFUL HINTS
In order to be successful in your
refugee claim in Canada, you will
need to prove that you fear
persecution in the country from
which you are fleeing. You must be
able to meet the legal definition of
a Convention Refugee or Person
In Need of Protection as defined in
the Canadian Immigration and
Refugee Protection Act.
There is no age limit for making a
refugee claim in Canada.
Everything you say at any
immigration interview or write on
any form can be used in any step
of the refugee process.
Together with the PIF, you must
provide 3 copies of all travel and
identity documents in your
possession, whether they are
genuine or false or improperly or
irregularly obtained. If you do not
have these documents with you,
you must indicate where the
documents are now and whether
any o f them have been
disposed of or destroyed. IF you
have no valid identity or travel
documents, you should make
every effort to obtain documents
to establish your identity.
Apply for Permanent
Residence Status within
180 days. Application
will accompany notice
of decision from IRB
Person makes claim at a Canadian port of entry or at an inland CIC office
CIC Officer decides within 72 hours that a refugee protection claimant is eligible to be referred to the Immigration and
Refugee Board
Submit Personal Information Form to the Immigration and Refugee Board 28 days to file
Oral Hearing with the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board
Positive DecisionYES Negative DecisionNO
15 days to apply to Federal
Court for Judicial Review.
If win, claim is returned to
Refugee Protection Division
for new hearing.
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment.
If yes, apply for Permanent
Residence Status
Humanitarian and Compassionate
Application. If yes, apply for
Permanent Residence Status.
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After you are allowed to enter Canada, you should obtain legal representation as soon as possible. If you are unable to pay a lawyer to represent you, you may apply for legal aid at the nearest local office.
Generally, we encourage our clients to find Immigration
Lawyers in private practice or find lawyers or legal workers
linked to a community Legal Clinic or a non-profit
organization.
Your lawyer or legal worker will spend time and energy questioning you, researching conditions in your country, and preparing/supporting your case by referring you to appropriate medical professionals for physical and or psychological evaluations and reports as may be needed. Your lawyer should spend enough time with you to prepare the necessary documents, forms, research your case and explain the legal process to you.
Be aware of the fact that in Canada, many of the people who offerlegal assistance are not lawyers but are called “immigration consultants”. These consultants may or may not be competent to properly represent you. Legal Aid WILL NOT pay for a consultant.Be sure to do extensive research before choosing a
consultant.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING LEGAL COUNSEL
People claiming refugee protection have the right to legal counsel or to speak on their own behalf. If claimants do not wish to be represented by a lawyer, they can choose a friend, relative or other individual to act as their counsel. BUT ONLY A LAWYER CAN REPRESENT YOU IN FEDERAL COURT
Legal Help for Refugee in Niagara
If you want to hire a private lawyer, but cannot afford to pay for one,
you can apply for Legal Aid at your nearest local office .
Legal Aid Office
St. Catharines, Ontario
905-
Legal Aid Office
King Street,
Welland, Ontario
905-735-1559
Legal Clinic : Community Legal Services of Niagara South
3 Cross Street Welland, Ontario 905-735-1559
Ridgeway 905-894
LEGAL HELP
What If I Want ALawyer But I Have
No Money?
LEGAL AID
Some prov inces p rov ide
financial assistance to help pay
for a lawyer if you cannot afford
one. These provinces are
Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and
British Columbia. What is
covered by Legal Aid varies from
Province to Province.
For information and the location
of the nearest Legal Aid Office in
Ontario visit the website
www.legalaid.on.ca
In general terms, in order to
receive legal aid, you have to
demonstrate that you do not
have money to pay a lawyer
yourself. When you go for your
legal aid appointment, you will
need to bring bank account
information, list of assets, proof
of how you are financially
supporting yourself. They will
ask you some information about
why you are claiming refugee
status.
NOT ALL LAWYERS
ACCEPT LEGAL AID
In Ontario, there are Legal
Clinics that also provide FREE
legal assistance based on
financial need
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WHAT IS THE IMMIGRATION
AND REFUGEE BOARD?
The Immigration and Refugee Board is an independent Canadian organization that makes decisions on claims for refugee protection in Canada
WHAT IS THE PIF ?
PIF is a short form forPersonal Information Form. This is a form that youhave to submit with details of your refugee case to the Immigration and Refugee Board. It gives biographical information and a detaileds to ry o f why you fearreturning to your home country.
M a k e s u r e t h a t a l linformation you provide to Immigration is honest and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
If you or your lawyer cannotcomplete and submit the PIF in 28 days, then you must ask for an extension in writing. If you do not do this, you will be called for an abandonment hearing.
To help your lawyer fill in the PIF quickly, show him/her all of your records and documents.
THE REFUGEE HEARING
Claim Rejected,Withdrawn or Abandoned
full hearing
Sent tofull hearing
Claim Acceptedfull hearing
May apply for permanent residence
Claim is screened into appropriate process
Claim is referred by Immigration to theImmigration and Refugee Board
Expedited process: Interview witha refugee protection officer Full Refugee Hearing Process
Accepted withoutfull hearing
X
When Immigration refers your claim to the Refugee Protection Division of the
IRB, your claim is reviewed to decide whether it will go through an expedited
process or a full refugee hearing.
The expedited process is used when a claim appears to be manifestly well
founded. In this process, you are interviewed by a refugee protection officer,
who makes a recommendation about the claim. If the recommendation is
favorable, the claim is forwarded to an IRB member who will decide if it should
be accepted without a hearing. A full hearing is held if you are not granted
refugee protection in the expedited interview.
Full hearings follow a tribunal process which is usually non-adversarial,
unless Canada Immigration participates to argue against your case. A refugee
protection officer assists the IRB member to ensure credible and relevant
evidence is presented. If you are accepted by the IRB, then you may apply to
become a permanent resident of Canada.
You have the right to be represented by counsel
You have the right to be heard and to present your case fully
All testimony is given under oath or by affirmation
Representatives of UNHCR may observe any hearing
The persons who make decisions on cases are called members
Most cases are heard by one member, although occasionally
panels of two or three members will hear cases
Refugee hearings are generally held in private
Hearings are usually conducted in person, although they can be held by videoconferencing,
telephone or other means that allow for a fair hearing.
The services of an interpreter are provided if required, and an individual may choosen
which of Canada’s official languages, English or French, the hearing will be conducted
All IRB decisions are based on the evidence provided during the proceedings
Members must provide reasons for all final decisions
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PRRA
You can only apply for a pre-removal
risk assessment when you have
been issued a removal order from
Canada
The wr i t t en app l i ca t i on fo r
protection must be submitted within
15 days
Most PRRAs are conducted in
writing, although oral hearings may
be required in certain cases where
the officer has concerns about the
person’s credibility.
For failed refugee claimants, PRRA
officers can only look at:
NEW EVIDENCE (like a change in
country conditions) or evidence that
the applicant could not reasonably
present at the refugee hearing
AnInformationGuide
WHAT IF I AM
REFUSED?
X
APPEALING A DECISION
Made by the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board. The new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act does provide for an appeal process, but as of the date of this publication, the RefugeeAppeal Division of the IRB has not been implemented
JUDICIAL REVIEW BY FEDERAL COURT
You may ask the Federal Court through a lawyer for permission to apply for judicial review of any decision of the Refugee Protection Division. However, this permission is not automatically granted in every case. You must show that a clear legal error was made before your appeal will be allowed to proceed. Only lawyers can represent you in these proceedings.
HUMANITARIAN AND COMPASSIONATE APPLICATION
you may apply for humanitarian and compassionateconsideration at any time. You do not need to wait until your refugee claim has been heard. Any foreign national, including refugee protection claimants who are found by the Immigration and Refugee Board not to be a protected person, who would suffer hardship if they were returned to their home country, may apply to remain in Canada on Humanitarian and Compassionategrounds. Immigration officers will review applications for permanent residence under Humanitarian and Compassionateconsiderations.View and print the application form and guide at www.cicnet.gc.ca
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X
You are ineligible for a refugee hearing because you came from a designated “safe third country”
You are a repeat refugee claimant
who is returning to Canada less
than six months after your
departure
You are recognized as a
Convention Refugee or protected
person under the Canada
Immigrat ion and Refugee
Protection Act
You have been recognized as a
Convention refugee by a country
to which you can return
You are named as a security
concern
You are subject to extradition
AnInformationGuide
WHAT IF I AM
REFUSED?
You are NOT eligible for PRRA
if you are described below:
X
X
X
X
X
X
PRE-REMOVAL RISK ASSESSMENT (PRRA)
A person about to be sent back to a country where they could face
persecution, danger of torture, risk to life or risk of cruel and unusual
punishment may apply for a pre-removal risk assessment (PPRA) before they
are removed from Canada. Once you have been issued a removal order by
Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you must formally apply for a pre-
removal risk assessment (PPRA) within 15 days. Most people who have been
issued a removal order are eligible to apply for a PRRA.
Who conducts the PRRA?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada officers conduct Pre-Removal Risk
Assessments ( PRRA). PRRA officers receive specialized training in matters
relating to personal risk and have access to up-to-date information on
conditions in other countries.
What is the process?
The process is started by Citizenship and Immigration Canada when they are
ready to carry out a removal order. Most PRRAs are conducted in writing. You
will be notified by CIC that a written application for protection may be
submitted within 15 days. You will not be removed from Canada until a final
decision on the application is made.
What happens if I am approved?
Most people who are found at risk may apply for permanent residence.
What happens if I am rejected?
You must leave Canada as required by the removal order.
Will Ontario Legal Aid pay for a Lawyer to Help Me With PPRA?
You may apply for a Legal Aid Certificate and coverage may be available in
your case. A community Legal Clinic may also be available to provide you with
free legal assistance.
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What Do I Need To Bring Tothe Medical Exam?
1)ID Document From Immigration
2)Your medical report form
3)Four passport-size photographs for each adult and 2 passport-sizephotographs for each child (age 0-10)
Important Note
You will not be granted permission to work in Canada until you have completed your Immigration M e d i c a l E x a m i n a t i o n a n d s u b m i t t e d y o u r P e r s o n a l Information Form (PIF) to the IRB.
Immigration Medicals/
Health Services
Every refugee claimant must have medical examination within 60 days
Where Can I Have The Immigration Medical Examination Done and How Much Does It Cost?
As a refugee protection claimant it is mandatory that you have a medical examination within 60 days. A list of doctors was provided to you with the package of information you received from Immigration. Only the doctors on this list are authorized by Immigration to do this examination.
The medical examination is paid for through Federal Interim Health. THERE IS NO COSTTO YOU.
It includes a physical examination, blood test, urinalysis and a chest x-ray.
Immigration will evaluate the results. They can ask for further tests or a specialist's report. If they have concerns about communicable diseases, you can be denied the right to work in certain occupations (for example, in food handling or child care) when you apply for a work permit.
AnInformationGuide
HEALTH SERVICES
The Interim Federal Health Program, administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, ensures emergency and essential health services for needy refugee protection claimants and those protected persons in Canada who are not yet covered by provincial health care.
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WORKING IN CANADA
Permission to Work in Canada
You must complete your Immigration Medical Examination and
submit your Personal Information Form before you can apply for permission to work in Canada. It generally takes several months to get an employment authorization. Application forms are available on-line at www.cic.gc.ca or by telephoning 1-888-242-2100. Community non-governmental organizations can usually provide you with assistance in completing the application if you need help.
How can I work in my profession?
For more information visit : or
(click on employment)
How can I find work?
There are organizations in most communities that may help you.
SCHOOL
Under Canada’s new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act minor children are automatically eligible to attend school. THIS IS NEW.Children attend publicly-funded schools for FREE
Adult refugee protection claimants are eligible to attend language training (English or French) classes without a student authorization. Most of these programs are FREE
Adult refugee protection claimants must apply for a studentauthorization if they plan to attend a community college, university or other training/educational programs. Most of these programs charge tuition fees. When you receive your permanent residence status, you can apply for a loan to attend college or university from the OntarioStudent Loan Program.
For information on having you academic credentials evaluated in Canada visit
www.skillsforchange.org www.settlement.org
www.settlement.org
Before your child can be enrolled in school, you must prove that he or she has been immunized as required by the laws in Ontario
U n d e r t h e n e w C a n a d aImmigrat ion and Refugee Protection Act, minor children are au toma t i ca l l y e l i g i b l e toattend school and do NOTrequire a student authorization
There are two publicly funded school systems in Ontario, one that is non-denominational and one that is Catholic. Children can attend school in either system free of charge.
There are also many private schools, but generally you must pay fees for your children to attend.
In most cases, it is best for children to begin school soon after arriving in Canada. Theschool staff will help with grade placement and other importantdecisions about your child’seducation.
WORK &
SCHOOL
While your claim for refugee protectionis being considered, you have certainrights and responsibilities.
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Report any and all change of address within 10 days to:
�Immigration and Refugee Board (information below)�Citizenship and Immigration Canada (information below)�Social services if you are receiving benefits�Legal counsel
It is VERY IMPORTANT that any address changes be reported to both Immigration and the Immigration and Refugee Board within 10 days, otherwise you will be in violation of Immigration Laws.
As well, you could miss receiving very important mail which could result in the IRB considering you claim abandoned. In the package of documents you receive from Immigration on the day you make your claim, you are given copies of a form called “Notification of Change of Address”. This PINK form must be mailed to the IRB and additionally a call or e-mail must be made to CIC in order to report your change of address and other contact information
REPORTING
CHANGE
OF ADDRESS
!!
Mail Pink Form to:Immigration and Refugee Board74 Victoria Avenue, Suite 4001-888-242-2100M5C 3C7
And:
Call:Citizenship and Immigrationor e-mail them through website www.cic.gc.ca
IRB
HELPFUL HINTS
Always tell the truth about your
personal situation or information,
including your address in Canada.
If for any reason you have
misrepresented yourself, the
sooner you explain the better. To tell
the truth and to cooperate with the
authorities is the best way to avoid
any enforcement measures, such
as being detained.
Refugee protection claimants have the right to use an interpreter in Immigration proceedings if needed.
Keep photocopies of everything
you or someone else has done on
your behalf that was sent to
Canadian authorities regarding
your refugee process.
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AnInformationGuide
INCOME
SUPPORT
If you have made a claim for refugee status and you do not have money to support yourself, you can apply to the Ontario WorksProgram for financial assistance. If you are eligible, you will receive money each month to help with the cost of rent, your food and other basic needs. You will also receive a drug benefitscard.
There are other benefits that you may be eligible for depending on your situation such as money for last month’s rent, furniture and special diets (needed because of health conditions, and for pregnant or breastfeeding women). The amount that you receive depends on your individual need, the number of people in your family and your expenses.
You will be assigned a “casemanager” who will meet with you regularly to help you formulate a plan to follow so that you will eventually be able to work and support your family in Canada. Your casemanager and you decide together what the best plan is for you with information about resources in your new community that are available and extra money that you may need so that you can follow your plan including such things as transportation and childcare.
Some plans include attending school to learn English or French, having your credentials from your country of origin assessed, gaining Canadian work experience through volunteer positions and assistance with looking for employment.
HOW DO I APPLY?If you do not speak English, visit a local agency who helpsimmigrants and refugees and they can help you or Call the Ontario Works Toll Free Application Hotline.
Canada’s refugee protection
system has two components:
The Refugee and Humanitarian
Resettlement Program, for people
seeking protection from outside of
Canada. Decisions for these claims
are made at Canadian embassies or
consulates overseas.
T h e I n - C a n a d a R e f u g e e
Protection Process, for people
seeking protection at a Canadian
border (port of entry) or from within
Canada (called an inland claim). A
claim is made by notifying an officer
of Citizenship and Immigration
Canada (CIC) at any port of entry or
at a Canada Immigration Center
within Canada. The CIC officer will
determine if the claim is eligible to be
heard and will refer eligible claims
to the Refugee Protection Division
of the Immigration and Refugee
Board. If no decision has been made
by a CIC officer within three days,
the claim will be deemed referred.
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HELP
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Consider Living in the
Niagara Region
Most people when they arrive
have been told to go to Toronto to
live. You may wish to consider
living in the Niagara Region. The
Niagara Region can offer big city
l i f e o r s m a l l c o m m u n i t y
neighborhoods, urban or rural life.
POST SECONDARY
EDUCATION
Niagara College is a community
col lege wi th three main
campuses in Welland, Niagara
Fal ls and St . Cathar ines.
Www.niagarac.on.ca
Brock University is located in St.
Cathrines Visit www.brocku.ca
SCHOOLS
For education programs
Www.niagarac.com
Www.dsbn.edu.on.ca
HOSPITALS
Canada has one of the best
healthcare systems in the world.
Most of the large communities
have their own hospitals.
HOUSING
Compared to large cities like
Toronto, there is good availability
of affordable housing.
WORKFORCE
Niagara has a multil ingual
workforce with 20% of the
population able to speak another
language.
CHOOSING TO
LIVE IN NIAGARA
Arctic Ocean
BeaufortSea
BaffinBay
Canada
ALASKA
(USA)
YUKON
TERRITORY
NORTHWEST
TERRITORIES
HudsonBay
NUNAVUT LabradorSea
AtlanticOcean
GREENLANDICELAND
ArcticCircle
MANITOBA
Winnipeg
ONTARIO
UNITED STATES
Quebec
MontrealOttawa
Toronto
Bay ofFundy
QUEBEC
New Brunswick James
Bay
Halifax
NOVA
SCOTIA
Great Bear Lake
Great Slave Lake
BAFFIN
ISLAND
VICTORIA
ISLAND
BANKS
ISLAND
QUEEN ELIZABETH
ISLANDS
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Town:
Province:
Country:
Fort Erie
Ontario
Canada
You are here
Town:
Province:
Country:
Fort Erie
Ontario
Canada
HamiltonCity
HaldimandCounty
City
Lake Ontario
Lake Erie
Niagara FallsNew York
BuffaloNew York
Town ofGrimsby
Town ofLincoln
Township ofWest Lincoln Town of
Pelham
Town ofNiagaraon theLake
City ofNiagara
Falls
Town ofFort Erie
Township ofWainfleet
N
S
W E
City ofWelland
City ofPort Colborne
City ofThorold
City ofSt
Catharines
Ontario Map
Canada Map
NIAGARA FALLS 35 kilometers
WELLAND 40 kilometers
LONDON 220 kilometers
MONTREAL 700 kilometers
OTTAWA 555 kilometers
KITCHENER 155 kilometers
HAMILTON 95 kilometers
TORONTO 155 kilometers
ST. CATHARINES 50 kilometers
For information on working and living in Niagara www.chooseniagara.com
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AnInformationGuide
HELPFUL HINTS
There are many organizations in
Canada that help refugee claimants
FREE OF CHARGE.
It is not necessary to pay for services
when you arrive here in Canada as
m a n y n o n - g o v e r n m e n t a l
organizations (called NGO’s) are
here to help you and provide you
with professional, confidential and
FREE services
Beware of persons who ask you for
large amounts of money for
services. Most services are
available to you FREE of charge
from the experienced staff of non-
governmental organizations and
faith groups.
WHERE CAN I
GET HELP?
VIVE, An Organization For World Refugees50 Wyoming [email protected]
In Buffalo,
In the Niagara Region,
USA
Canada
Fort Erie Multicultural Centre
55 Jarvis Street
905-871-3641
www.femulticulturalcentre.org
Fort Erie Refugee Reception
Centre
Located at the Peace Bridge
905-994-6007
www.femulticulturalcentre.org
FORT ERIE
Casa El Norte Shelter
281 Central Avenue
905-871-4483
http://people.becon.org/~casa/
Matthew House Fort Erie
195 Central Avenue
905-871-6059
www.forterienow.com/dir/businesses/
matthewhouse/
Welland Heritage Council *
26 East Main Street
905-732-5337
www.iaw.com/whc
(*has shelter)
Multicultural Network of Niagara Falls
& Multicultural Centre
5485 Victoria Avenue
905-356-2249
http://people.becon.org/~mcnetworknf/
WELLAND NIAGARA FALLS
Folk Arts Council & and Multicultural Centre
85 Church Street
905-685-6589
www.famc-stcath.org
ST. CATHARINES
Settlement and Integration Services Organization (SISO)
360 James Street North (Liuna Station) Lower Concourse
905-521-9917
www.siso-ham.org
HAMILTON
Canada Immigration will give you a list of NGO’s in Toronto that can help you.
There are many of them. Start with:
FIRST CONTACT Canadian Red Cross
2 Homewood Avenue (at Carlton and Jarvis)
Phone: 416-771-9540
TORONTO
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