FIVE PHASES OF SETTLEMENT FOR PRIVATELY SPONSORED REFUGEES

Pre-arrival tasks:

  • Find either temporary or permanent accommodation
  • Start accumulating furniture and kitchen items
  • Buy food items - dry goods prior, and some fresh fods and meats upon arrival. These should be inline with cultural food preferences.
  • Connect with settlement agency for interpretation and airport accompaniment

PHASE 1: WEEKS 1-2


  • Pick up people at the airport
  • Plan for a welcoming meet and greet
  • Take a few days to recover from the trip, but offer a presence to explain things
  • Invite to explore neighbourhood at their pace
  • If they are in temporary accommodations, explore with them where they would like to be considering schools, mosques, etc.
  • Go to Service Canada for SIN card
  • Go to Alberta registry for Alberta Health Care card
  • Setup a bank account
  • Find a Primary Care Doctor through the East Clinic to ensure full care for specific refugee health problems
  • Visit Canada Place to set up BVOR government payments if applicable
  • Orientation to grocery stores and other stores
  • Shopping for weather-appropriate clothing
  • Visit EMCN for a full settlement assessment
  • Sign up for Child Tax Benefit
  • Sign up for Child health benefits/Interim Federal Health program
  • Register children for school

PHASE 2: WEEKS 3-4


  • Orientation to public transit
  • Take Language assessment for LINC classes (two parts: intake & actual test)
  • Explore integration programs – e.g. library programs
  • Help them understand budgeting for the Canadian economy
  • Prepare them for the eventual Transportation Loan (if applicable)

PHASE 3: MONTHS 2-4


  • Register for integration activities: leisure access, sports for the children
  • Explore part-time work possibilities in conjunction with EMCN if they are interested
  • Introduce to local activities
  • Visit in their homes
  • Invite them into your homes
  • Join their celebrations

PHASE 4: MONTHS 5-8


  • Regular check-ins and visits
  • Networking support for employment in conjunction with EMCN

PHASE 5: MONTHS 9-12


  • Winding down your support and ensuring the ongoing supports are in place
  • Make appointment with EMCN to discuss second year to explore Alberta Works or other government supports that are now available to refugees starting the second year.