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.