Once the refugee applicant has been accepted, the visa office will provide an estimated processing time for visa issuance.

In most cases, travel arrangements are made by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM can arrange for accompaniment within airports when the applicants must change airlines during their journey. Without the support from the IOM, this may be a difficult procedure as refugees are unable to obtain transit visas to be within the country where they change airlines. IOM is also able to make special arrangements for children traveling unaccompanied. IOM will provide travel services where a transportation loan is not required or has not been approved.

Once the visa officer is satisfied that all preparations have been made, the officer will give instructions for the visa to be issued. The visa officer will send a Notice of Arrival Transmission (NAT) to the Matching Centre which will send a copy to the local CIC responsible for the area where the applicant is expected to settle. The local CIC will then get in touch with the contact person or representative listed on the Undertaking.

Additionally, the Canadian Orientation Abroad Program, a project of the IOM, offers orientation covering a range of topics related to life in Canada to refugees before they travel to Canada. The orientation ranges from a three-day orientation up to one week and aims to prepare refugees for life in a new country and environment.

A few of the large Canadian international airports have a CIC funded reception service for Government-Assisted Refugees which may also assist Privately Sponsored Refugees who have an onward flight from the port of entry. Costs for overnight stays in hotels and meal expenses are usually added to the refugee's transportation loan. [should we provide a bit of detail about this loan? In what section - perhaps section two - budgeting?]

Once you have notice that your refugee/refugee family is on the way to Canada, you'll need to set your Settlement Plan into action. The Refugee 613 Guide: Preparing for arrival is a great reference to guide you through this critical phase.

Please contact us at any time if you need support:
info@refugee613.ca
613.725.5671 ext 640

Additional information
Refugee Sponsorship Training Program
www.rstp.ca
Department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship
www.cic.gc.ca