The Immigration Loans Program (ILP) provides financial assistance to:
- Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs),
- Refugees under the Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) program,
- Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs), and
- Individuals in designated humanitarian categories.
Loan approval depends on the person’s need and ability to repay the loan.
What expenses can the ILP cover?
Loans may cover specific costs related to resettlement, including:
- Transportation costs to Canada,
- Settlement expenses in Canada and
- The right of permanent residence fee (RPRF).
Important: The ILP no longer covers medical examination fees for immigration purposes. Eligible individuals can access these services through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
Who qualifies for the ILP?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers loans to people applying for permanent residence in any category, including Convention refugees, protected persons, and their dependents.
How to repay the loan?
You repay the loan in monthly payments based on the amount you borrowed. You will receive a letter telling you how much you must pay each month. In exceptional cases, you may qualify for an exemption from repayment.
Repayment timelines:
You need to start repaying the loan 12 months after you receive it. The time you have to repay depends on how much you borrowed:
- Less than $1,200: 36 months
- $1,200 to less than $2,400: 48 months
- $2,400 to less than $3,600: 60 months
- $3,600 to less than $4,800: 72 months
- More than $4,800: 96 months
Payment methods:
You can repay your loan by:
- Credit card,
- Online banking, or
- Payments at a financial institution.
Deferred payments:
In specific circumstances, you may:
- Delay the start of repayment,
- Adjust monthly payment amounts or
- Extend the repayment period.
IRCC may defer repayment for up to two years for Convention refugees and humanitarian-protected persons.
Key points:
Make payments regularly. If you have trouble making a payment, contact the Collection Services team as soon as possible to request a deferral. You may need to provide financial details.
Notify Collection Services if your address changes:
- Phone: 1-800-667-7301 (toll-free)
- Email: collection@cic.gc.ca
Important: You do not risk deportation from Canada if you miss a payment.
