As part of its commitment to deliver high quality settlement services to newcomers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is issuing a call for proposals for the Settlement and Resettlement Assistance programs.

The Settlement Program assists immigrants and refugees in overcoming barriers specific to the newcomer experience, such as a lack of official language skills and limited knowledge of Canada, so that they can participate in social, cultural, civic and economic life in Canada. The program focuses on five areas: needs assessment and referrals, information and orientation; language training and skills development; employment related services; and community connections. There are also support services to ensure that programming is accessible, such as transportation, child care and translation services. All services are designed and delivered by service provider organizations in Canada and overseas. "The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that newcomers have the support and services they need to make the most of their talents and experience in order to fully integrate and contribute to the Canadian economy and to their communities. The supports and services delivered to newcomers through IRCC's programs are world class and help to make Canada a recognized international leader in settlement and integration," said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) supports Government-Assisted Refugees and other eligible clients upon arrival in Canada by providing them with direct financial support as well as funding for service provider organizations to deliver immediate and essential services. RAP services include reception at the airport, temporary accommodation and assistance finding permanent housing, orientation to life in Canada, and registration and referrals to other government and community services.

Permanent residents, protected persons and convention refugees are eligible to receive settlement services in Canada.

How it works

This Call for Proposals process will determine the Settlement Program and Resettlement Assistance Program services across Canada that will be in place for up to 5 years. Funded projects are expected to begin on April 1, 2020, and will end no later than March 31, 2025.

While Settlement and Resettlement Assistance are two separate programs, they will be administered through one intake process. Some application requirements will be different, depending on which program an organization is applying for.

You can apply to get funding under the Settlement Program and/or Resettlement Assistance Program, but you must submit separate proposals for each program.

Please note that in the spring of 2019, IRCC will be seeking applications through a second intake process that will focus on indirect Settlement Program services that are not included in CFP 2019 (e.g., sector capacity building, research).

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants for delivering settlement services:

• Provincial, territorial or municipal governments
• International organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations including non-governmental organizations, non-profit corporations, community groups, umbrella organizations and regulatory bodies and apprenticeship authorities
• Businesses, including those that provide indirect services (for example, employers hiring newcomers, private language schools, conference organizers, Web or production firms for tool development)
• Educational institutions (including school boards, districts and divisions)
• Individuals

Eligible applicants for delivering resettlement assistance services:

• Not-for-profit organizations and associations, including non-governmental organizations
• Intergovernmental and international organizations
• Businesses
• Canadian educational institutions (including boards, districts and divisions)
• Provincial, territorial or municipal governments
• Individuals

 Quick facts

• In 2019-20, IRCC will invest nearly $778 million to support the settlement needs of newcomers across the provinces and territories (except Quebec).
• In spring 2019, IRCC will be seeking applications through a second process that will focus on indirect settlement services that are not included in the first CFP 2019 (e.g., sector capacity building).
• Applications for the first CFP 2019 are due before 5:00 p.m. PST on April 12, 2019.
• Funding for recommended projects is expected to begin on April 1, 2020 and will end no later than March 31, 2025.