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Glossary

Glossary

The terms and definitions in this glossary are from the Dictionary of Terms produced by the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program.

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I

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)

An Act respecting immigration to Canada and the granting of refugee protection to persons who are displaced, persecuted or in danger which came into effect June 28, 2002.

Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR)

Detailed instructions that have been placed in Regulations to accompany IRPA.

Immigration Loans Program (ILP)

The Immigration Loans Program (ILP) provides eligible immigrants, who are mainly refugees selected for resettlement to Canada, with access to funding that would otherwise not be available to them. Loans are used to cover a number of expenses, including travel to Canada and other costs associated with resettlement, specifically

  • defraying the cost of transportation to Canada (transportation loan)
  • assisting with establishment in Canada (assistance loan)
  • defraying the cost of the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF) loan
Note: Immigration loans are no longer provided to defray the cost of immigration medical examinations (IMEs). These expenses are now covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for eligible applicants.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a department of the federal Government of Canada. It was created in 1994 to:
  • link immigration services with citizenship registration
  • promote the unique ideals all Canadians share and
  • help build a stronger Canada.

IRCC's mandate comes from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act. The Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada is responsible for the Citizenship Act of 1977 and shares responsibility with the Minister of Public Safety for the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Interim Federal Health Program (IFH)

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) established by IRCC  covers certain pre-departure medical services for refugees coming to Canada for resettlement. This coverage includes the following services:
The Interim Federal Health is a program also provides temporary medical coverage for refugees during the settlement period in Canada prior to their qualification for provincial health care coverage. Thereafter, refugees are eligible for partial limited coverage for the duration of the sponsorship period where provincial health care does not cover services provided by IFH.

Internal Flight Alternative

There is a fourth type of durable solution that may exist for refugees and persons in refugee-like situations who have not fled their country of nationality. There may be an internal flight alternative for the refugee. Internal Flight Alternative (IFA) involves the consideration of whether the individual could have found a safe haven in another location within the country of nationality or residence at the time of their flight. If so, they will not be viewed as needing Canada's protection.

IOM

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has a primary mandate to make arrangements for the organized transfer of foreign nationals, including refugees, displaced persons and other individuals in need of international migration services. It arranges transportation and medical examinations for refugees. The IOM provides an in-depth Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) program on a contractual basis, in some locations, to refugees and foreign nationals before they arrive in Canada.

Canada is a full member of IOM and works closely with the organization. The IOM has its headquarters in Geneva and has 72 offices around the world. 

IP3

IP 3 In Canada Processing of Convention Refugees Abroad and Members of the Humanitarian Protected Persons Abroad Classes refers to a chapter of the IRCC Inland Processing Manual that explains the policy and procedures for the refugee resettlement program in Canada, including the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program (PSRP) and Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP).

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