The Resettlement Assistance Program delivers income support and assistance for a range of immediate and essential services to Government Assisted Refugees within the first 4-6 weeks of arrival to Canada.
Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society is an authorized service provider organization and funded by the Government of Canadaـــــ Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to deliver services to RAP clients allocated to Central Vancouver Island.
CVIMS provides essential and immediate services including the following:
- Meeting newcomers at the airport
- Providing temporary accommodation and necessary transportation
- Providing basic orientation to Canada, life skills training, housing and financial orientations
- Translation and interpretation services
- Assisting in finding permanent accommodation
- English Language instruction for Newcomers
- Referring to other settlement programs and case management
Key Forms & Activities Undertaken within First 3 Weeks in BC:
- PR Card (Permanent Resident Card)
- SIN (Social Insurance Number)
- Opening a bank account
- CCB (Canada Child Benefits)
- Care Card (MSP – Medical Services Plan)
- BC Housing Application
- Referral form for LINC (Language Instructions for Newcomers to Canada)
- IFHP (Interim Federal Health Program) extended health coverage
- Referral to local school districts and Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) activities
- Leisure Access form
