COVID-19: Newcomers and Refugees

Useful COVID-19 information and resources for newcomers and refugees. 

COVID-19 – Updates for Refugee Claimants

• IRB latest advisories
• How to start a refugee claim in Canada during COVID-19 (compiled by Rainbow Coalition for Refugees)
• Making a refugee claim in Canada during COVID-19 (compiled by Rainbow Coalition for Refugees)

COVID-19 – Information for Convention Refugees & Permanent Residents

• IRCC latest updates: How the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services

• Immigrants, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada Client Support Centre Services: Call:1-888-242-2100 (24/7), TTY: 1-888-576-8502 (8:00am-4:00pm your local time): You can listen to pre-recorded information about our programs and check the status of your application. Client Support Centre agents are available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, your local time, except for statutory holidays. Services are available in French and English.

COVID-19 – Service Ontario updates

• Service Ontario Updates: Important information about driver’s licences, OHIP, Ontario Photo Cards and other services

* With regards to COVID-19, anyone in Ontario can now access free testing and treatment for COVID-19, regardless of their immigration status.

COVID-19 – Services for Newcomers and Refugees

• Newcomer and Refugee Resources (compiled by The 519 – Google Doc)
• Government of Ontario – Services for Newcomers and Refugees in Ontario
• Settlement Services in Toronto (by settlement.org)
• Online Job Seeking Resource – by Access Employment
• Employment Workshops and events – by Springboard, Employment Counselling Training 
• Pandemic Response – Income Support and Benefits – (compiled by OCASI)
• Income Support and Benefits for People With Precarious Immigration Status – (compiled by OCASI)
• Safety Supports for Self-isolation during COVID-19 (pdf)
• How to Access Support while Living at Home (pdf)
• Accessing Healthcare in Toronto if You Don’t have OHIP/IFH Coverage
• Multilingual COVID-19 Resources – put together by MCIS Language Solutions

Other Useful Resources

COVID-19: Current Services Available at The 519

COVID-19: Essential Services and Supports

COVID-19: Care and Prevention

COVID-19: Emotional Self-Care