Information for refugee claimants
Refugee Claimants
Refugee claimants are Individuals who have submitted their claim for refugee protection and have received any of the following documents: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD) or Client Application Summary (after submitting a claim via IRCC’s online Portal).
KIS offers wraparound services for refugee claimants in Kamloops through the BC Services and Assistance for Humanitarian and Vulnerable Newcomers – BC Safe Haven.
Asylum Seekers
Individuals who have not yet submitted their refugee claim but have indicated their intention to do so.
Through BC Safe Haven, KIS supports asylum seekers through the provision of settlement services—including orientation and referrals, information regarding claim submission and immigration, community connections and informal language training, as well as accommodation search support.
Services
Settlement information, orientation & referrals
Claim submission process support and immigration information
Community connections and informal language practice
Short-term non-clinical counseling
Accommodation Services
Housing Search & Coordination for Refugee Claimants
Emergency temporary accommodation
Labour Market Services
- Labour market information, orientation and networking
- Information on workplace rights and responsibilities
- Customized employment counseling
- Short-term pre-employment training & Supported access to WorkBC and other employment training programs.
Clinical Counselling Services
Short-term clinical counseling for adults (19 years old+) for trauma, psychosocial support and other forms of crisis counseling as needed e.g. mental-health support groups, etc.
Language Services
(17 years old+) English assessments and English language training.
Useful Resources for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants
The Claimant Kit by the Immigrant and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) provides basic information about how decisions are made about refugee protection in Canada.
My Refugee Claim Orientation Booklet – Kinbrace (Refugee Housing & Support)
UNHCR Canada – Help for refugees and asylum-seekers (available in many languages)
Making an asylum claim in Canada flowchart – UNHCR
If you are a refugee claimant preparing for your refugee hearing, access the Refugee Hearing Preparation Guide (available in various languages).
Ready Tours are free, virtual workshops where refugee claimants prepare for their refugee hearings and learn about the refugee appeal process.
Legal Aid BC free legal help for refugee or deportation issues.
We can help you With
Confidential one-on-one case management support
Social + emotional support
Access to emergency services if necessary
Essential life skills to meet the challenges of everyday life
Help accessing community services + resources
Individual advocacy
Meetings + consultation with service providers to help you build a successful life in Canada
Crisis intervention