Hello,
I have a question. My refugee claim was approved by the Refugee Protection Division. I am now officially a Convention Refugee. Unfortunately, it is a bit confusing what rights I have now. I already applied for a provincial Health Card and I am still waiting for my work permit that I applied for. I also know that I can now apply for my PR. But what else?
- Some people told me that I can now apply for a SIN, others told me that I have to wait until I have my work permit.
- Some people told me that I am eligible for Social Assistance now (which would be helpful since I am still waiting for my work permit and therefore, I assume, cannot work right now). But when I called Social Services they didn't know anything and said "Isn't the federal government in charge of refugees?" But I know that I am not eligible for federal "Resettlement assistance" because I claimed refugee protection from inside Canada.
- And then someone else told me that when I get my provincial health coverage, I would still be eligible for the Interim Federal Health Program in addition. I, however, thought that would end as soon as I have provincial health coverage.
- So what are my rights and responsibilities? What assistance can I get from the provincial or federal government?
It seems like people here in Saskatchewan know a lot about government sponsored refugees, but there seems to be some confusion when it comes to refugee claimants and Convention Refugees...
Thank you so much for your help and advice. I am just looking for other people who know about the whole process or who have been Convention Refugees themselves.
I have a question. My refugee claim was approved by the Refugee Protection Division. I am now officially a Convention Refugee. Unfortunately, it is a bit confusing what rights I have now. I already applied for a provincial Health Card and I am still waiting for my work permit that I applied for. I also know that I can now apply for my PR. But what else?
- Some people told me that I can now apply for a SIN, others told me that I have to wait until I have my work permit.
- Some people told me that I am eligible for Social Assistance now (which would be helpful since I am still waiting for my work permit and therefore, I assume, cannot work right now). But when I called Social Services they didn't know anything and said "Isn't the federal government in charge of refugees?" But I know that I am not eligible for federal "Resettlement assistance" because I claimed refugee protection from inside Canada.
- And then someone else told me that when I get my provincial health coverage, I would still be eligible for the Interim Federal Health Program in addition. I, however, thought that would end as soon as I have provincial health coverage.
- So what are my rights and responsibilities? What assistance can I get from the provincial or federal government?
It seems like people here in Saskatchewan know a lot about government sponsored refugees, but there seems to be some confusion when it comes to refugee claimants and Convention Refugees...
Thank you so much for your help and advice. I am just looking for other people who know about the whole process or who have been Convention Refugees themselves.