The International Organization for Migration (IOM) books flights for privately sponsored refugees and helps facilitate their travel. The cost of travel is covered through the Government of Canada’s Immigration Loans Program (ILP).

Several months after arrival, IRCC Loans and Accounts Receivable establishes a loan account in the name of the Principal Applicant, using the unique client identifier (UCI) as the account number.

AURA requires sponsors to repay this loan on behalf of the newcomers before the sponsorship period is over. The average loan is $1,000 per person, and sponsors must budget from this from the beginning.

AURA will notify you around month 6 or 7 of your sponsorship with instructions to repay the loan by cheque or online banking.



Note: Refugees travelling from Israel have their travel covered by the Israeli government. In a very small number of countries, the IOM does not operate and refugees or sponsors must make their own travel arrangements.