In July 2021, the federal government announced the establishment of a special program to resettle Afghans who were integral to Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan. On August 13, 2021 the federal government announced an expansion of its regular resettlement program to include 20,000 additional Afghan refugees within the next two years. This program is for Afghans who have been forced to flee their country. As of October 4, the federal government has increased this commitment to resettle 40,000 within the same timeframe. This program is being implemented through Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services.
In Toronto, COSTI Immigrant Services is the designated provider of the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. COSTI is providing immediate and essential services to Afghan refugees resettling in Toronto.
The latest statistics on arrivals and other key figures related to Canada’s resettlement efforts are available on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s webpage.
Many of those who have been evacuated have expressed a desire to remain in Toronto. As the GTA is home to the largest Afghan community in Canada (approximately 50 per cent of the total population), we expect that this trend will continue.
If you have questions related to the Afghan resettlement efforts, you can reach out to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada by completing this online form.
Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services is a diverse organization serving communities within the GTA. They provide a wide range of services and programs for newcomers to Canada, communities, adults, youth and seniors. Programs and services for newcomers include: English-language training; and assistance with accessing government programs.
Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services, together with many partners from Ontario and regional service providers, has been receiving Afghan refugees and supporting them after arrival, during their quarantine period, and assisting in reaching their final destination across Canada.
For more information, please contact: 416-233-1655, ext. 5522.
COSTI Immigrant Services is working directly with government-assisted refugees from Afghanistan, assisting them with adapting to life in Canada. Supports being provided include: housing assistance; orientation and settlement services; English-language training needs; mental health supports; employment opportunities; skills development; and much more.
For more information, please contact communications@costi.org or admin@costi.org.
Settlement.org is a website that provides information related to immigrating, settling and living in Ontario. The Services Near Me tool allows you to obtain a listing of local settlement agencies and supports. The Discussion Forum feature allows you to pose questions and receive responses.
On September 13, 2021, the City of Toronto, together with United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) and Lifeline Afghanistan, partnered to launch the Toronto Region Afghan Resettlement Fund to help support the incoming refugees from Afghanistan. Below is information about how you can donate to this fund and where to find potential volunteer opportunities.
The conflict in Afghanistan has led to one of the biggest humanitarian crisis of our time with millions displaced. Learn how you can help at DonateTO.
Currently, the need for volunteer engagement is very limited and has already been met. As the situation develops, this may change and the City is working with Volunteer Toronto to establish a process for volunteer recruitment. In the meantime, please visit www.volunteertoronto.ca for information on other current volunteer opportunities.
Please visit How to Sponsor a Refugee to learn more about private sponsorship. You can also visit the Refugee Sponsor Training Program (RSTP).