New Brunswick’s commitment to refugee protection makes it a welcoming destination for individuals seeking safety and new opportunities. The province offers a variety of resources to help refugee claimants (asylum seekers) navigate the asylum process, settle, and access essential services.
The refugee claim process can be daunting, but the information below will help you get started.
Settlement service providers, also known as immigrant-serving agencies, help newcomers, including immigrants and refugees, get a successful start in New Brunswick. Their services are free of charge but may vary from one organization to another. These agencies serve as a central hub. They are designated to handle initial needs assessment, orientation, language training, community integration, and other support services.
The refugee claim process can be difficult. If you do not have the financial means to hire a lawyer, the New Brunswick Refugee Clinic may be able to help. The clinic provides free legal services in French or English to asylum seekers in the province. It also helps at-risk persons with applications for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
IFHP can provide limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits to you if you aren’t eligible for the provincial health insurance but are part of the following groups:
IFHP generally covers:
Note that IFHP doesn’t cover all health-care services and products.
The Department of Social Development could help you meet your basic needs, such as food, rent, utilities, and clothing. Their social assistance program could also help with other needs such as childcare, transportation, prescription drugs, and more.
In New Brunswick, there are resources in communities across the province to help individuals and families get the food they need, including food banks and food programs for those who are homeless or unemployed.
There are shelters across New Brunswick that can provide temporary accommodations and necessities, such as food, clothing, and referrals for medical and social services.
Being in a new country can be disorienting. 211 specialists can help you find the social, community, health, and government services that you may need in New Brunswick. Their service is available in more than 150 languages, 24 hours a day.
Call 911 from any phone when there is a threat to your health, safety, or property, such as:
The Canadian Red Cross Society, being part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, offers an extensive network of emergency programs and services to provide vital services to the public.
City buses
City buses are available in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton. They run on regular schedules and stop only at specific marked locations. Click on the links below for more information, including bus routes and schedules.
Maritime Bus
The main city-to-city bus line in New Brunswick is Maritime Bus. The company also provides bus services to and from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Learn about the refugee claim process and prepare for what is next. Visit “My Refugee Claim” for more information.
Let us know your questions and we’ll get back to you with answers.