Frequently asked questions - COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad

On this page

• What is the Emergency Loan Program?
• Who is eligible to apply for the loan?
• What types of expenses can be covered?
• Do I need to come in to an embassy or consulate to apply?
• What are the loan conditions?
• How can I apply?

Q1: What is the Emergency Loan Program?

To help Canadians outside Canada return home, the Government of Canada is creating a temporary financial assistance program: the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad. If you are eligible, are outside Canada and are directly impacted by COVID-19, you will be able to apply for an emergency loan of up to $5,000 to help you return to Canada and to cover your short-term needs while you work toward returning.

Q2: Who is eligible to apply for the loan?

You are eligible if you are a Canadian citizen impacted by COVID-19 who plans to return to Canada and who has no other source of funds. We will consider that you plan to return to Canada if you:

• Had a return flight booked and your flight was cancelled or delayed
• Attempted to book a flight, but cannot due to the travel restrictions or exorbitant pricing

If you are a Canadian citizen travelling with an immediate family member who is a permanent resident of Canada (PR), you may include eligible expenses for the PR family member in your application.

• Immediate family is defined as spouse, parents and children

Exceptionally, if you are a Canadian permanent resident facing a threat to life or other grievous harm, you may be eligible, even if not travelling with a Canadian citizen who is a family member.

Q3: What types of expenses can be covered?

Each situation is unique and the amount of the loan will be determined and approved on a case-by-case basis by consular officials. Expenses covered by the loan include, but are not limited to:

• The most economical transport costs including:
• Air travel to return to Canada
• Local transport related to your return to Canada
• Reasonable costs for essential needs, including food and shelter abroad while you are unable to return to Canada.
• Medical costs not covered by either local public health services or private insurance such as:
• Hospitalization or other treatment if you are infected with COVID-19
• Prescription drugs required for the treatment of COVID-19 or for pre-existing conditions if your planned return to Canada has been delayed because of factors related to COVID-19
• Costs related to the translation of medical information, including prescriptions, medical notes, diagnoses and medical files provided by your health care practitioner and required by a local health authority in relation to COVID-19
• Costs related to other critical needs if you are hospitalized or in quarantine for COVID-19:
• Professional services to address the psycho-social impacts of quarantine if you are impacted
• Costs for supporting your communication with family and support networks in Canada if you are quarantined

Your insurance policy may provide for emergency support in a crisis like this one. Check with them for details on your specific policy.

Q4: Do I need to come in to an embassy or consulate to apply?

• After you have exhausted all other funding options (contacting friends, family and insurance providers, bank, etc.), you will be asked to complete the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Request Form (C-19 Loan Form).
• You do not need to make an application in person at the embassy or consulate.
• The embassy or consulate office in the region where you are may provide guidance on C-19 loan issuance by phone.

Q5: What are the loan conditions?

This is a repayable loan to the Government of Canada. Further details will be provided, upon application.

Q6: How can I apply?

Eligible Canadians currently outside Canada who need financial assistance can contact the nearest Government of Canada office or Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (call collect where available) or CAN.finances.CV19@international.gc.ca.

For all other consular emergencies, contact the nearest Government of Canada office or Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (call collect where available) or email sos@international.gc.ca.