Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ). The answers provide information that supplements our list of services offered.

1. How can I transfer funds from Canada to another country?
2. Where can I get assistance in transferring funds?
3. What types of emergency financial assistance are provided by the Government of Canada?
4. Will the government pay to bring me back to Canada?
5. How do I repay a loan that I received from the Government of Canada?

1. How can I transfer funds from Canada to another country?

In most cases, you can transfer funds from your own bank account, or another private source, using one of many commercial agencies, such as Western Union or CanadianForex, that perform this service for a fee.

2. Where can I get assistance in transferring funds?

If you are unable to transfer funds from your own bank account or another private source through a commercial agency, Canadian government offices abroad can assist you in arranging a financial transfer from Canada. Two or more working days are required for these transactions, and a consular service fee of C$75 will be deducted from the transferred funds.

You have to contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad and provide information, including details on the source of the funds and where you can be reached. You also need to advise the source of funds in Canada that you have authorized the transfer.

Consular officials in Ottawa can then make arrangements for a wire transfer from your bank or from another private source.

3. What types of emergency financial assistance are provided by the Government of Canada?

The Department of Justice Canada provides financial assistance to Canadians who are victims of violent crimes abroad through the Victims Fund, which is administered by the Policy Centre for Victim Issues.

4. Will the government pay to bring me back to Canada?

No. However, Canadian government officials abroad will assist you in contacting friends, relatives, employers, co-workers, credit card companies, banks, etc., to ask them to transfer money or airfare to you.

Financial assistance is not a right and depends on the circumstances of each case.

In certain emergency situations, if it is not possible to arrange for funds from a private source, a Canadian government office abroad can provide limited financial assistance in the form of a loan for a return trip to Canada. This service is offered only as a last resort and is subject to strict rules. A consular service fee of C$75 will be applied to this loan.

As a condition of the loan, you will be required to surrender your passport, which will not be returned or reissued until the loan is repaid in full. Such a loan carries an interest rate established by the Department of Finance Canada (Bank of Canada rate plus 3%). This interest cannot be waived and will be applied monthly until the debt is paid.

5. How do I repay a loan that I received from the Government of Canada?

When you were provided with financial assistance, you signed an application for the amount of the loan and an undertaking to repay. This loan must be reimbursed in its totality as quickly as possible when you return to Canada.

Upon your return to Canada, you will be issued an invoice from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada detailing your debt. This invoice will include a customer number, which you should use as a reference. There are several payment options available:

• Passport Canada: To pay at a Passport Canada office, you may pay by debit card, credit card, certified cheque, or money order. These payments must be made in person. Make sure you have your customer number available.
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada: To pay directly to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, you may pay by money order, certified cheque, or post-dated personal cheques payable to the “Receiver General for Canada” (allow 30 days for personal cheques to clear). Cheques should be mailed to the following address:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
125 Sussex Drive
Cashier’s Office (SMFM)
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Please include your customer number on all cheques.

If you do not receive an invoice, please contact us toll-free at 1-800-267-6788 (or 613-996-8885) to ensure that we have your correct mailing address.

If you choose to make arrangements to repay your debt in monthly instalments rather than a lump sum payment, please note that your passport will not be returned or reissued until your debt is paid in full.