Immigrant Access Fund Micro Loans

IAF is a grassroots effort started in 2003 by a group of Calgarians led by Dr. Maria Eriksen who saw the need to help newcomers from other countries maximize their careers in Canada. The group collaborated with the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women to research the issues around immigrant employment. It was determined that: Immigrant women require flexible credit, particularly for licensing, upgrading, and training. There was no existing micro loan facility in Alberta to serve this need. Immigrants also require training, support networks, and information to help them succeed as newcomers to Canada. Though women were the focus of the study, additional information revealed that immigrant men also require this type of service. Since March 2011, with support from the Foreign Credentials Recognition Office of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, IAF Canada has been created to introduce IAF loans in other provinces. Immigrant Access Fund of Saskatchewan Inc. (IAF Saskatchewan) launched in February 2012. IAF Canada is currently reaching across Canada to provide loans to skilled immigrants who cannot access a micro loan from a local program.