Typically, the services begin when a settlement counselor greets the newcomer at the airport with an interpreter and takes the newcomer to the Association's "Reception House." The Reception House is a temporary accommodation where a live-in coordinator welcomes newcomers and provides information and support.

Under RAP, newcomers are given basic orientation and information about Canada and are introduced to and provided information about the variety of federal and provincial programs available to them, including language instruction and employment resources. An orientation would include such topics as:

Financial issues, including Canadian currency, banking, and budgeting, as well as information regarding their eligibility and responsibilities under the federal Income Support Program.

Living in Canada, including socially acceptable behavior, means of transportation in the province, shopping for food and clothing, acclimatizing to the weather, cooking in Canada, and getting to know their accommodations.

Laws, rights and responsibilities in Canada.

Health care in Newfoundland and Labrador, including finding a family doctor, orientation to hospitals, filling prescriptions, and related topics.

Education in Newfoundland and Labrador, registering for school, responsibilities of the parent and the school in a child's education, rules in schools, and related topics.

Employment and higher education in Newfoundland and Labrador.

As well as various related topics.

The RAP programs is traditionally provided over the period of one year, but can extend to a maximum of three years. The duration of the newcomer's program will be decided overseas when the newcomer first applies for resettlement in Canada.

The Resettlement Assistance Program was created to ensure that a newcomer would immediately receive the information and services necessary to establish him/herself in their new community, while providing support to assist the newcomer to become independent and self-sufficient. These support services are available to pre-approved Government Assisted Refugees upon arrival to Canada.