Information on Repaying International Organization for Migration (IOM) Travel Loan
The IOM Loan Department of International Rescue Committee (IRC) has prepared an informational
brochure to help you understand your travel loan and how to repay it.
What is my Travel Loan? my Travel Loan?
Your travel loan is the loan given to you by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to fly you and your family to the United States. This loan was explained in full in the Promissory Note you signed before leaving your previous country of residence. Each travel loan account equals the amount of U.S. dollars on your Promissory Note. This amount includes the airfare for ALL PERSONS
LISTED ON THE PROMISSORY NOTE and is the equal responsibility of EACH PERSON 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. The amount of your loan should be paid in full within the period of time required by the Promissory Note.
Why should I pay my loan back? my loan back?
United States Government funds are limited. Your repayment of the loan ensures that the government can continue to provide loans to other refugees. If refugees fail to repay their loans, the United States government must provide additional funds or reduce the number of refugees it admits. By repaying their loans, refugees contribute to the future of the travel loan program.
How do I pay my travel loan bill?
To pay your bill, you need to get a check or money order equal to or greater than the number in the Amount Due box on your statement. Fill out the correct information on your check/money order (see example). The only difference between your payment and the example payments will be your name,
your account number, which is your Alien Registration Number (Alien Number) and the amount due.
How to Fill Out a Check
Pay to the order of (Payee). Write “IOM Loan Department of IRC”.
Date. Write in the date that the check is written (Month, Day, Year).
Amount in figures. Write the amount in figures starting as close to the dollar sign as possible to prevent anyone from adding another number.
Amount in words. Write out the dollar amount in words.
Memo. Write your Alien Number.
Your Name. Sign your name in ink.
How to Fill Out a Postal Money Order
Pay to. Write “IOM Loan Department of IRC”.
Address. Write IRC’s address (above).
C.O.D. NO or used for. Write your Alien Number.
From. Write your full name.
Address. Write your full address.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL.
After you have prepared your payment, tear off the bottom part of the bill. Place both your check or money order and payment slip in the envelope provided.
REMEMBER if you use a money order, please keep a copy or proof of purchase for your record.
The window in the envelope should show the IRC Address:
IRC
PO Box 62102
Baltimore, MD 21264-2102
Close the envelope; place a stamp with the correct postage on the envelope and mail to the IOM Loan Department by the 20th of each month.
What if I move?
The bill that you receive each month has a section for address and telephone number changes. You can write your new address and telephone number and send that in with your payment, and we will update your information. You can also call the IOM Loan Department and we will change your address and/or telephone number over the phone. According to the Promissory Note, it is your responsibility to inform us of any changes in your address so you will be able to receive your monthly bill on time.
What if I don’t have a job and can’t pay my minimum monthly payment?
We understand that finding and keeping a job that can support yourself and your family can be difficult. Unfortunately, the IOM LOAN DEPARTMENT CANNOT STOP SENDING YOUR STATEMENTS. If you are having financial difficulties, you must call the IOM Loan Department of IRC in New York. The IOM Loan Department may be able to reduce your MONTHLY payment temporarily, provided that you supply the appropriate documentation that they require. PLEASE BE AWARE that if you start paying less than the agreed monthly payment without contacting the IOM Loan Department, it will affect your credit history in the future.
What if I don’t get my bill? Do I still have to pay?
The Promissory Note you signed before you came to the United States stated that you are required to repay your loan in monthly installments until your loan is paid in full. This means that you are ALWAYS obligated to pay your travel loan bill every month, even if you do not receive a bill for some reason in a particular month. It is very important that you write your Alien Number on the check or money order as well.
REMEMBER - if you do not receive a bill, you are still required to make a payment every month.
Can I pay more than my minimum payment?
Yes, you can always pay more than your minimum payment. You can pay any amount as long as it’s at least the required minimum payment.
Can I split my loan?
In case of a divorce, we can split the case between a husband and a wife. To split the case, we’ll need the current addresses, telephone numbers, and social security numbers of each person. The IOM Loan Department will send a statement to each person.
The family members under 18 years of age are called minors. Minors did not sign the Promissory Note; therefore, legally, they can never be split from the original loan and will continue to be the responsibility of the parents or guardians.
What is my bill (statement)?
Repayment of your travel loan begins four months after your arrival. You will receive a bill each month showing your Original Loan Amount, New Balance, Amount Due, and the Due Date.
The Original Loan Amount is the total amount of your travel loan as shown on your promissory note. It is the cost of your airline ticket to travel to the United States.
The New Balance is the total amount that you still owe on your Travel Loan.
The Amount Due is the amount you need to pay for the current month.
The Due Date is the last day, when you can mail your payment to the IOM Loan Department and it is the 20th of each month.
Travel Loan contact information
Our IOM Loan Department is open: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST)
You can reach us directly at the following numbers:
(212) 551-3050
(212) 551-3036
or toll free (866) 750-1130
You can also write to us at the following address:
IRC - IOM Loan Department
122 E 42nd St
New York, NY 10168