Travel Loan Department
When refugees are admitted to the United States for resettlement, their travel is arranged under a loan program by the International Organization for Migration. Refugees sign a promissory note stating that they will repay the interest-free loans to cover travel costs over a pre-determined period.
CWS's Immigration and Refugee Program oversees the repayment process for the refugees we resettle. By guiding them through the repayment process, our loan counselors help refugees gain a basic understanding of personal credit literacy.
Please note that effective May 1, 2026 all refugees and SIVs who arrived to the United States through IOM-coordinated travel and received Reception and Placement (R&P) services will have their IOM Travel Loan transferred to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for management and repayment. There is not any action you need to take and your IOM Travel Loan will automatically be transferred from Church World Service (CWS) to IOM. You may continue to make repayments on your IOM Travel Loan with CWS through April 30, 2026. You will receive communication in the mail regarding this transition from CWS; however, you can direct any questions to CWS at travelloans@cwsglobal.org or at 1-866-723-9579.
If you are a refugee or SIV who arrived to the United States through IOM-coordinated travel and received Program for Initial Resettlement (PIR) services, your IOM Travel Loan is currently managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Please direct any and all questions to IOM at iomloans@iom.int or at 1-866-466-5660.
Make a Payment
Make a payment online
Submit an online payment using a debit or bank card on the IOM site here.
Make a payment by mail
Be sure to include your case number on your check or money order and mail to:
CWS Travel Loan Repayment
Church World Service
P.O. Box 60571
City of Industry, CA 91716-0571
Contact CWS with questions
Email the Travel Loan processing department: travelloans@cwsglobal.org
Call our office: 1.866.723.9579
Office hours: Monday - Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time