Refugees

Refugees

The Canadian refugee system consists of two main components

Overview of the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program

Canada resettles refugees who have left their homes and may have lived in refugee camps for extended periods of time

Refugees are identified for resettlement by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and private sponsors

Direct applications to Canada for resettlement are not accepted

Processing time for refugee cases is needed

Private sponsors in Canada play a significant role in resettling refugees, including Sponsorship Agreement Holders, Groups of Five, and Community Sponsors

The Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program matches refugees identified by the UNHCR with private sponsors in Canada

Screening of resettlement cases is done to ensure security, health, and criminal clearance

Screening is carried out by the government with the help of security partners to ensure swift processing

Private Sponsorship of Refugees in Canada

Canada’s private sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and organizations to help refugees rebuild their lives in Canada by providing financial and settlement support.

Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs)

Sponsorship Agreement Holders are organizations that have signed formal agreements with the Government of Canada to sponsor refugees. They often work with local communities to provide settlement assistance and support services.

Groups of Five (G5)

A Group of Five consists of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who come together to sponsor a refugee living outside Canada. The group shares responsibility for providing financial and settlement support during the sponsorship period.

Community Sponsors

Community organizations, associations, and corporations may sponsor refugees and assist them with settlement, housing, and integration into Canadian society.

Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program

The BVOR Program matches refugees identified by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) with private sponsors in Canada. Financial support is shared between the Government of Canada and private sponsors.

In-Canada Asylum Program

The In-Canada Asylum Program offers refuge to individuals within Canada who fear persecution or mistreatment in their home country.

Eligibility for seeking asylum is based on the presence of a well-founded fear of persecution or risk of torture or inhuman punishment.

Some individuals may not be eligible for asylum, such as those with a history of serious criminal offenses or previous denied refugee claims in Canada.

Understanding the Refugee Claim Process in Canada

Individuals who are already in Canada and fear persecution, torture, or serious harm in their home country may be eligible to make a refugee claim.

The refugee claimant process generally includes:

  1. Submission of a refugee claim within Canada or at a port of entry.
  2. Eligibility assessment by Canadian immigration authorities.
  3. Referral of eligible claims to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
  4. Refugee hearing and review of supporting evidence.
  5. Decision on refugee protection status.

Each claim is assessed individually based on the applicant’s circumstances and supporting documentation. Individuals granted refugee protection may become eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

How We Can Help

Navigating refugee sponsorship and asylum procedures can be complex. Professional guidance can help applicants and sponsors understand eligibility requirements, prepare supporting documentation, and respond to requests from immigration authorities.

Whether you are seeking information about refugee resettlement, private sponsorship, or making an asylum claim within Canada, our team can help you better understand the process and available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Refugees can be sponsored through Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs), Groups of Five (G5), or Community Sponsors, depending on eligibility requirements and sponsorship arrangements.

Individuals who are physically present in Canada and have a well-founded fear of persecution, torture, or risk to life in their home country may be eligible to make a refugee claim.

Refugee resettlement applies to individuals outside Canada who are referred for protection, while asylum claims are made by individuals already in Canada seeking refugee protection.

Protected persons who receive refugee status in Canada may become eligible to apply for permanent residence.

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case, documentation, and hearing schedules.

Depending on the sponsorship program and individual circumstances, eligible family members may be included or sponsored through family reunification pathways.