Refugee Sponsorship Overview
Canada’s humanitarian resettlement program provides pathways for refugees outside the country to achieve permanent residency through three key streams:
1. Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR)
2. Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs)
3. Blended Visa-Office Referred Program (BVOR)
Under the PSR program, sponsors commit to providing settlement support for up to 12 months or until the refugee achieves self-sufficiency, whichever comes first. As a global leader in private refugee sponsorship, Canada offers a robust framework, and our firm specializes in this area. We primarily assist through two avenues: Groups of Five Sponsorship and Community Sponsorship.
1. GROUPS OF FIVE SPONSORSHIP
– Definition: This program allows five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents to collaborate and sponsor a refugee or refugee family.
– Eligibility: The principal applicant must have recognized refugee status from a foreign state or the UNHCR. Asylum seekers within Canada are not eligible.
Process:
– Sponsors must submit detailed forms outlining a comprehensive settlement plan tailored to the refugee family’s needs.
– The group must demonstrate financial capacity, either through fundraising or personal contributions.
– The documentation process, while straightforward on the surface, demands precision and up-to-date knowledge of evolving requirements.
Contact us to start the process with an assessment form.
2. COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP
– Definition: This stream allows legal entities, such as businesses or community organizations, to sponsor refugees.
– Eligibility: Organizations must demonstrate financial stability, settlement capacity, and a presence in the refugee’s intended settlement community.
Requirements:
– Evidence of settlement capability, including housing and social integration plans.
– A commitment to emotional and social support during the sponsorship period.
Reach out to us for guidance and an assessment form to begin the sponsorship process.
Application Process for Private Sponsorship
The application package includes two components: sponsorship and refugee portions, submitted together to the Resettlement Operations Centre in Ottawa.
1. Initial Assessment: Immigration officers review the application for completeness, sponsor eligibility, and settlement plans.
2. Approval: Once approved, the application is forwarded to an overseas visa office, where further assessment, including possible interviews, takes place.
Given the complexities involved, professional assistance can ensure accuracy and enhance the chances of approval.
On November 29, 2024, IRCC announced that it has temporarily paused intake of G5 and Community Sponsorship applications. This temporary measure will remain in effect until December 31, 2025. The announcement is found here https://www.canada.ca/en/
The same announcement indicates that IRCC will continue to process those G5 and Community Sponsorship applications already received by IRCC by November 28, 2024. Because of this temporary pause, our firm does not take new applications under this program. However, if you need a consultation meeting to learn about the program requirements and prepare an application for the future (after the program re-opens) feel free to contact us through our website. Also, if you have an existing application under process and would like to receive our professional assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) Program.
Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) are organizations authorized by the Canadian government to sponsor refugees. While our firm assists with preparing forms for SAH sponsorship, finding an appropriate SAH sponsor remains the client’s responsibility. [If you have found a SAH and need assistance to prepare the application forms contact us through our website.]
Tribunal Representation: Immigration & Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
The IRB manages immigration and refugee matters through its four divisions. Our firm is experienced in representing refugee claimants and appellants, including those facing spousal sponsorship refusals.
Making Refugee Claims in Canada
Individuals in Canada with a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a social group can seek refugee protection. Claims can be made at ports of entry or IRCC inland offices.
The Refugee Protection Division (RPD) adjudicates these claims, guided by the Geneva Convention and Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Successful claimants become protected persons eligible for permanent residency. Denied claims may be appealed to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) for review.
Immigration Appeals
The Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) handles appeals in several areas, including:
• Family class sponsorship refusals by IRCC.
• Removal orders issued to permanent residents and protected persons.
• Residency obligation breaches by permanent residents assessed outside Canada.
Family sponsors may appeal within 30 days of receiving a refusal decision. The IAD hearings are adversarial, often involving cross-examinations by the Minister’s counsel. An IRB member evaluates evidence and witness testimony to render a decision.
For expert representation in refugee or immigration appeals, contact our firm to guide you through the process effectively.