Refugees

Canada’s refugee programs are a critical component of its immigration system, designed to provide protection, resettlement, and integration support to individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, or other forms of danger.

These programs encompass a range of initiatives for both refugees coming from abroad and those seeking asylum within Canada, reflecting Canada’s commitment to humanitarian principles and international obligations. This note provides a detailed examination of the programs, their processes, eligibility criteria, and support mechanisms, ensuring a thorough understanding for potential applicants, sponsors, and stakeholders.

Background and Context

Refugees are distinct from immigrants, as they are forced to flee their home countries due to persecution, war, or human rights violations and cannot return safely. Canada’s refugee system is governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and aligns with the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. The system is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with support from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) for asylum claims and various settlement organisations for integration.

Key Refugee Programs

1. Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program

Description: This program identifies refugees for resettlement from abroad, primarily through referrals from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or other partners with whom Canada has agreements. Refugees cannot apply directly; they must be referred.

Types of Resettlement:

• Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR): Refugees are supported by the Canadian government and receive financial and settlement assistance. (Currently Paused ).
• Privately Sponsored Refugees: Includes Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs), Groups of Five, and Community Sponsors, who are individuals or groups providing financial and emotional support. SAHs are organisations with ongoing sponsorship agreements, while Groups of Five and Community Sponsors are community-based and typically sponsor on a case-by-case basis. (Currently Paused )
• Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program: Matches UNHCR-referred refugees with private sponsors in Canada, combining government and private support (Currently Paused).

Screening Process: All resettlement cases undergo thorough screening for security, criminality, and health issues to ensure compliance with Canadian laws and protect public safety.

Support Duration and Levels:

• GAR refugees receive income support through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) for up to one year or until they become self-sufficient, whichever comes first.
• BVOR refugees receive six months of RAP income support, with private sponsors providing additional financial and emotional support for up to six months, and up to one year for social and emotional needs.
• Private sponsors typically provide support for one year, but this can be extended up to three years, covering housing, clothing, food, and other essentials.

Details: For more information, see Private Sponsorship Program and Blended Visa Office Program.

2. In-Canada Asylum Program

Description: Provides protection to individuals already in Canada who have a well-founded fear of persecution, torture, or cruel and unusual punishment in their home country, based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be physically present in Canada to make a claim.
• Not eligible if convicted of serious crimes, involved in crimes against humanity, or if previous refugee claims have been denied or they are subject to a removal order.

Process: Claims are assessed by the IRB, which determines eligibility and conducts hearings. Successful claimants are granted refugee status and can apply for permanent residence.

Details: See Eligibility for In-Canada Asylum.

3. Refugee Appeal Division

Description: Allows individuals whose refugee claims have been rejected by the IRB to appeal the decision and introduce new evidence. This is part of the IRB’s appeal process, ensuring fairness and due process.

Eligibility: Not all rejected claimants are eligible; specific criteria must be met, such as errors in the initial decision or new evidence that could not have been presented earlier.

Process: Appeals are heard by the Refugee Appeal Division, which reviews the case and can uphold, vary, or set aside the original decision.

Details: See Refugee Appeal Division.

4. Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)

Description: A government-funded program that provides essential services and income support to government-assisted refugees (GAR) to help them establish themselves in Canada. In Quebec, similar services are provided by the province.

Services Provided:

• Airport welcome upon arrival.
• Temporary and permanent housing assistance.
• Needs assessment to identify immediate requirements.
• Orientation sessions to help understand life in Canada, including rights, responsibilities, and access to services.

Income Support:

• Provided for up to one year or until the refugee becomes self-sufficient, whichever occurs first.
• Based on prevailing provincial social assistance rates, ensuring a minimum level of financial support.
• BVOR refugees receive six months of RAP income support, aligning with their blended sponsorship model.

Duration: Initial services are typically provided for 4-6 weeks, with ongoing support as needed.

5. Private Sponsor Support

Description: Private sponsors, including SAHs, Groups of Five, and Community Sponsors, provide financial, housing, and emotional support to resettled refugees, complementing government efforts.

Support Provided:

• Financial support, including housing, clothing, food, and other essentials.
• Emotional and social support, such as help with integration, community connections, and cultural adjustment.

Duration: Most sponsorships last for one year, but can be extended up to three years, depending on the agreement and needs of the refugee.

Requirements: Sponsors must meet the minimum financial support levels, matching RAP rates, and follow RAP policies to ensure consistency.

6. Settlement Services for Newcomers

Description: A broad range of services aimed at helping refugees and other newcomers adjust to life in Canada, delivered in partnership with provinces, organisations, and community groups.

Services Include:

• Language training in English or French to improve communication and employment prospects.
• Job search assistance, including resume building, job matching, and career counseling.
• Community networking to build social connections and access local resources.
• Childcare support to enable parents to participate in language classes or job training.
• Transportation assistance for accessing services or employment.
• Translation and interpretation services for navigating government and community systems.
• Disability resources for those with special needs.
• Crisis counselling for mental health support and trauma recovery.

Duration: Services continue until the individual becomes a Canadian citizen, ensuring long-term integration.

Additional Programs and Initiatives

1. Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

Description: Launched as part of Canada’s 2025-2027 immigration levels plan, this pilot program helps skilled refugees and displaced individuals immigrate to Canada through economic pathways, focusing on their work experience, education, and language skills.

Purpose: Aims to provide economic integration by matching refugees with job opportunities, giving employers access to qualified candidates to fill job openings.

Eligibility: Open to skilled refugees or displaced persons, with or without a job offer, based on work experience, education, and language proficiency.

Processing Times: The goal is to process 80% of applications within stated times, though processing may increase over the next three years due to higher application volumes than available spaces.

Details: See Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot for application and hiring information.

2. Guardianship Protocol

Description: A protective measure to safeguard unaccompanied refugee children from abuse and exploitation, setting procedures for immigration officers to ensure their safety and well-being.

Process: Includes assigning guardians, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating with child welfare agencies to provide care and support.

Details: See Guardianship Protocol.

3. Refugee Placement

Description: Determines the city where refugees will settle, coordinated with overseas offices to ensure appropriate placement.

Factors Considered: 

• Language proficiency and availability of language training.
• Presence of family or friends for support.
• Ethnic, cultural, and religious communities for social integration.
• Medical needs and access to healthcare services.
• Availability of settlement services and employment opportunities.

Details: See Refugee Placement Process.

Recent Developments and Special Programs

Canada has responded to global crises with targeted programs, such as its response to the situation in Afghanistan, providing specialised resettlement pathways for vulnerable populations. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to address humanitarian needs and align with international commitments.

Category Codes and Additional Notes

Canadian visas related to refugee programs may have specific category codes, such as:

• Biometrics Collection: Required since 2018/2019 for most applicants, valid for 10 years, with exemptions for U.S. citizens/nationals, visa-exempt with eTA, under 14/over 79 (except asylum >79), diplomats, and certain transit programs. See IRCC Biometrics Facts for details.
• Processing Times and Fees: Vary by program and country. It is recommended to apply at least three months before travel for potential delays. Check IRCC Processing Times for updates.

Integration and Support

Integration services are provided by government programs and partnerships with provinces, organisations, and community groups, ensuring refugees can adjust to life in Canada. These services include language training, job search assistance, and community networking, continuing until citizenship is achieved.