Resettle in Canada as a Refugee

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Canada has a long tradition of giving asylum to persons facing persecution, war, and violence. The country's humane policies on humanitarian protection create a haven that is in much demand from persons in protection needs. With the many sponsorship programs at the level of both the government and the private sector, it is possible for refugees to resettle in Canada and rebuild their lives in safety and with support.

This blog will walk one through the process step by step on resettlement to Canada as a refugee, the different pathways available, and the support in place to help refugees integrate into Canadian society.

 

What is Refugee Resettlement?

Refugee resettlement is the process by which permanent residence is granted to refugees, who had fled their home countries in a third country like Canada. Resettlement allows refugees to remove themselves from perilous situations and start new lives with securities and protections they may well not have in their home countries.

There are three main programs in Canada designed for helping refugees resettle:

• Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs)
• Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs)
• Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees (BVORs)

While each of these programs offers varying levels of sponsorship and entry pathways for refugees to come into Canada, they nonetheless offer an avenue for refugees to experience safety and dignity.

 

Eligibility for Refugee Resettlement in Canada

To be considered for resettlement to Canada, one needs to fall within a certain category. Refugees are required to be referred by the **United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)**, a referred organization, or through a private sponsorship. Refugees facing serious harm or in protracted refugee situations are considered of higher priority by Canada.

Categories of Refugees Eligible for Resettlement:

1. Convention Refugees:
   Convention Refugees are people who have fulfilled the UN definition of a refugee, meaning they are outside their home country and unable to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
2. Country of Asylum Class:
   It includes those who are severely affected by civil war or armed conflict, or suffered massive violations of human rights. The refugees in this category do not necessarily meet the Convention Refugee definition but also urgently need protection.

 

Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs)

The GAR program is designed to provide financial and settlement supports to refugees who have been selected for resettlement by the UNHCR or other designated referral agencies. It is composed of income support, which provides money for things such as housing, food, and clothing; and settlement services, which may include assistance in finding accommodation, or being referred for language classes and health care.

Resettled in Canada as permanent residents, the GARs are entitled to the full range of benefits and services available to all Canadians. The government works with local organizations to ensure that refugees are able to integrate into their new communities.

 

Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs)

Private sponsorship allows groups of Canadians or organizations to sponsor refugees, who are then responsible for the immediate financial and psychosocial needs. Sponsors are responsible to support the refugee for a period of one year or until they become self-sufficient, whichever happens first. Private sponsors are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources along with community assistance necessary to support the refugee in his or her integration process.

There are several types of private sponsorship groups:

• Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) : Organizations that have direct sponsorship agreements with the Canadian government and regularly sponsor refugees.
• Groups of Five: Five or more Canadian citizens and permanent residents who come together to sponsor a refugee.
• Community Sponsors: Organizations or associations not having a sponsorship agreement but who may sponsor refugees on an individual case basis.

Because these groups are directly involved, privately sponsored refugees usually come to Canada faster than those who are government-sponsored.

 

Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees (BVORs)

The BVOR is a hybrid, where the responsibility lies with the government and private sponsors in supporting the refugee. For example, the government provides six months of financial assistance, while private sponsors will provide another six months of support, along with emotional and settlement assistance throughout the year.

This program accelerates the process for refugees who are waiting for resettlement, and it also helps them have a better support system in place.

 

Steps to Resettle in Canada

Resettlement can be an extended and cumbersome process. The following is an overview of the steps generally involved:

• Referral by UNHCR or a Private Sponsor
  First, one has to be identified either by the UNHCR or through a private sponsorship as a refugee in need of resettlement. UNHCR closely works with Canada in identifying the most needy refugees across the globe.
• Application and Screening
  After referral, the refugee has to submit an application to the Canadian government. This implies that the person undergoes several measures in terms of security checking, medical tests, and interviews for the purpose of establishing eligibility with the resettlement requirements of Canada.
• Resettlement Approval
  After their application is accepted, they will be granted permanent resident status and a legal right to stay in Canada. The transportation arrangements to Canada will be made by the Canadian government or by private sponsors.
• Arrival in Canada
  Upon arrival, the immediate assistance offered includes settlement services, housing, and basic needs. Integration through language and job skills is a way of orienting refugees into Canadian life to enable their independence.

 

Support Services to Resettled Refugees

Canada has a wide network of settlement agencies to help refugees adjust to their new lives. These agencies can offer a variety of services, including:

• Language Training : English and French classes are given in order to enable refugees to better communicate with people in the community and raise their employment potential.
• Employment Services : Job finding, resume building, and other pre-employment services.
• Housing Assistance : Helping refugees get long-term housing once their initial government or private sponsorship support has ended.
• Healthcare Access: Refugees are registered with provincial health plans, and medical support is provided for physical and mental health problems.

Refugees in Canada are also entitled to public education for their children and legal support to facilitate processes associated with immigration and settlement.