About Refugee Resettlement
Refugee resettlement is for people outside Canada who are referred to move to Canada as refugees — by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), another designated referral organization, or a private sponsor. It’s distinct from claiming asylum, which happens when someone is already at the Canadian border or inside Canada.
Canada’s Resettlement Streams
- Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) — referred by UNHCR or another designated organization, with settlement costs and income support covered by the federal government for up to a year
- Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR) — sponsored by a group of Canadian citizens or permanent residents (a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, community group, or group of five) who commit to providing financial and settlement support
- Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) — combines UNHCR referral with private sponsorship, splitting support between government income assistance and a private sponsor group
How the Process Works
UNHCR or another designated organization identifies and refers people at risk. Canadian visa officers then assess the case and conduct medical, criminal, and security screening before a final admissibility decision. Upon arrival, resettled refugees become permanent residents immediately, and — after meeting standard requirements — become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Private Sponsorship
Canadians and permanent residents can act as private sponsors, either through an established Sponsorship Agreement Holder organization or as a “Group of Five” community sponsors, committing to provide financial and settlement support for a defined period.
How We Help
We advise sponsor groups on eligibility and documentation requirements, and support resettled refugees with their transition to permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship.