Canada’s Refugee Resettlement Targets for 2024 and Beyond Series - Part 4 The Role of Community Sponsorship in Canada’s Refugee System

Canada has a proud history of welcoming refugees, and many community organizations and individuals are eager to sponsor refugees in need of protection. Sponsoring a refugee is a significant commitment, requiring emotional, financial, and logistical support throughout the process. Whether you’re looking to sponsor someone you know or a refugee identified through Canada's humanitarian programs, this guide outlines the key steps, responsibilities, and essential information you need to navigate the refugee sponsorship process in Canada.

1. About the Process: Sponsoring Refugees to Canada

In Canada, community organizations and individuals can sponsor refugees through several programs. Sponsorship provides both emotional and financial support to refugees for a designated period—typically one year. Sponsors commit to helping the refugees integrate into Canadian society, offering assistance in areas such as housing, healthcare, education, and employment.

Key Points:

• Sponsorship Duration: Sponsors generally commit to one year of support, which includes both emotional guidance and financial assistance.
• Sponsorship Programs: Sponsorships can occur through community organizations or private individuals.

Who can be sponsored? Sponsors can support refugees recognized by either:

• The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), or
• The government of the country where the refugee currently resides.

It’s crucial to note that the principal applicant must have formal refugee status before the sponsorship process can begin. Sponsors are required to provide proof of the refugee’s status as part of their application.

2. Sponsor Responsibilities: What You Need to Know

Sponsoring a refugee is a responsibility that requires careful consideration. Sponsors must be prepared to meet several key requirements. The Canadian government regularly monitors sponsorship groups to ensure they are meeting their obligations and fully supporting the refugees under their care.

Main Responsibilities Include:

• Financial Support: Sponsors must cover the refugee’s basic needs, including housing, food, and utilities.
• Emotional and Logistical Support: Sponsors should also help the refugee adjust to life in Canada, providing guidance on matters such as healthcare access, public transportation, education, and finding employment.
• Monitoring and Compliance: The Canadian government assesses sponsorship groups regularly to ensure compliance with the program’s requirements.

To ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria, it’s essential to stay informed about the responsibilities involved and to maintain regular communication with the refugees you’re supporting.

3. Who Can Apply to Sponsor Refugees?

Eligibility Requirements:

• Community Sponsors: Groups such as organizations, associations, and corporations can sponsor refugees. These groups do not necessarily have to be incorporated under federal or provincial law.
• Commitment: Sponsors must commit to supporting the refugee for the full sponsorship period—typically one year.
• Community Presence: Sponsors must be based in the community where the refugees are expected to settle. This allows them to provide direct support and assist the refugees with integration into their new environment.

Co-sponsors: A community sponsor can partner with an individual or another organization to share the responsibility of supporting the refugee. These co-sponsors share both the financial and emotional support duties.

Important Considerations for Sponsors in Quebec:

Quebec has its own refugee sponsorship process, distinct from the rest of Canada. Sponsors located in Quebec must follow the province’s specific procedures. More information is available on Quebec’s refugee sponsorship website.

4. How to Apply: The Sponsorship Process

The process of sponsoring a refugee in Canada can follow one of two main paths:

Option 1: Sponsor a Refugee You Know

This option is ideal if you are looking to sponsor a family member, friend, or a refugee identified by someone else. The refugee must qualify under Canada's refugee and humanitarian resettlement program. Once the refugee’s eligibility is confirmed, the sponsor and the refugee work together to complete the application process.

Steps to Follow:

1. Submit Proof of Refugee Status: The refugee must have documentation from the UNHCR or a foreign state proving that they have been recognized as a refugee.
2. Complete the Application: Both the sponsor and the refugee must fill out an application, which is then assessed by immigration officers abroad.
3. Decision and Approval: Officers will assess the application to determine whether the person being sponsored qualifies under Canada's refugee program.

Option 2: Sponsor a Refugee Through the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program

For sponsors who do not have a specific refugee in mind, the BVOR program offers an opportunity to match sponsors with refugees already identified by the Canadian government. Refugees who come through this program have been pre-approved by Canadian immigration officers and are simply awaiting a private sponsor before they can come to Canada.

5. Applying Online Through the Permanent Residence Portal

The entire refugee sponsorship application process can now be completed online using the Permanent Residence Portal. The community organization must designate an individual as the “primary sponsor” who will be responsible for submitting the application and handling communication with immigration authorities.

Steps to Apply:

1. Complete All Forms: Sponsors and refugees must complete all required forms in the application package.
2. Submit Supporting Documents: This includes proof of refugee status, personal identification documents, and any other relevant paperwork.
3. Review and Submit: Ensure all sections of the application are completed accurately before submitting it online.

Paid Representatives:

If you are a paid or unpaid representative acting on behalf of a sponsor or a refugee, ensure you have the proper authorization forms in place.

6. After You Apply: What to Expect

Once the application is submitted, it will be processed by the Resettlement Operations Centre in Ottawa (ROC-O). Sponsors will receive two main communications from ROC-O during the process:

1. Acknowledgment of Receipt: Once ROC-O confirms that the application is complete, they will send a letter with the refugee’s IRCC file number.
2. Approval or Refusal: ROC-O will inform the sponsor whether the sponsorship undertaking has been approved or refused.

Sponsor-Referred Cases:

If the application is approved, the refugee’s file is sent to a visa office abroad for further assessment. The visa office will notify the sponsor of the outcome. If the refugee is approved for resettlement, the sponsoring group will receive a Notification of Arrival Transmission at least 10 business days before the refugee is scheduled to arrive in Canada.

Visa Office-Referred Cases:

For refugees coming through the BVOR program, the process is generally quicker. Refugees are typically ready to travel to Canada between three and six months after ROC-O approves the sponsorship request. The sponsor will receive a notification at least 10 days before the refugee’s arrival.

7. Additional Resources and Support

For sponsors new to the process, the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) offers valuable resources to help prepare for the arrival of refugees. This government-funded program provides training, guides, and other materials to help sponsors understand their roles and responsibilities.

Keeping Your Application Updated:

If any information about your sponsorship group or the refugee changes, it is essential to update your application with IRCC as soon as possible. This includes changes in contact information, refugee status, or any new developments that may affect the sponsorship.

Changing or Withdrawing a Sponsorship:

If you wish to withdraw your sponsorship application after it has been submitted, you must contact ROC-O and provide a reason for the withdrawal. This is an important step to ensure transparency and compliance with immigration regulations.

Conclusion

Sponsoring a refugee to come to Canada is a life-changing opportunity that allows sponsors to offer protection and a fresh start to individuals fleeing persecution. The process, while intricate, is clearly defined by the Canadian government, ensuring that refugees and sponsors alike are supported throughout. Whether you're sponsoring a family member or engaging in humanitarian efforts through the BVOR program, your contribution can make a profound difference in the life of someone in need. By following the steps outlined above and understanding your responsibilities, you can navigate the sponsorship process effectively and help refugees begin their new lives in Canada.