Canada Refugees and Asylum: Information and Assistance

In Canada, there's a program called Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) that allows citizens and permanent residents to directly contribute to welcoming and helping refugees.  Basically, you can act as a sponsor for refugees, providing them with financial and social support as they settle into their new life in Canada.

1. Privately Sponsoring a Refugee:
   • Private sponsorship involves individuals or groups taking on the responsibility of supporting and resettling a refugee in Canada. Sponsors provide financial, emotional, and settlement support to help refugees integrate into Canadian society.
2. Who Can Sponsor Refugees and Sponsor Types:
   • Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and designated organizations can sponsor refugees. There are different types of sponsors, including:
     • Group of Five: Five or more individuals who come together to sponsor a refugee.
     • Community Sponsors: Organizations that work with the government to sponsor refugees.
     • Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) Program: Collaboration between a sponsorship agreement holder and a group of individuals to sponsor refugees with special needs.
3. Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH):
   • Organizations can apply to become SAHs, allowing them to sponsor refugees directly or work with constituent groups to sponsor refugees under their agreements.
4. Groups of Five Refugee Sponsorship:
   • A group of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents can form a sponsoring group to support and resettle a refugee in Canada. After applying, processing times vary, and sponsors are responsible for the refugee's settlement needs upon arrival.
5. Community Sponsors:
   • Community organizations can partner with the government to sponsor refugees. They collaborate with SAHs or the government to provide sponsorship and support services to refugees.
6. Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) Program:
   • JAS involves joint sponsorship by a SAH and a group of individuals to support refugees with specific needs, such as medical conditions or disabilities.
7. Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program:
   • Under BVOR, the Canadian government and private sponsors share the cost of resettling refugees. Refugees referred by the UNHCR are matched with sponsors, who provide support for their settlement in Canada.
8. Role of Canadians in Refugee Resettlement:
   • Canadians and permanent residents play a crucial role in helping refugees resettle by sponsoring, providing support, and facilitating the integration of newcomers into communities, contributing to their successful transition to life in Canada.

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Resettle in Canada as a refugee by getting referred or sponsored. After acceptance, undergo medical and security checks. Expect support for housing, healthcare, language, and employment upon arrival for a smooth integration into Canadian society.

1. Resettling in Canada as a Refugee:
   • To be resettled in Canada as a refugee, you can apply through various programs like the Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) program, private sponsorship programs, or the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program. Each program has its eligibility criteria and application process.
2. Who Can Be Sponsored as a Refugee and Next Steps:
   • Refugees eligible for sponsorship include individuals fleeing persecution, violence, or war and are unable to return to their home countries safely. After applying, you may undergo interviews, screenings, and assessments as part of the refugee determination process.
3. Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) Program:
   • The GAR program is designed to assist refugees identified and referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It provides government-funded support for resettlement, including housing, healthcare, language training, and settlement services.
4. Accessing Services After Applying for Refugee Status:
   • Once your refugee status is confirmed, you can access healthcare services, settlement support, financial assistance, and information about your rights as a refugee in Canada.
5. Arriving in Canada as a Refugee:
   • Upon arrival in Canada, refugees receive continued support to help them adjust to life in Canada. This includes healthcare access, settlement assistance, financial support, and guidance on refugee rights and responsibilities.
6. Finding Services for Refugees in Canada:
   • There are numerous services available for refugees in Canada, including healthcare, language classes, employment support, housing assistance, legal aid, and community integration programs.
7. Protecting Yourself from Fraud:
   • It's important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from immigration fraud, such as marriage or document fraud, as well as scams targeting vulnerable individuals seeking immigration assistance. Seek information from reliable sources and report any suspicious activities to authorities.

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The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is a program run by Canada that aims to help skilled refugees and displaced people immigrate to Canada. It basically combines refugee resettlement with economic immigration. This means it benefits both refugees by providing a safe and prosperous place to live, and Canada by filling job openings with qualified workers.

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) integrates refugee resettlement with economic immigration, creating a pathway that:

• Facilitates the immigration of skilled refugees into Canada through established economic programs.
• Provides employers with opportunities to hire from a diverse and qualified talent pool to meet their staffing needs.Top of Form

Immigrate to Canada through the EMPP

How the pilot works for candidates:

• What the EMPP is: It's a pilot program that combines refugee resettlement with skilled worker immigration.
• What it offers:
  • A chance for skilled refugees to immigrate to Canada through established economic programs.
  • Easier application process compared to regular programs (e.g., no need for a valid passport in some cases).

Who is eligible:

• Refugees: You must have a valid refugee status or be someone in need of international protection.
• Skilled workers: You need work experience (at least 1 year full-time or equivalent) relevant to an in-demand occupation in Canada.
• Language skills: You need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French through approved language tests.
• Two streams:
  • Job offer stream: You have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer.
  • No job offer stream: You have the required work experience, education, and language skills but don't have a job offer yet.

How to apply:

• Applications: There are two applications involved:
  1. Admission to Canada Application (ACA): This application assesses your eligibility as a refugee or someone needing international protection.
  2. Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot Application: This application assesses your skills and work experience for permanent residency through the EMPP.
• Submission: You'll need to submit both applications along with required documents to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC website provides detailed instructions and document checklists.

After you apply:

• Processing: IRCC will process your applications and may request additional documents or clarifications.
• Permanent residency: If successful, you'll receive permanent resident status in Canada.

Prepare to arrive in Canada:

• Information package: IRCC will send you information about life in Canada, settlement services available, and what to expect upon arrival.
• Settlement services: Canada offers various programs to help newcomers adjust, find housing, and integrate into the community.

Hire skilled refugees through the EMPP

How the pilot works for employers:

• What the EMPP does: It connects you with skilled refugees seeking to immigrate to Canada.
• Benefits of hiring through EMPP:
  • Access to a wider talent pool: Find skilled workers who may not be actively searching in the traditional job market.
  • Faster hiring process: Streamlined application process for qualified refugee candidates.
  • Government support: Programs offer support services for both employers and newcomers.

Find a candidate and program:

• Partner with a NGO: Consider working with a partner NGO (Non-Governmental Organization). They specialize in refugee resettlement and can help you:
  • Find and screen qualified refugee candidates with relevant skills and experience for your job openings.
  • Navigate the EMPP application process and documentation requirements.
  • Provide support services to help your new employee integrate into the workplace.
• EMPP streams: Choose the appropriate EMPP stream based on your situation:
  • Job offer stream: If you have a specific job opening, use this stream to find a matching candidate.
  • No job offer stream: If you're open to suitable candidates, this stream allows you to review profiles and potentially hire skilled refugees.

How to support newcomer employees:

• Workplace integration: Provide resources and support to help your new employee adjust to the workplace culture, communication styles, and expectations.
• Language training: Consider offering language training programs to help your employee improve their English or French fluency, if needed.
• Mentorship programs: Pair your new employee with a mentor who can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support during the onboarding process.
• Cultural sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

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In Canada, refugees can access a range of services to help them adjust and thrive. These services include:

1. Health Care:
   • Refugees in Canada are eligible for healthcare coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). This program provides coverage for essential health services, including doctor's visits, hospital care, and medications. Health care professionals can find information on eligibility, benefits, and how to apply for the IFHP.
2. Adjusting to Canada:
   • Organizations in Canada offer support to refugees to help them adjust to life in the country. These organizations provide services such as language training, cultural orientation, housing assistance, and community integration programs. Contact information for these organizations can be obtained for assistance with resettlement.
3. Financial Help:
   • Refugees may be eligible for financial assistance and loans to support their resettlement in Canada. Information on eligibility criteria, resettlement help, and available loans can be accessed for financial support.
4. Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR):
   • The Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) program provides support to new refugees in Canada. This includes assistance with immediate needs, settlement services, access to the Urgent Protection Program for urgent cases, and specialized support for vulnerable individuals under the Women at Risk program.
5. Rights as a Refugee:
   • Refugees in Canada have rights, including the right to work and access education while their refugee claim is being considered. Information on employment opportunities, educational resources, and rights as a refugee can be obtained for assistance.
6. Protecting Against Fraud:
   • It's essential for refugees to protect themselves against immigration fraud, such as marriage or document fraud, and scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Information on how to stay safe from fraud, including email and internet scams, can be accessed for guidance and awareness.

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The Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) was established on December 15, 2012, to consider appeals against decisions made by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) regarding claims for refugee protection. The RAD reviews these decisions based on the documents submitted by the parties involved and the record of the RPD. In most cases, there is no hearing; instead, the RAD makes its decision based on the available evidence.

Services and Information:

1. Forms:

1. • The forms section contains a collection of forms required for different stages of the refugee appeal process. These forms facilitate the completion and submission of necessary documentation for the appeal.
2. Procedures & Practice Notices:
   • This section outlines the procedural steps that define the administrative tribunal process at the IRB, including how appeals are conducted and the description of other relevant processes related to refugee appeals.
3. Decisions:
   • Here, individuals can read select decisions made by the IRB on immigration and refugee claims and appeals. These decisions provide insights into how the IRB interprets and applies immigration and refugee laws in specific cases.
4. Policy Instruments:
   • Learn about the IRB's policy instruments, including Chairperson's Guidelines and Instructions, Jurisprudential Guides, and Policies. These instruments help guide decision-making and establish consistency in interpreting immigration and refugee laws.
5. Legal Resources:
   • This section contains papers and resources on key legal concepts and procedural matters relevant to immigration and refugee proceedings before the Board. It serves as a reference for legal professionals and individuals involved in refugee appeals.
6. Act, Rules, Regulations:
   • Individuals can consult the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, rules, and regulations that provide the IRB with jurisdiction to hear and decide cases related to immigration and refugee matters. These legal frameworks establish the authority and procedures for handling refugee appeals within Canada's legal system.

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Irregular border crossings and asylum in Canada refer to situations where individuals enter Canada outside of official border points to seek asylum. The asylum process in Canada involves several steps to balance humanitarian commitments with national security:

1. Statistics on Asylum Claims in Canada:
   • These statistics provide data on the number of asylum claims made in Canada, including information on asylum claims processed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) interceptions and claims made at various ports of entry.
2. Myths About Asylum Claims Quiz:
   • This quiz aims to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding asylum claims and irregular border crossings to Canada. It tests your knowledge on these topics to promote a better understanding of the asylum process.
3. Asylum and Immigration Processes:
   • This highlights the distinction between asylum claims and immigration applications in Canada. It emphasizes that these are separate processes, and claiming asylum at the border does not delay immigration applications.
4. Claiming Asylum: Enforced Laws and Strict Process:
   • This point underscores that all laws are enforced in the asylum process, and a strict process is followed for individuals claiming asylum in Canada. It ensures compliance with legal requirements and maintains the integrity of the asylum system.

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Canada's refugee system encompasses programs and initiatives designed to assist refugees in claiming protection, both from within Canada and outside its borders. Additionally, Canada provides support to refugees and other newcomers to help them settle and integrate into Canadian society. Here's an overview:

1. Canada's Refugee System:
   • Canada has two main programs for refugees: one for those inside Canada seeking protection and another for refugees outside Canada. We provide support to help refugees and newcomers integrate into Canadian society.
2. Key Figures on Asylum Claims:
   • The Canadian government processes asylum claims through agencies like CBSA, IRCC, and RCMP. These agencies handle the assessment and processing of asylum claims.
3. Irregular Border Crossings and Asylum:
   • Canada ensures security while honoring humanitarian commitments by managing irregular border crossings and processing asylum claims. We prioritize both safety and compassion in our asylum process.
4. Supporting LGBTQI+ People Needing Protection:
   • Canada is known globally for providing a safe haven to LGBTQI+ individuals in need of protection. We have policies and programs to support their resettlement and integration.
5. Helping Syrian Refugees:
   • Canada has actively welcomed Syrian refugees, offering support, resettlement assistance, and opportunities for a new life. Canadians have played a significant role in helping Syrian refugees through various initiatives and contributions.

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These are the main numbers related to people who are seeking asylum in Canada and are processed by three agencies: the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). These figures likely include details such as the number of asylum applications received, approved, denied, or pending, as well as other relevant statistics regarding the asylum process in Canada.

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Canada has taken several steps in response to the situation in Afghanistan. We've implemented programs specifically aimed at assisting Afghans, as well as providing help for Canadians who are in Afghanistan.

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