Canada is known for its inclusive and diverse society, and welcoming refugees is a key part of this. The Canadian government operates several programs that allow refugees to immigrate to Canada, and the Refugee Class is one of the most important immigration streams in Canada. The Refugee Class is designed for people who are fleeing persecution, war, or other forms of violence in their home country. It is one of the most compassionate and humane programs in the world, and it has helped thousands of people find safety and security in Canada. There are a few streams through which refugees could be resettled in Canada:

1. In-Canada Refugee Program
2. Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program (Outside Canada)
   
   
   • Sponsorship through Agreement Holders
   • Group of Five (G5)
   • Community Groups
   • Blend Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program In this website

Group of Five (G5)

We would like to highlight a few points in regards to private sponsorship of refugees through the G5 Program. G5 Sponsorship of refugees is a stream which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members, friends and relatives who are living as refugees outside Canada. This program is a Canadian initiative designed to help refugees and asylum seekers settle into their respective communities and start a new life in Canada.

The program, as the name indicates, is initiated by a Group of Five Canadian citizens and/or permanent residents. The Group Five Sponsorship Program is unique in that it enables individuals or organizations to sponsor refugees or asylum seekers to enter Canada legally. This sponsorship program also helps refugees connect with the local community and provides them with access to essential services provided by members of the group and the community they resettle in: such as housing, education, healthcare, and employment.

The program is open to anyone who is willing AND ABLE to sponsor a refugee from outside Canada. Sponsors need to be either Canadian citizens or permanent residents, but that they do not need to have any specific qualifications or experience other than the financial commitments, ability to help their sponsored refugees in successfully resettlement after their arrival.

However, the sponsors must be at least 18 years old, have a stable income (if they make financial commitment towards the sponsorship), and be able to help the sponsored refugees for up to 12 months. The sponsorship process involves three main parties:

1. The sponsors
2. The refugee, or the sponsored
3. The Government of Canada

The sponsor is responsible for providing financial and emotional support to the sponsored refugee, while the Government of Canada is responsible for processing and approving assessment the sponsorship application on the basis of the Canadian immigration law (IRPA and IRPR). To sponsor a refugee, the sponsor must first submit an application through the Group Five Sponsorship Program (application can either be mailed or emailed). The application must include information about the sponsor, the sponsored refugee  and the relationship between them. The sponsor must also provide proof of financial ability to support the sponsored refugee for up to 12 months. Once the application package is complete by the sponsored refugee and by the Group Five Sponsors, it is submitted to the Government of Canada for processing.

The government performs eligibility assessment on the sponsored refugee and verifies that the sponsors are eligible (such as if they have legitimate means to provide financial support). If the application is approved by the government, the sponsored refugee is issued a permanent resident visa and can enter Canada legally. The sponsor is then responsible for providing financial and emotional support to the sponsored refugee for up to 12 months. Members of the Group Five Sponsorship Program are provided with a wide range of services, resources and support by local service agencies to help them fulfill their responsibilities. These resources include information on how to find suitable housing, how to navigate the healthcare system, and how to enroll the sponsored refugee or asylum seeker in school or language classes.

In some cases, the program also provides sponsors with ongoing support from a dedicated case manager who can help them navigate any challenges that may arise during the sponsorship period. The case manager can also connect sponsors with local community groups and organizations that can provide additional support and resources. The benefits of sponsoring a refugee or asylum seeker through the Group Five Sponsorship Program are numerous. Sponsors have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees which enables them to rebuild their lives in Canada.

Generally, to be eligible for the Refugee Class (sponsorship from outside Canada), an individual must meet several criteria including the following:

1. They must be outside their home country
2. They must be unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
3. They must have no other viable option for protection in their home country or in another country
4. They must not be inadmissible for security, criminal, or medical reasons

Application Process

The application process for the Refugee Class is complex and requires the assistance of a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Preparing the Application – The first step is to prepare the application, which includes gathering all necessary documents and evidence to support the refugee claim.
2. Submitting the Application – The application must be submitted to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
3. Interview – The applicant maybe interviewed by an immigration officer to determine their eligibility for protection in Canada.
4. Medical and Security Checks – The applicant will undergo medical and security checks to ensure they do not pose a risk to Canadian society.
5. Decision – If the application is approved, the applicant will be granted refugee status and will be entitled to all the benefits of the program.

In conclusion: Sponsors also have the opportunity to learn about new cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the global refugee crisis. In addition, sponsoring a refugee can have a positive impact on the sponsor’s community. Refugees bring diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to their new communities, and can contribute to the social and economic fabric of Canada. The Group Five Sponsorship Program is a valuable initiative that provides a pathway for to enter Canada legally and start a new life. It also provides sponsors with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others (including those within their respective communities) and contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of their communities.

Click here for more information on the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

To find out if you are eligible to apply for refugee sponsorship, contact us today or get assessed by our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).