Refugees and persons needing protection are people in or outside Canada who fear returning to their country of nationality or habitual residence. In keeping with its humanitarian tradition and international obligations, Canada provides protection to thousands of people every year.

Through its refugee protection system, Canada offers safe haven to persons with a well-founded fear of persecution, as well as those at risk of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment. Canada’s refugee protection system consists of two main components:

1-The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program: For people seeking protection from outside Canada

2-The In-Canada Refugee Protection Process, for persons making refugee protection claims from within Canada.

Organizations and individuals may sponsor refugees under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and be at least 18 years old.

Sponsoring groups commit to providing settlement assistance to refugees for one year from the date the refugee arrives in Canada. This assistance can take such forms as accommodation, clothing and food.

In special cases, the sponsorship period can be extended for up to 36 months. The sponsor must agree to this.

There are 3 types of sponsoring groups:

A group of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor refugees living abroad. Each member of the group must be at least 18 years of age, live in the community where the refugee will live and personally provide settlement assistance and support.

Use the following guide to help you throughout the application process:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5414E.PDF

Complete the following application forms:

a. Undertaking/Application to Sponsor - Group of 5 www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5373E.PDF

b. Sponsor Assessment www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5492E.PDF

c. Settlement Plan - Group of 5 www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5373AE.PDF

d. Financial Profile - Member of Group of 5 www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5373BE.PDF

e. Document Checklist - Group of 5 www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5437E.PDF

f. Use of a representative www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5476E.PDF

 

3. Community Sponsors Top

www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/ref-community.html

Other groups interested in sponsoring refugees may consider a community sponsorship. This type of sponsorship is open to organizations, associations and corporations who have the necessary finances and who can provide adequate settlement assistance to refugees. Community sponsors must have representatives in the community where the refugee will live.

Use the following guide to help you throughout the application process:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5513E.PDF

Complete the following application forms:

a. Undertaking/Application to Sponsor - Community Sponsors www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms./IMM5514E.PDF

b. Settlement Plan and Financial Assess ment - Community Sponsors www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5515E.PDF

c. Sponsor Assessment www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5492E.PDF

d. Document Checklist - Community Sponsors www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5517E.PDF

e. Use of a representative www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5476E.PDF