Sponsorship Programs
Refugee Resettlement Programs from Outside Canada
The majority of refugees arrive in Canada through formalized resettlement programs. These are facilitated by the Government of Canada, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Government of Canada has three separate refugee resettlement streams.
Fisher Law will help sponsors and claimants make their applications as robust as possible. Assistance is also available to help sponsors explore a variety of sponsorship options
As a law firm, we do not have the capacity to find sponsors for refugees. However, once a relationship is founded between refugees and sponsors, Fisher Law can assists in filling out forms, drafting submissions, collecting documentation, communicating with the Refugee Operations Center - Ottawa, and overcoming any barriers to sponsorship or to refugees in obtaining permanent residence.
Helpful Links:
General Information
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-outside-canada.html
1) Privately Sponsored Refugees
Private citizens and community organizations can sponsor refugees through this program. Refugee sponsors assist with arrival details, and provide for essential needs such as accommodation, food, and clothing for a minimum period of one year. The sponsors also guide the claimants through settling into Canadian life. The Government of Canada works with other international agencies to help with travel to Canada. The cost of the resettlement is in the form of a loan, on which payments must begin on after one year of the refugee's arrival in Canada.
Fisher Law can assist sponsors and refugees through this entire process. If a refugee has arranged sponsors, or a Canadian individual or organization is interested in sponsoring one or more refugees, they can contact Fisher Law to discuss their situation and what steps need to be taken. Fisher Law will then work to ensure the sponsorship process proceeds as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Helpful Links:
More Information
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/pub/psr_en.pdf
2) Government-Assisted Refugee Program
In order to participate in this program, a refugee must be referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or a similar organization. The Government of Canada works with other international agencies to help refugees with their travel to Canada. The cost of the resettlement is in the form of a loan, which needs to be paid back after one year of arrival in Canada. Once inside Canada, accommodation and assistance with finding language and job training are provided. Many different national and local agencies then assist refugees to settle in Canada.
Helpful Links:
More Information
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/pub/gar_en.pdf
3) Blended Visa Office Referred Program
This is a combined program where both the Government of Canada and private sponsors support travel and settlement in Canada. Canada provides six months of support and private sponsors provide for another six months. At the end of one year, it is expected that refugees will be able to support themselves and their families. Fisher Law helps liaise between the different parties involved, takes on all government communications, and assists sponsors with their applications and understanding of the eligibility requirements.
Helpful Links:
More Information
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/pub/vor_en.pdf