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Resettling Refugees in Canada

The Canadian federal government helps refugees resettle in Canada. The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program allows Canada to uphold its humanitarian tradition. In addition to government efforts, private sponsorships enable organizations and groups of individuals to assist refugees and other people in similar circumstances to rebuild their lives in Canada.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) selects refugees who are seeking resettlement in Canada. To be eligible, refugees must not have another resettlement option within a reasonable time. Before accepting a person as a refugee, CIC will make sure that person cannot go home to their country of nationality or usual residence or stay in the country where they have been given asylum. CIC will also look to see if there is another country where refugees can resettle.

Persons selected for resettlement undergo medical, security and criminality screening. They must also show that they will eventually be able to re-establish themselves in Canada.

Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program

	Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Support for Government-Assisted Refugees
	Guardianship Protocol: Resettling dependent minors not in the care of a parent Canada is committed to protecting children from abuse and exploitation. Children who are not in care of a parent and come to Canada as refugees may be particularly vulnerable. The new Guardianship Protocol should ensure that refugees who are minors find authentic family settings in Canada, and give them a safe environment until they reach the age of majority. The protocol spells out the procedures visa officers and settlement officers must follow in these situations.
	How does Canada select refugees for Resettlement? Citizenship and Immigration Canada relies on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), referral organizations and private sponsoring groups to identify refugees for resettlement in Canada.
	Who is eligible for selection as a refugee? Persons seeking resettlement must meet the definition of one of the three classes.
	Who can apply directly to resettle as a refugee in Canada? Persons from certain countries may apply directly to a Canadian visa office for protection in Canada.
	What assistance does Canada offer refugees Refugees resettling in Canada often do not have the resources to easily establish themselves. Canada has a number of programs to help refugees make a home in Canada. Government-Assisted Refugee Program Refugees whose initial resettlement in Canada is entirely supported by the Government of Canada or Quebec. Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program Refugees whose resettlement in Canada is supported by groups of individuals or organizations in Canada. Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) Program A joint undertaking by the sponsoring group and Citizenship and Immigration Canada to sponsor a refugee requiring special assistance and whose admissibility depends on the additional support of a sponsor.
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