Frequently asked questions:
The refugee system

Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program

Refugee Appeal Division

Financial Support for Government-Assisted Refugees

Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program

1. Who is eligible for sponsorship under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program?
2. Who makes the final decision on whether a refugee is eligible for resettlement?
3. Who is not eligible for sponsorship under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program?
4. Who can sponsor a refugee?
5. What are the responsibilities of a sponsoring group?
6. How is a refugee identified for sponsorship?
7. What is Joint Assistance Sponsorship?
8. How do I know which visa office will process the application for permanent residence for privately sponsored refugees?
9. How long does it take before the refugee can come to Canada?
10. The refugee our group wished to sponsor was refused after an interview. Can our group appeal?
11. Where can I find more information about applying to sponsor a refugee?
12. I know someone who claimed refugee status here in Canada and who has now been refused. Can we sponsor them, to give them another chance?
13. My relatives have been accepted as refugees by the UNHCR, and I know they have a UNHCR card. Does that mean they will be resettled in Canada?
14. Are there any application fees?
15. Will the refugee have to pay any costs?
16. How many refugees are resettled in Canada each year?
17. Are sponsored refugee families with children eligible for a child tax benefit upon arrival? What is the average waiting period for clients to receive their first child tax benefit payment?
18. Are resettled refugees allowed to go to university? Can they get student loans?
19. I heard that there are different rules for sponsoring refugees from Turkey. Is this true? How can I sponsor a refugee from Turkey?

Refugee Appeal Division

1. What is the Refugee Appeal Division?
2. Why has the Refugee Appeal Division not been implemented?
3. Is there a legal requirement to implement the Refugee Appeal Division?
4. Are there other reasons not to have an appeal division?
5. Were alternatives to the Refugee Appeal Division considered?
6. Many organizations support implementing the Refugee Appeal Division. How would you respond to their concerns?

Financial Support for Government-Assisted Refugees

1. Why does Canada resettle refugees?
2. What is meant by government-assisted refugees?
3. What kind of support do they receive?
4. Is the support the same across Canada?
5. Why do government-assisted refugees receive a one-time start-up payment?
6. Do large and small families receive the same amount of money?
7. What are these special allowances?
8. How long does the support provided to government-assisted refugees last?
9. Is all the support to government-assisted refugees provided by the government?
10. Do in-Canada refugee claimants or privately sponsored refugees receive resettlement assistance?
11. A widely circulated email alleges that government-assisted refugees receive much more income support and benefits than Canadian pensioners. Is this accurate?