Frequently asked questions:
The refugee system

Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program

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?

No, it does not mean they will be resettled in Canada. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) determines the refugees who meet its requirements and refers some of those refugees to be resettled in Canada. Canada then conducts its own screening process to make sure the individuals meet the criteria under the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program. Applicants must also meet medical and security screening requirements. Not all individuals referred by the UNHCR are accepted for resettlement to Canada.