How to Move to Canada as a Refugee
Moving to a new country can be hectic, especially for refugees. Refugees usually decide to seek refuge due to fear, desperation, and a desire for security and safety. Asylum-seeking in Canada isn’t easy either, but the right information can make things easier.
Here is what you need to know about moving to Canada as a refugee.
Table of Contents
Eligibility for Refugee Status in Canada
Eligibility for refugee status in Canada is determined through a complex process that uses various criteria. One must meet specific requirements as set in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
Definition of a refugee under Canadian law
Under Canadian law, a refugee is somebody who escapes from their home country due to a justifiable fear of oppression based on nationality, religion, race, political opinion, or association with a certain social group. This fear of persecution should be real and must be a risk of serious harm if the individual returns to their home country.
Criteria for refugee status in Canada
In general, the criteria for refugee status in Canada is a substantiated fear of torment based on one of the five reasons above. This means that in case you are forced to go back to your home country, you will not be offered any protection against oppression and, therefore, you will not be safe in any part of the country.
Process for Moving to Canada as a Refugee
Canada has laid out a well-established refugee resettlement program that protects refugees from all regions of the world.
Initial screening and application for refugee status
In order to Immigrate to Canada as a refugee, a person must generally be referred by:
- the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR); or
- a private sponsorship group; or
- a referral organization that has been designated.
People who arrive in Canada (for example, at a port of entry, such as an airport) seeking protection from persecution will generally claim asylum with the Canadian Border Services, while individuals already in Canada will claim asylum with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by filling out the required forms at the nearest office. The relevant Canadian government officials will conduct an initial interview and security screening to determine whether to refer your claim to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), which makes the decision on whether to recognize someone as a refugee.
Refugee claimant hearing and decision
After the application process, the refugee claimant is referred to the immigration and refugee board (IRB) for a hearing. During this process, the refugee is supposed to present evidence and arguments to support that they require refugee status in Canada. IRB will evaluate the evidence given and determine if the evidence should guarantee them leeway to obtain refugee status.
Resettlement to Canada
After IRB determines that your case is genuine and meets the criteria, you will be eligible for Canada resettlement. Resettlement will involve medical and security screening, processing of travel documents, and transportation to Canada.
Canada resettlement can occur through various programs, such as the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program and the Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) Program.
After arriving in Canada, the Canadian government will offer support that will enable you to settle and integrate into Canadian society. The support given includes English or French language training, housing, and employment support.
Refugee Claimant Services in Canada
Refugee claimant services in Canada provide support to refugees living in Canada. They are provided by the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community organizations.
Government of Canada support and services for refugee claimants
The government provides support in various areas such as access to healthcare, social services, and education. Refugee claimants can also get support for basic needs such as clothing, food, and shelter. The government also assists in legal assistance to help refugee claimants navigate the process of seeking asylum.
Community and non-governmental organizations supporting refugees
These organizations assist in language training, settlement services, and employment support. While the refugee claimants are awaiting the outcome of the asylum claim, these organizations can also offer temporary housing.
Challenges and Obstacles to Moving to Canada as a Refugee
While Canada has a well-established Refugee Settlement Program, there are challenges and obstacles that individuals looking for refugee or asylum status may face.
Backlogs and delays in processing refugee claims
Backlogs and delays in processing refugee claims are challenges that individuals seeking refugee or asylum status in Canada may experience. The processing time can be influenced by the workload of the IRB which may result in lengthy wait times.
Systemic issues in refugee resettlement in Canada
Systemic issues can include limited access to healthcare and social services, lack of affordable housing, and difficulties in finding Canadian employment. These issues can make the process of integration into Canadian society challenging.
The Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States is another systemic issue that requires individuals seeking asylum to make their claim in the first country they arrive in, either the United States or Canada.
Although there have been efforts to address these challenges, there is still room for improvement for individuals seeking refugee or asylum status in Canada to be able to rebuild their dignity and live in safety.
Conclusion
If you are seeking to move to Canada as a refugee, you do not have to be afraid of the process. All you need is the right information to enable you to gather the needed support to see you through.
You can easily overcome the challenges ad rebuild your life in this welcoming country. After all, if you want to move to Canada seeking asylum or refugee status, stay focused, persistent, and hopeful that you can overcome the challenges and get support from the government, community organizations, and NGOs.
In the event that you want to move to Canada as a skilled foreign worker, there are several Canadian immigration programs available for different types of skilled immigrants. Each Canadian immigration program has its own eligibility requirements and application procedure, so how can you know which one is right for you?
Since 2012, Canadian Visa Expert has been working with a team of authorized immigration consultants who can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the application procedure if you qualify.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
How long does it take for a refugee to get permanent residency in Canada?
The process can take several years for a refugee to obtain permanent residency in Canada, depending on the time of processing the application and the complexity of the case. In the meantime, a refugee will receive “protected person” status while living in Canada as a temporary legal resident pending a decision on Canadian permanent residency.
How much does it cost to become a refugee in Canada?
There are no costs connected with becoming a refugee in Canada and income support is provided by the Canadian government if the refugee cannot pay for his or her basic living expenses. Many refugees are sponsored by private organizations or Canadian families, who support the refugee while he or she is living in Canada.
Do refugees get a passport in Canada?
Refugees may be issued a refugee travel document and/or an official identity card while living in Canada.
Do refugees need a work permit in Canada?
Yes, refugees must get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a work permit in order to work in Canada legally.
How long does it take to be resettled in Canada as a refugee?
Time varies depending on the complexity of the case and the time for the application process, but it generally takes around 24 months.
What are the reasons that someone might seek asylum in Canada?
Examples of reasons include fear of persecution for religion, race, nationality, political opinion, or being a member of a certain social group.
