Resettlement country
Canada
Canada resettles refugees through government-assisted and privately sponsored streams, and refugees arrive as permanent residents.
At a glance
| Main programme | Refugee and humanitarian resettlement |
|---|---|
| Referrals | UNHCR and other referral partners refer refugees for government-assisted resettlement |
| Community routes | Private sponsorship: groups and organisations in Canada sponsor refugees |
| Decision maker | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) |
How it works
- UNHCR refers refugees who meet Canada’s priorities for government-assisted resettlement.
- Privately sponsored refugees are supported by a group, organisation or community in Canada, usually for the first year.
- Applicants complete interviews, medical and security screening.
- Resettled refugees arrive as permanent residents and can access settlement services such as language classes and help finding housing and work.
Programmes, quotas and eligibility rules change often. Always confirm current details with the official government source linked on this page.
Official information: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Questions about your situation?
Read our frequently asked questions or visit the contact page.
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