Canada has a long tradition of being a safe haven for refugees from around the world. Refugees are people who are outside their country of citizenship or habitual residence and who have well-founded fears of persecution because of race, religion, political opinion, nationality or membership in a particular social group.
A foreign national, who has been determined, outside Canada, by an officer to be a Convention refugee abroad class, may be issued a permanent resident visa, and is exempted from the financial and health requirements, including his accompanying family members.
Claims for refugee status, can be made at port of entry, and inside Canada.
Refugee claims made in Canada are heard and determined by a Member of the Immigration and Refugee Board.
If you believe that you are a refugee, please contact us for consultation.
The Group of Five Sponsorship
Five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 years of age, can act together to sponsor a Convention refugee or a person in similar circumstances.
The group has to provide for the sponsored refugee financial support as well as support for the settlement process. Usually the sponsorship period is one year, but the government can ask for a sponsorship of up to three years.