Refugees and Protected Persons

What is Private Refugee Sponsorship?

Private refugee sponsorship in Canada allows organizations and groups of citizens or permanent residents to sponsor refugees from abroad. This means providing financial and emotional support to help them settle and integrate into Canadian society. The program includes different types of sponsors like Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs), Groups of Five (G5), and Community Sponsors (CS), each with specific roles and responsibilities.

Who Can Be Sponsored as a Refugee?

The Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program in Canada allows for the sponsorship of individuals who fall under specific classes as defined by Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Here are the categories of individuals who can be sponsored:

1. Convention Refugee Abroad Class: This category includes individuals who are outside their home country or the country where they normally live and have a well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. They must not have the prospect of another durable solution, within a reasonable period of time.
2. Country of Asylum Class: This applies to people who are outside their home country or the country where they normally live and have been, and continue to be, seriously and personally affected by civil war, armed conflict, or a massive violation of human rights. The refugees also don't have the prospect of a durable solution.

Categories and Eligibility for Sponsoring Refugees

Categories of Sponsors:

1. Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs): These are organizations that have signed agreements with the Canadian government to sponsor a certain number of refugees each year.
2. Groups of Five (G5): Five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who can sponsor a refugee they know.
3. Community Sponsors (CS): Organizations, such as churches or community groups, that can sponsor refugees without a formal agreement but must meet specific criteria set by the government.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• They must prove their financial ability to support the refugee(s) for the sponsorship period, generally one year.
• The refugee(s) being sponsored must be recognized under the Convention Refugee Abroad Class or Country of Asylum Class, meaning they are outside Canada and meet the criteria under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Importance of Hiring an Experienced Law Firm for Sponsorship Applications

Hiring an experienced law firm for handling private refugee sponsorships offers numerous benefits, ensuring that the sponsorship process adheres to strict legal requirements. Our qualified legal team can efficiently manage the sponsorship application, addressing any potential issues that may arise, such as sponsorship breakdowns or changes in the refugee's circumstances. Our knowledge helps maximize the success rate of applications by ensuring compliance with all necessary criteria and providing strategic advice tailored to individual cases.

For sponsors, this means a more streamlined and stress-free experience, allowing them to focus on preparing for the arrival of the refugee rather than navigating the complexities of the application process. The professional handling by our law firm not only enhances the likelihood of a successful application but also supports a smooth transition and integration for the refugee into Canadian society.