Privately sponsored refugees typically come to Canada through Sponsorship Agreement Holders, Groups of Five or Community Sponsors who will provide financial, social and emotional support for one year.
- Identification
- Refugees are most often identified by family or friends already in Canada.
- Sponsorship applications are submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
- Immigration Interview
- Refugees complete their application for resettlement.
- Identity is confirmed and refugees are interviewed by Canadian immigration officials.
- Protection and special needs are determined.
- Thorough Security Screening
- Interviews
- Biometric and biographic collection
- Database checks
- Comprehensive Immigration Medical Exam
- Medical history
- Health exam
- X-rays to check for tuberculosis
- Lab tests for some communicable diseases
- Complete medical file is reviewed and finalized by immigration health officials
- Final processing is completed and the visa is issued by Canadian officials.
- Transportation
- Officials from the International Organization for Migration secure exit permits from host governments and finalize all remaining paperwork for the flight to Canada.
- Refugees prepare and pack for their flight.
- Canadian officials complete final security screening.
- Refugees go through airport security screening and begin their journey to Canada.
- Welcome!
- Syrian refugees arrive in Canada and become permanent residents upon arrival.
- Privately sponsored refugees are supported, by their sponsors, who help them adjust to life in Canada
