Everyone has the right to seek refugee status. Canadian immigration collaborates closely with governments around the world to ensure that refugees have access to fair, efficient, and adaptable asylum processes. Local governments in many nations have developed procedures for asylum seekers to secure refugee status, while in others, Canadian immigration provides assistance to ensure that persons escaping persecution are protected.
Canada does not choose which refugees will be resettled in Canada and has no ability to intervene or influence the process of assessing whether someone is a refugee or whether a refugee can be placed in Canada. When nations such as Canada offer resettlement spots, other Canadian immigration offices in refugee countries of asylum will identify those at danger and submit their applications to these resettlement countries. The authorities of resettlement countries make the final judgment on whether or not a refugee can be admitted.
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Are you a refugee seeking a new beginning in Canada?
If you are currently outside of Canada and have questions about your case, please contact the nearest Canadian immigration office in your host or asylum country.
Canada has a long history of accepting refugees. Over 700,000 refugees from all over the world have been resettled in Canada since 1959. Learn more about how refugees contribute to the country’s economic and cultural diversity.
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Canada resettlement program
There are three different resettlement schemes in Canada. Refugees are referred for resettlement to Canada and other partners with whom Canada has an agreement under the Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) Programme. To be considered for referral, refugees must be registered with the state authorities in the country where they sought asylum. Those who qualify for the Programme will get financial assistance from the Canadian government for up to a year from the moment they arrive in Canada. The procedure is slightly different in the province of Québec. Québec officials are in charge of screening potential candidates.
