Canada's Commitment to Refugee Protection
The Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) program brings refugees to Canada with full government support. Unlike private sponsorship, where community groups take responsibility for settlement, GAR refugees receive assistance directly from the Canadian government or the province of Quebec.
Refugees resettled through this program arrive as permanent residents and receive help adjusting to life in Canada. Settlement services include housing assistance, language training, employment support, and help accessing healthcare and education. This comprehensive support helps people who have often spent years in camps or temporary situations finally build stable lives.
Canada resettles thousands of government-assisted refugees each year, fulfilling its international commitments and its tradition as a welcoming nation. For refugees selected through this program, it represents a new beginning made possible by Canadian values of compassion and protection.
How GAR Differs From Other Programs
The most important thing to understand about the GAR program is this: you cannot apply directly.
Government-assisted resettlement requires a referral. The main referral sources are:
- The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) identifies refugees in need of resettlement from camps and urban locations around the world
- Other designated referral organizations work with specific populations
If you are outside Canada and seeking protection, the first step is registering for refugee status with UNHCR or the authorities in your current country. From there, UNHCR assesses your case and may refer you for resettlement to Canada or another country.
This referral-based system means Canada can prioritize the most vulnerable refugees for resettlement. UNHCR identifies people with urgent protection needs, medical conditions, or other factors that make them priorities for permanent resettlement solutions.
Support You Receive
GAR refugees receive settlement assistance through non-governmental service provider organizations funded by the Canadian government. These organizations operate in communities across Canada and provide:
Financial support for basic needs including housing, food, and clothing. This assistance continues for up to one year from your arrival in Canada, or until you become self-sufficient, whichever comes first.
Settlement services including orientation to Canadian systems, help finding housing, enrollment in language classes, and connections to employment programs.
Ongoing case management to ensure you have access to healthcare, education for your children, and other essential services.
The goal is to help you become independent and self-sufficient in your new country. Support gradually decreases as you build the skills and connections needed to thrive on your own.
Human Rights Defenders Stream
Canada offers a special pathway within the GAR program for human rights defenders and their families. This stream recognizes that people who fight for justice, democracy, and human rights often face severe persecution as a result.
The Human Rights Defenders stream has capacity for up to 250 people annually. Organizations like Front Line Defenders and ProtectDefenders.eu work with UNHCR to identify eligible defenders who need resettlement.
If you are a human rights defender at risk because of your work, registration with UNHCR and these partner organizations is the first step toward possible resettlement.
What the Process Looks Like
After UNHCR refers you for resettlement to Canada, your case goes through several stages:
Security screening verifies that you are not inadmissible to Canada on security grounds.
Medical examination ensures you meet health requirements and identifies any conditions that need attention upon arrival.
Document review confirms your identity and refugee status.
Admission processing issues the travel documents you need to come to Canada.
Processing times vary significantly based on your country of origin, the complexity of your case, and current backlogs. Some cases move quickly while others take much longer. Unfortunately, you have limited ability to speed up the process once your referral is submitted.
Protecting Yourself From Fraud
IRCC warns refugees about resettlement fraud and newcomer scams. Legitimate refugee resettlement never requires payment to individuals or unofficial organizations. No one can guarantee you a spot in the GAR program or speed up your processing in exchange for money.
If someone asks you to pay for resettlement services, that is a warning sign. Report suspected fraud to IRCC or local authorities. Information about fraud protection is available in multiple languages including Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Somali, and Tigrinya.
For Those Waiting
If you have registered with UNHCR and are waiting for a referral or processing decision, the wait can feel endless. Processing times depend on factors beyond your control, and there is often little you can do to influence the timeline.
What you can do is ensure your registration information stays current. Notify UNHCR of any changes to your contact information, family composition, or circumstances. Missing communications because of outdated information can delay your case.
Supporting Someone in the GAR Process
If you know someone who is in the GAR process or has questions about refugee resettlement, we can help explain the system and answer questions. While we cannot influence UNHCR referrals or government processing decisions, we can provide guidance on how the system works and what to expect.
Have questions about refugee resettlement? Book a consultation to learn more.
