Eligibility Quiz
Are you currently outside of Canada?
Application Process
Applying for resettlement to Canada from outside the country is a referral-based process. You cannot apply directly to the Canadian government on your own; you must first be identified and referred by a designated organization or a private sponsorship group. Once referred, you will submit your application through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal.
Step 1: Referral or Sponsorship
Before you can begin an application, you must be referred through one of the following streams:
- Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR): You are identified and referred to Canada by the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) or another designated referral organization.
- Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR): A private group in Canada agrees to support you. Currently, only Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) are actively processing new sponsorships. Note that the Group of Five and Community Sponsor streams are paused until December 31, 2026.
- Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR): You are identified by the UNHCR but matched with a private sponsor in Canada who shares the resettlement costs with the government.
Step 2: Prepare the Application Package (IMM 6000)
Once you have a referral or a sponsor, you must complete the IMM 6000 application package. Key forms include:
- Generic Application Form (IMM 0008): The primary form for the main applicant.
- Schedule A - Background/Declaration (IMM 5669): A detailed history for every family member aged 18 or older.
- Schedule 2 - Refugees Outside Canada (IMM 0008 SCH 2): This is where you provide your personal account of why you need protection and the events that led you to leave your home country.
- Identity Documents: Gather birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports. If these are not in English or French, you must provide a certified translation and an affidavit (a sworn written statement) from the translator.
Step 3: Submission
Your application is typically submitted digitally via the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal. If you are being privately sponsored, your sponsor will submit their undertaking to the Resettlement Operations Centre in Ottawa (ROC-O), which is then linked to your application.
Step 4: Interview and Admissibility
After your application is reviewed, a migration officer may invite you to an interview at a Canadian visa office abroad. You will also be required to:
- Undergo a Medical Exam: This is required for all applicants to ensure public health safety.
- Security Screening: Background checks are conducted to ensure there are no criminal or security risks.
Step 5: Final Approval and Travel
If approved, you will receive Permanent Resident status upon arrival in Canada. You may be issued an Immigration Loan to cover the costs of your flights and initial medical exams.
Fees
There are no government processing fees for refugee resettlement applications. However, there are financial requirements for sponsors and potential loan repayments for applicants.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Government Processing Fee | $0 |
| Biometrics Fee | $0 |
| Medical Exam | $0 (Initially covered by Canada) |
| Private Sponsorship Fund (Single Person) | ~$16,500 (Paid by sponsor) |
| Private Sponsorship Fund (Family of 4) | $30,000+ (Paid by sponsor) |
Total Estimate: $0 in upfront government fees for the applicant. Does not include: The cost of obtaining original documents, certified translations, or the eventual repayment of the Immigration Loan used for travel and medical costs.
Processing Time
Processing times vary based on the volume of applications and the specific region where you are located.
- Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR): Often the fastest route, typically taking under 12 months.
- Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR): Generally takes between 12 to 24 months.
- Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR): Due to high demand and backlogs, wait times can range from 3 to 5 years.
Document Validity: Your medical exam results are typically valid for 12 months. If your travel is delayed beyond this window, you may be required to undergo a new exam. Note: The age of your dependent children is "locked in" on the date your complete application is received, ensuring they remain eligible even if they turn 22 during the long processing period.