If anything, Canada is one country that values refugees, and this is seen through resettlement programs and initiatives. So, yes, Canada supports those in need of a safe haven irrespective of your country. This post will discuss various programs and initiatives that Canadian government uses to support refugees here.
If you are a refugee, this post is for you, and you’ll learn how to change your status to permanent settlement.
Canada Refugee Resettlement Programs
We’ve mentioned earlier that Canada does one thing, which is giving refugees the opportunity to settle in. Canada protects vulnerable populations through its refugee resettlement programs. If you’re one, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe place, especially if you are escaping conflict zones and persecution across the globe.
Canada Government-sponsored Programs
There are two notable government-sponsored programs known as the Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) Program and the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program.
Government-Assisted Refugee Program (GAR)
So, Canada started the GAR Program to support refugees transition to Canada. Here, you’ll get financial assistance, housing, and other important services during your first year in the country.
After this support period, refugees continue to receive ongoing assistance through federal and provincial programs to help them become self-sufficient.
Program for Visa Office-Referred Cases
As for the BVOR Program, this one is a collaboration between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Government of Canada. You’ll be provided assistance as a refugee who has been identified by UNHCR as being particularly vulnerable due to your age, health condition, gender, or other special needs.
Participants in the BVOR Program receive financial support from the Government of Canada and are paired with private sponsors or community groups who are willing to offer extra assistance during their initial year in Canada.
Community and Private Sponsorship Programs
We also have community-based sponsorship programs here which is useful in Canada’s refugee resettlement efforts. We also have the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program, which is a key pillar of community support for refugees.
With the PSR Program, people, groups, and organizations can sponsor refugees to come to Canada. You’ll also enjoy financial, emotional, and settlement support during your resettlement.
This PSR Program enables communities to offer assistance to refugees, promoting empathy, unity, and collective accountability. Supporters in the PSR Program pledge to assist refugees for a duration of one year or until they achieve self-sufficiency.
You’ll be given accomodation, language training, job search, and cultural orientation to help them integrate into Canadian society. All for free!
Community sponsorship programs such as the PSR Program, people and groups help yo make a meaningful impact on the lives of refugees.
Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program
We also have the BVOR, which works by matching refugees who have been identified for resettlement by the UNHCR with private sponsors in Canada.
For this refugee resettlement program, private sponsors and the Canadian government share the cost. Now, each of the parties will offer 6 months of support to the person in the form of money. While many places in Canada support the BVOR program, unfortunately, it’s not available in the province of Québec.
Final Thought
Canada refugee resettlement programs are testaments is this country’s commitment to secure sanctuary and assistance to refugees. It doesn’t matter if you’re fleeing from conflict or persecution. Canada will give you a comprehensive framework as a refugee to rebuild your live and integrate into Canadian society. Of course, this comes with dignity and support from initiatives like government-sponsored programs (like the Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR)) and the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program, as well as community-based initiatives such as the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program.
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