Home / Refugee Resettlement Opportunity Program

Refugee Resettlement Opportunity Program

Refugee Resettlement Opportunity Program

Millions of refugees worldwide seek protection solutions, but resettlement remains rare. Fewer than 4% in need of resettlement worldwide have benefitted from resettlement over the last five years. Canada has gained a reputation for its commitment to refugee resettlement. The Canadian government relies on private and non-profit groups for resettlement. In fact, since 2013, more refugees have arrived in Canada via private sponsorship than through government support. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program (PSR) is one of three programs under which Canadian groups and organizations sponsor refugees for resettlement.

In response to the growing demand for effective refugee resettlement, the Canadian Association for Immigrants and Refugees (CAIR) has introduced an online opportunity system. This program enables refugees and asylum seekers worldwide to submit their expression of interest for resettlement in Canada, regardless of their location. CAIR uses this opportunity system to give all refugees and asylum seekers an equal chance to submit an expression of interest and selection will be based on chance. This promotes fairness and transparency, which is essential for ensuring that the most deserving refugees and asylum seekers receive the support and help they need.

One of the significant aspects of the Refugee Resettlement Opportunity Program lies in its financial capacity. CAIR sends one annual Expression Of Interest (EOI) intake every year, with the number of winners being limited. This means that the opportunity system can only select a limited number of candidates. It is important to note that submitting a refugee Expression of Interest does not guarantee a resettlement. Only selected participants will receive an invitation to submit a refugee sponsorship application.

The process of applying for the CAIR's refugee resettlement opportunity typically involves several steps:



EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

To participate, individuals must fill out an online form to express their interest in becoming a candidate for resettlement in Canada as a refugee. This online application process opens up for a six-week or 42-days window, allowing individuals to submit their information during this period. By following this streamlined process, potential candidates can express their interest in resettling Canada.


ELIGIBILITY SCREENING

To increase your chances of being selected, participants must understand certain criteria and requirements.

  • Have the status of a refugee or asylum seeker. If you don't have refugee status, explain why you don't have it.
  • Are outside their home country (or country of habitual residence).
  • Have been seriously affected by civil war or armed conflict, or.
  • Have been denied basic human rights on an ongoing basis.
  • Cannot return there due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group.

If you meet all or some requirements, submit an expression of interest (EOI) in the refugee resettlement opportunity program before we can invite you to apply for refugee sponsorship..


SUBMIT EXPRESSION OF INTEREST APPLICATION

  • Personal Detail: Name, date of birth, birthplace, languages, marital status
  • Contact Information: email address and phone number
  • Personal Status: Citizenship, country of residence, status in the country of residence
  • Upload your refugee documents
  • Upload your most recent photo or take a photo with the white background
  • Pay registration fee $45
  • Review and submit

RESETTLEMENT OPPORTUNITY WINNERS SELECTION METHOD

After the expression of interest period is closed, a random selection process will take place to choose potential winners from the pool of submissions for those who meet the program eligibility screening and requirements.

The selection is solely based on chance. The drawing is controlled electronically through the codes that are assigned to each application. The drawing system then uses a random selection process to choose winners from among the qualified participants.



AFTER YOU SUBMIT AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Once you successfully submit your (EOI), you will be added to a pool of all eligible refugee candidates. If you're among the selected candidates;

  • You will be invited to submit a full sponsorship application.
  • CAIR will help you complete the sponsorship application and submit it on behalf of you to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • CAIR does not charge funds from the refugee(s) we are sponsoring and we will not require the refugee(s) to repay any cost of sponsorship. Therefore, refugees should not be a victim of immigration fraud.
  • CAIR will provide refugees with settlement help, both emotional and financial support, during the sponsorship period. This period typically lasts up to one year from their arrival in Canada.
  • CAIR only accepts donations and appreciates all individuals and organizations who have helped us with their generous donations.

DIAGRAM OF RESETTLEMENT OPPORTUNITY PROCESS

If you need further information or have a question, you may contact us by sending an email to resettlement@thecair.com



Click here
to register