After you apply?

Volunteers Association to Sponsor Refugees In Canada submitted your application

Your application will pass through two phases

Application steps:

Step 1: IRCC review the sponsorship part of the application at ROC-O

Sponsorship application review
1- We put the application in a queue based on the date we receive it.
2- We make sure the application is complete.

X If an application is incomplete, we return it to the sponsor. The sponsor needs to submit a new, complete application.

3- Once we make a decision on the sponsorship part of the application, we send the sponsor and refugee an email with the decision and explanations.
4- If we approve the sponsorship part, we send the full application to one of our migration offices.

Step 2: IRCC review the refugee application at one of its migration offices

Refugee application review
IRCC generally processes refugee applications in the order they receive them at the migration office.

Interview with the refugee or refugees

1- When IRCC starts processing the refugee part of the application, IRCC schedule an interview with the refugee. IRCC also tells the sponsor when the interview is scheduled.
2- One of IRCC’s migration officers interviews the refugee to check if they meet the eligibility criteria for resettlement to Canada.
3- IRCC’s officer asks questions to :

A- confirm the refugee’s identity and where they live
B- find out why protection is needed
C- make sure the refugee is in need of resettlement (for example, whether they could safely return home or stay where they are)
find out if there are any special needs (for example, medical needs)
D- IRCC also collect biometric data such as digital photographs and fingerprints.

4- If the refugee passes the eligibility criteria, they must then pass admissibility screening.

X If the refugee fails the eligibility criteria, they have the opportunity to respond to our concerns before we make a final decision.

Admissibility screening

1- Medical exams

IRCC sends the refugee instructions on how to get a medical exam with an approved panel physician. These exams make sure there is no health risk to Canadians. Medical exams include a health exam, laboratory tests, and an X-ray. Refugees should only schedule a medical exam after we tell them to get one.

If the refugee doesn’t pass the medical exam, we tell them the results. If the health condition is likely to cause a danger to public health (for example if they have active tuberculosis) we ask the refugee to get medical treatment before we make a final decision.

2- Criminal background checks and security exams

IRCC dose security screenings and criminal background checks to make sure there aren’t any safety or security risk to Canadians. We work with immigration, law enforcement and security authorities to confirm the refugee

A- hasn’t committed serious crimes
B- isn’t a safety or security risk to Canada
C- hasn’t committed identity fraud
X If the refugee fails the criminality and security exam, they have the opportunity to respond to our concerns before we make a final decision.

Final decision

1- If IRCC approve the refugee for resettlement, we issue a visa. If we refuse the refugee, we send both the refugee and sponsor a letter with an explanation.

After IRCC issue the visa, it may take time to arrange exit permits when the local authorities need them.

2- IRCC sends the sponsor a Notice of Approval to tell them the refugee will arrive soon. We send the Notice of Approval about 4 to 10 weeks before the refugee leaves the country.
3- IRCC then sends the International Organization for Migration a request to book transportation, deliver orientation sessions about Canada, and arrange for medical escorts, if needed. If refugees can’t afford the cost of their travel to Canada, we give them a loan to cover the cost.
4- IRCC sends the sponsor a Notification of Arrival Transmission with travel details, about 10 days before the refugee arrives in Canada.

Departure for Canada

1- The refugee leaves for Canada. The sponsor greets them at the airport, at their final destination.
2- Resettled refugees become permanent residents once border officials authorize them at the port of entry in Canada.

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