Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) in Canada
A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation
Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) in Canada
The Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) program is one of Canada’s main pathways for resettling refugees from abroad. Rather than the refugee applying directly, individuals are first identified and referred by international agencies (such as the UNHCR) or by Canadian diplomatic missions, and Canada provides financial and resettlement support. GARs are part of Canada’s humanitarian commitment to protect vulnerable people who cannot remain in their home countries.
How the GAR Program Works
- Under the GAR stream, Canada does not accept direct public applications — refugees are referred by UNHCR, embassies, or designated referral organizations.
- These referred people are assessed abroad, and if accepted, Canada provides support to enable their resettlement and integration.
- Once approved, the Government of Canada (or the province in which the refugee is resettled) works through Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) to deliver settlement and support services to GARs.
Eligibility & Referral Criteria
Since GAR is not an open application program, eligibility depends largely on the referral and selection process. Key points include:
- The individual must be recognized or deemed by a referring agency (e.g. UNHCR) as in need of resettlement.
- They must satisfy medical, security, and criminality checks before travel to Canada.
- Refugees may include special categories such as Women at Risk or Human Rights Defenders under special GAR-related streams.
Supports & Services Provided
Once a GAR is approved and arrives in Canada, they receive a suite of supports to help with the transition:
Support Type | Description |
Financial / Income Support | Up to one year (or until self-sufficiency) of financial assistance to cover basic living needs. |
Settlement Services | Assistance through Service Provider Organizations with housing, orientation, language training, job search, cultural integration, and more. |
Medical & Security Processing | GARs undergo medical exams, background checks, and biometric data collection. |
Pre-Departure Orientation | In some countries, there are Canadian Orientation Abroad sessions to prepare refugees for life in Canada. |
Travel Arrangements & Loans | The government arranges travel to Canada and issues a loan to cover travel costs, repayable over several years. |
After Approval: What Happens
- After your application is accepted, you’ll be scheduled for a medical exam, fingerprinting, and security checks.
- Once cleared, travel is arranged and service provider organizations will assist in arrival logistics (airport pickup, temporary accommodation, settlement orientation).
- You’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)—this gives you the rights and legal status of a permanent resident.
- Settlement supports continue for up to a year or until you are able to sustain yourself.
Challenges & Key Considerations
- Limited Control Over Application: Since you can’t apply yourself, you depend on the referral process and selection by agencies.
- Selection Competition: Many are referred, but only some are accepted based on priority needs, quotas, or vulnerability.
- Loans & Repayment: The travel loan must be repaid, usually within 3–8 years after arrival.
- Adjusting to a New Country: Even with supports, integration (language, employment, social adjustment) is challenging.
- Service Gaps: Support durations end, and refugees must transition to self-sufficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You must be referred by a recognized organization like UNHCR or a partner in your country.
Support lasts up to 1 year or until you can support yourself—whichever comes first.
Yes—for example, a GAR stream for Human Rights Defenders, resettling up to 250 people annually.
Yes—travel costs are provided via loan; you must repay it within a defined period after your arrival.
Yes—family members can be included in the refugee application and resettled together.
The Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) program is a vital instrument in Canada’s humanitarian response—resettling refugees selected abroad and providing a structured support system upon arrival. While it offers strong support and protection, its referral-based nature means many cannot apply directly. For those who are referred and accepted, the transition to Canada is supported through financial assistance, settlement services, and integration help.
If you (or someone you work with) may qualify for resettlement as a GAR, it’s critical to work closely with referral organizations (like UNHCR), stay informed about resettlement priorities, and prepare for the settlement journey ahead.
