Refugees and Humanitarian Pathways in Canada

Canada is known worldwide for its commitment to protecting people fleeing persecution, violence, or extreme hardship. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), there are several pathways for refugees and vulnerable persons to obtain protection and permanent residence. Broadly, these are:

1. Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR)
2. Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR)
3. Protected Persons (Inland Claimants)
4. Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Considerations

Each has different eligibility criteria, application procedures, and outcomes. Understanding the distinctions helps applicants, sponsors, and advocates navigate the Canadian system.

1. Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR)

• Who qualifies: People identified abroad by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or another referral organization and referred to Canada for resettlement.
• Support: Funded through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP), which provides up to one year of income support, housing help, and settlement services.
• Key point: GARs are selected based on vulnerability (e.g., women at risk, survivors of torture) rather than ability to integrate quickly.
• Source: IRCC – GAR Program

2. Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR)

• Who qualifies: Refugees abroad who meet the UN Refugee Convention definition or are otherwise recognized as in need of protection.
• Support: Sponsored by private groups (e.g., Sponsorship Agreement Holders, community groups, or groups of five Canadians/permanent residents). Sponsors commit to 12 months of financial and settlement support.
• Key point: Unlike GARs, PSRs are not funded by the government — support comes from the sponsoring community.
• Source: IRCC – PSR Program

3. Protected Persons (Inland Refugee Claimants)

• Who qualifies: People inside Canada (or at a port of entry) who make a refugee claim and are determined by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to be either:
• Convention refugees (fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group), or
• Persons in need of protection (risk of torture, cruel or unusual treatment, or threat to life).
• Outcome: If accepted, claimants become protected persons and may apply for permanent residence for themselves and dependents.
• Source: IRCC – Refugee Protection Claim in Canada

4. Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Considerations

• Who qualifies: Foreign nationals already in Canada who don’t qualify under other immigration programs but face exceptional hardship if forced to leave.
• Grounds: May include establishment in Canada, best interests of children, medical needs, or lack of safety in the country of origin.
• Restrictions: People with a failed refugee claim cannot generally apply for H&C for 12 months, unless children would face hardship or medical issues.
• Discretionary: H&C is a last-resort, discretionary option — officers weigh evidence and may exempt certain IRPA requirements to grant PR.
• Source: IRCC – H&C Applications