Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

Eligibility of the Group of Five

First and foremost, in order to sponsor a refugee, make sure you are a group of five or more Canadian citizens, Registered Indians, or permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older and who live (or have representatives) in the community where the refugees are expected to live. This group of people is called the Group of Five. Sponsors need to have collectively arranged necessary settlement to financially support the principal applicant (the refugee) for the full duration of the sponsorship. The sponsors are also obligated to fulfill the terms of the Sponsorship Undertaking.

Who is not Eligible to Sponsor a Refugee

Like any other sponsorships, a person who has been convicted in Canada of the offence of murder or other offences, and five years have not passed since the completion of the person’s sentence, then this person is ineligible to sponsor a refugee. A person who has been convicted of an offence outside Canada, and five years have not elapsed since the completion of the person’s sentence imposed under a foreign law, then this person is also ineligible to sponsor a refugee.

Applying for Refugee status

Are you or someone you know living in fear of persecution or danger of death in their home country? Are you seeking somewhere safer to live and strive with your family? Canada offers those who are experiencing danger in their home countries a safe place to live and contribute to society. Canada’s refugee program is open to anyone of any background. The Immigration and refugee board of Canada (IRB) will review your application to determine if you are eligible to claim refugee status and whether you are a person in need of protection or a convention refugee.

What is your Eligibility

First of foremost, you must make sure that you are not under a removal order. You can receive removal orders by overstaying your stay in Canada whether you are in Canada under a TRP or a TRV. Once you are sure that a removal order is not issued against you, you can start the process of applying for refugee status. Once you have applied, the IRB will decide whether you are a convention refugee or a person in need of protection.

Can you and your family receive medical treatment while your claim is being processed?

Yes, to an extent you will be able to receive medical treatment. The Federal Government of Canada has guaranteed that emergency medical treatment will be available to you at no charge. This is available to anyone who can’t afford to buy their own medical insurance. There are also some medical clinics that offer free check-ups for refugee claimants.

Can your family be protected with you?

In most cases yes, Citizenship and Immigration Canada like to keep families together and bring them back together in unity as often as possible. In the case that you family will also need protection you and your family will have one hearing and one decision together.

What is seen as “family” members?

Family can be many different people, in terms of your Refugee Claim family can be: