Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR)
Statutory definition
IRPR ss 139–147 define the Convention refugee abroad class and the country of asylum class for overseas resettlement. GARs are resettled to Canada under the government's annual refugee resettlement targets set in the IRCC Levels Plan. GARs receive the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) — income support, housing assistance, and settlement services for up to 1 year from arrival.
Explanation
GARs are among the most vulnerable newcomers to Canada — they are resettled directly from refugee situations overseas. Unlike inland refugee claimants, GARs do not go through the RPD process — their status is determined overseas by the UNHCR and Canadian visa officers. Upon arrival, GARs are immediately permanent residents and are entitled to all PR rights, including healthcare and social assistance. The RAP support period ends after 1 year regardless of whether the person has achieved financial self-sufficiency.