Government-Assisted Refugees
Overview
The Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) program resettles refugees from abroad who have been referred to Canada by the UNHCR (or, less commonly, by a Canadian visa office or other referral organisation) and who are in need of protection. The Canadian government provides financial support through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) for up to 12 months after arrival (or until the person is able to support themselves, whichever is first). GARs arrive with permanent resident status from the moment they land.
GARs are distinct from inland refugee claimants (who make claims at ports of entry or within Canada) and from privately sponsored refugees (where community groups provide the resettlement support). The GAR program is Canada's commitment to international burden-sharing under the 1951 Refugees Convention and the UNHCR's resettlement mandate.
Eligibility
Who can be selected as a GAR?
Persons eligible for the GAR program must:
- Be outside their country of nationality (or habitual residence) and unable to return
- Meet the definition of a Convention refugee or be a protected person as defined in IRPA
- Be referred to Canada by UNHCR or a Canadian visa office
- Pass admissibility screening (health, security, criminality checks at a Canadian visa office abroad)
- Not be able to integrate locally in their country of first asylum or return to their country of nationality
The referral process
The GAR program operates on a referral model — individuals cannot apply directly to be a GAR. The process is:
- UNHCR identifies individuals in need of resettlement from its caseload globally and refers them to Canada
- Canadian visa officers abroad review the referral, conduct security and health screening, and make a determination on eligibility
- Approved cases are issued immigrant visas (as permanent residents) and travel to Canada
Canada sets annual intake targets for GARs as part of its overall immigration levels plan.
Selection criteria
Application process
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
GARs receive support from IRCC's Resettlement Assistance Program upon arrival, delivered by contracted service provider organisations in gateway cities. RAP support includes:
- Airport reception and temporary accommodation
- Financial assistance (income support at social assistance levels) for up to 12 months
- Help opening a bank account, applying for a SIN, registering children for school
- Referrals to language training, employment services, and community resources
Transportation loan
GARs are responsible for repaying the cost of their travel to Canada through an immigration loan administered by IRCC. The loan is interest-free and repayment begins 12 months after arrival. A default on the transportation loan creates a sponsorship bar — the GAR cannot sponsor family members until the default is cleared.
Distinction from privately sponsored refugees (PSR)
Government-assisted refugees receive government financial support and are settled by RAP service providers. Privately sponsored refugees (PSR) are supported by private sponsorship groups (Sponsorship Agreement Holders and their constituent groups, or Groups of Five) for their first year. The refugee's experience on arrival differs significantly depending on whether they are a GAR or PSR.