2.A Refugees: From Eligibility to Arrival

A.8 How are refugees transported and how are destinations chosen?

(iii) Who is responsible for determining the place of resettlement?

How Canada Does It

Privately sponsored refugees resettle in the same communities that their sponsors live in. When cases are referred for resettlement to Canada by UNHCR or another referral agency, and Canada earmarks them for private sponsorship through a Visa Office-Referred program, Canada will provide any relevant details to sponsors that could impact the place of resettlement, or the sponsors’ ability to effectively provide settlement services.

Part of the sponsorship application involves sponsors demonstrating that they are aware of the necessary settlement supports and services in their community. Canada will assess availability of appropriate supports as part of its determination of sponsor eligibility. These include: 

  • Psycho-social supports;
  • Health care;
  • Language training;
  • Employment opportunities; and
  • The presence of family members. 

When cases are referred for resettlement to Canada by UNHCR or another referral agency, and Canada earmarks them for private sponsorship through the Visa Office-Referred (VOR) program; Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program, or Joint Assistance (JAS) program (see 2.B.3(i)), Canada will provide information to potential sponsors to help them determine whether they will be able to provide necessary settlement supports to referred refugees. These notes can include:

  • Existing links to family or friends in Canada;
  • Preferences with respect to the size of the host community or employment (e.g. individuals more comfortable in smaller rural communities);
  • Any special needs or services required;
  • Family size; and,
  • Sexual orientation or gender identity.