Immigration Corner | How can I help my refugee siblings?

Dear Miss Powell,

I am a Canadian citizen, and I would like to help my siblings who are stuck in a refugee camp overseas. What are the programmes that I can use to bring them safely to Canada? How long does the process take? What about applying for a visitor’s visa?

– M.A.

Dear M.A.,

Many immigrants have a sense of responsibility, and the deep desire, to help family members still living in dangerous or unstable conditions outside of Canada. Thankfully, Canada offers several programmes to reunite families through refugee sponsorship. Each pathway has different requirements based on your siblings’ background and situation, so I’ll share a few programmes you may consider.

WHO CAN QUALIFY AS A REFUGEE?

To qualify for refugee sponsorship, your siblings must be outside their country of origin and unable to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution. This could be due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or belonging to a particular social group, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, or ethnic minorities. Most eligible refugees are recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or by the government of the country where they are temporarily living.

OPTION 1: GROUP OF FIVE

If you can gather four other Canadians or permanent residents, you can form a Group of Five (G5) to sponsor your siblings. Together, if you can provide settlement support including housing, food, and help integrating into Canadian life, for a minimum of one year, then this would be an excellent route. The refugee must already be recognised by the UNHCR or another referral agency.

However, note that new G5 applications are currently paused until December 31, 2025. If you applied before November 29, 2024, it’s still being processed. The only exception at this time is that Sudanese refugee sponsorship stream, which will accept only 160 applications.

OPTION 2: SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT HOLDER

Another option is that you can partner with a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH). These are usually churches or community organisations that have been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to sponsor refugees. SAHs are experienced in the process and often work with individuals like you who want to help family members.

OPTION 3: BLENDED VISA OFFICE-REFERRED (BVOR) PROGRAMME

Under the BVOR programme, the refugee must be referred by the UN and already approved for resettlement. You, as the sponsor, would cover six months of living expenses while the government covers the other six. You also provide a full year of non-financial support. This programme is faster than G5 or SAH sponsorship, often taking as little as four to 16 weeks. The difficulty is that you don’t get to choose who is matched with you.

OPTION 4: JOINT ASSISTANCE SPONSORSHIP

For siblings with extra needs, such as medical conditions, disabilities, or trauma, Canada offers the Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) programme. This is a partnership between the government and a sponsoring group to provide more intensive support for a longer period (up to two or three years).

FAMILY REUNIFICATION THROUGH THE ONE-YEAR WINDOW

If one of your siblings is sponsored first and becomes a permanent resident in Canada, that sibling may be able to bring immediate family members (such as a spouse or dependent children) through the One-Year Window of Opportunity. These family members must be listed on the original application.

WHAT ABOUT VISITOR VISAS?

It’s natural to wonder if you can simply bring your siblings on a visitor visa and apply for refugee status later. Unfortunately, this is not recommended. Immigration officers often deny such applications from refugee-producing regions, believing the person may not return and are not genuine visitors to Canada.

HOW LONG DOES SPONSORSHIP TAKE?

The processing time can vary:

• G5 and SAH sponsorships may take anywhere from 12 months to four years.

• BVOR applications tend to move faster, sometimes within a few months.

• JAS cases are reviewed more carefully due to special needs and may take longer.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sponsoring your siblings isn’t just about bringing them to safety. It’s about offering them a future. You will be responsible to help them adjust to living in Canada, which may involve navigating education and employment to simply living without fear. The opportunity to start over in Canada can transform their lives.

You don’t have to do this alone. Connect with a Canadian immigration lawyer, find a local SAH, or talk to your faith or community group about forming a sponsorship team. Together, you can take the first step toward reuniting your family. You can also learn more, at: www.canada.ca/refugees

Deidre S. Powell is a Canadian lawyer, mediator, and author. She may be reached via Facebook or www.deidrepowell.com or via WhatsApp at 613-695-8777.