Why do people leave their countries?
Most people around the world have experienced leaving the place where they grew up. They might only move as far as the next village or city. However, for some individuals, it becomes necessary to leave their country entirely. Sometimes temporarily, but at other times permanently.
Every day, individuals around the globe face one of the most challenging decisions of their lives: to leave their homes in pursuit of a safer, more secure future.
People seek to rebuild their lives in a different country for various reasons. Some leave home in search of employment or education, while others are compelled to flee due to conflict or political issues.
What is the difference between an immigrant and a refugee?
Immigrants and refugees are among the terms used to describe individuals looking for new homes in different countries. These specific terms are particularly relevant globally because a significant number of people are escaping violence, poverty, political repression, and environmental disasters in their home countries in search of better and safer opportunities elsewhere. But how is a refugee different from an immigrant?
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is someone who has escaped their home country due to severe human rights abuses, conflict and/or persecution. The threats to their safety and life were so extreme that they felt compelled to leave in search of safety elsewhere, as their government was unable or unwilling to shield them from these risks. Refugees are entitled to international protection.
Who is an immigrant?
An immigrant is an individual who intentionally chooses to leave their home and relocate to another country with plans to establish a permanent residence there. Immigrants frequently undergo an extensive process to gain entry into a new country, and many achieve lawful permanent resident status, ultimately becoming citizens.
Immigrants usually spend time researching their intended destinations, looking into job prospects, and learning the local language before relocating. Most importantly, they hold the freedom to return home at any time they wish.
Canada's Refugee System
The Canadian refugee system has two main parts:
- The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program, for people who need protection from outside Canada
- The In-Canada Asylum Program for people making refugee protection claims from within Canada
Refugee & Humanitarian Resettlement Program
Refugees arriving in Canada have often left their homes and, in some cases, may have spent many years in refugee camps. Upon their arrival in Canada, they will need to begin their lives over again.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is fully responsible for selecting refugees for resettlement. Once selected, there is a lengthy processing period for each case.
Across Canada, private sponsors aid in resettling refugees. Some engage in this process continuously, establishing sponsorship agreements with the Government of Canada to provide support. These organizations are referred to as Sponsorship Agreement Holders. Sponsorship Agreement Holders may sponsor refugees directly or collaborate with others in the community to achieve this.
The Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program connects refugees recognized by the UNHCR with private sponsors in Canada.
Under our laws, we must thoroughly vet all resettlement cases. This ensures that there are no concerns regarding security, criminal activity, or health. We collaborate with our security partners to finalize this process as efficiently as possible.
In-Canada Asylum Program
The asylum program aims to offer refugee protection to individuals in Canada who:
- Have a well-founded fear of persecution
- Are at risk of torture or cruel or unusual punishment in their home countries
Not everyone is eligible to seek asylum. For example, people are not eligible to make a claim if they have:
- Been convicted of serious criminal offences
- Had previous refugee claims denied by Canada
Immigrating to Canada
Immigrating to Canada is a journey with many options, but it is not always a simple process. While some programs may seem a bit more accessible, the overall process is a detailed one that involves several important steps along the way.
Immigration requires a considerable financial and emotional commitment, but the outcome is often considered rewarding. Canada often ranks high for quality of life and is recognized for its welcoming stance on immigration.
These are the four most popular ways for overseas applicants to immigrate to Canada:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Business Immigration
- Sponsorship
