FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions. |
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There are 18 entries in the FAQ.
Pages: 1
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| What is a refugee? |
 | The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) defines a "refugee" as a person who has fled his/her country of nationality (or habitual residence) and who is unable or unwilling to return to that country because of a "well-founded" fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. This definition of a "refugee" excludes those who have left their homes only to seek a more prosperous life. |
| What are refugee camps? |
| Refugee camps are camps built by NGO's or governments to receive refugees in times of war or crisis. |
| What is an immigrant? |
| An immigrant is someone who choses to relocate to another country or region for economic, personal, or even religious or politcal reasons. |
| How does a refugee become a refugee? |
| The process for proving "refugee" status is often very difficult. The countries that accept refugees for resettlement examine the lists of individuals and determine if any of these individuals meet their own criteria for resettlement. This process can take a long time; even after a refugee is accepted as eligible for resettlement, there is often a very long wait for an available slot in the country that has accepted his/her application. |
| What is RIAC? |
| RIAC is a non-profit organization that provides advice, support, and settlement services to immigrants and refugees. Our services are available to those experiencing cultural, linguistic, or other barriers regardless of nationality, religion or cultural background.
For more info check the About Us section on this website. |
| What does RIAC do? |
| Our Primary objective is to help immigrants and refugees become productive members of our society. We also:
- Teach English
- Offer Job Coaching
- offer support for skilled workers(Security Human Resources)
- Offer Intership for Nurses & Social Workers
- Offer Orientation of New Home Environment
- Crisis Intervention
- Application Support
- Family Reunification
- Provide Sponsorship contacts for individuals or Groups of redugees (in Camps)
- Support for Refugees Immigrants who in danger
- Deportation Intervention
- Sanctuary Support
- Organize Educational Projects & Workshops
- Offer Cross-cultural Resources |
| What if I need a sponsor? |
| RIAC's executive Director is sponsorship holder and therefore RIAC is able to sponsor refugees from around the world. |
| What do I need to do to be sponsored to Canada? |
| First, you need to be an UNHCR Convention refugee. You will need to send us a letter and/or email with your story. If we deem you eligible we will try and find a sponsor for you. If a sponsor is found you will have to fill out applications through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) which will be submitted to the Canadian embassy closest to you. |
| What is the UNHCR? |
| The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR) protects and supports refugees and assists them in their return or resettlement. Established on December 15, 1950, UNHCR's headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. |
| How does Canada select refugees for Resettlement? |
| Citizenship and Immigration Canada relies on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), referral organizations and private sponsoring groups to identify refugees for resettlement in Canada.
For more information go to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/resettle-menu.html |
| How many refugees resettle in Canada each year? |
| In the third quarter of 2005, 75,951 new permanent residents landed in Canada, a 16% increase over the third quarter of 2004. With more new permanent residents landing in each of the first three quarters of 2005, the year-to-date total of 206,859 was 10% higher than the 2004 level after the first three quarters. Source: www.cic.gc.ca |
| What are the options for refugees? |
| 1. Repatriation: Most refugees would prefer to return to their country of origin. They are allowed to return only if conditions stabilize enough so that their safety is guaranteed upon return.
2. Nationalization: The second option for refugees is to remain in their host country or "country of first asylum" (a country near to their country of origin). However, host countries often become overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of refugees arriving and are often unable to permanently support them and therefore, are unable to offer the option of nationalization.
3. Resettlement: The last option is for refugees to resettle in a third country, usually the U.S. or Western Europe. This is the least preferable option as far as the welfare of these individuals is concerned because it brings refugees into a different environment far away from their homelands.
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| What happens to refugees as they flee persecution? |
| The refugee journey is a long one. Many refugees are forced to leave their homes without warning and cannot even bring basic necessities with them. When these individuals flee, they try to get to a country where they will be allowed to stay until they are allowed to migrate as a refugee. For every person who gets to a refugee camp, there is one who does not. Once the individual reaches the refugee camp, he/she is often placed in an overcrowded and under-supplied camp and exposed to disease, crime, and other harsh conditions. The individual usually stays in the camp until Canada or another country accepts his/her application for residency. The wait for acceptance ranges from one month to eight years. |
| What is the CRDD? |
| Immigration and Refugee Board - Convention Refugee Determination Division. It is an independent tribunal established by the Parliament of Canada. Its mission, on behalf of Canadians, is to make well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, efficiently, fairly, and in accordance with the law. |
| Do I need to have a passport to make a refugee claim? |
| Not always. The CRDD knows that many refugees fleeing persecution in their home country can't get a passport. |
| What are the chances of having appealing a decision of the CRDD? |
| Usually very poor. You can have your decision by the CRDD reviewed by the Federal Court of Canada, but you must prove that the CRDD made a serious error in law or fact or that you were treated very unfairly at the refugee hearing. The odds of success in overturning a decision of the CRDD are less than 5%. |
| How much time do I have to challenge the decision of the CRDD? |
| You have 15 days after receipt of the written decision to file your application for leave to commence your application for judicial review with the Federal Court. |
| Are there any other options if my refugee claim is turned down? |
| You may apply for consideration under the Post Determination Refugee Claimants in Canada Class Program. This program gives failed refugee claimants a chance to show that they would be at risk if removed from Canada. You have 15 days from receipt of a negative decision from the CRDD to apply for consideration under this program.
You may also apply from within Canada for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. You need to show that there are special reasons that justify approval of your application for permanent residence. |
What is a refugee?