Canada is internationally recognized for its humanitarian immigration programs, which allow refugees and other vulnerable people to relocate safely and rebuild their lives. Unlike economic streams (such as Express Entry), refugee and many humanitarian pathways are designed to prioritize protection and settlement support rather than ability to pay. This guide explains the main programs, who is eligible, how costs are covered, what “no fees” realistically means, and how to avoid scams—so you can navigate the process legally and safely in 2025.
What “No Fees” Means in Practice
In refugee and humanitarian pathways, applicants are not charged typical processing fees that apply to economic immigration. Government resettlement programs and approved sponsors handle the application steps, and newcomers receive settlement help after arrival. Keep in mind:
- Application processing: Refugee resettlement and in‑Canada asylum claims do not require applicants to pay government processing fees.
- Travel and medical checks: Depending on the program, costs may be covered, subsidized, or arranged as travel loans that can include flexible repayment terms. Details vary by case.
- Settlement support: Government‑funded or sponsor‑funded support covers initial housing assistance, orientation, language classes, and access to health coverage during the early months.
Important: Always read the most current guidance on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and, when applicable, coordinate through the UNHCR or an approved sponsor. Policies and benefit amounts can change.
Main Refugee & Humanitarian Pathways
1) Government‑Assisted Refugees (GARs)
Who qualifies: Individuals recognized by the UNHCR (or a referral partner) as refugees needing resettlement. The Canadian government arranges their admission.
Costs & support: Newcomers do not pay application fees. Through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP), the government provides short‑term income support and arrival services such as airport reception, help finding housing, and referrals to community services.
Best for: People in urgent need of protection who are outside Canada and cannot safely return home.
2) Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR)
Who qualifies: Refugees identified abroad who are sponsored by Canadian organizations (Sponsorship Agreement Holders), community groups, or groups of five Canadian citizens/permanent residents (“Group of Five”).
Costs & support: Sponsors—not the refugee—provide financial and settlement support for the first year (or until self‑sufficiency). This includes housing, food, clothing, and orientation. Refugees do not pay processing fees.
Best for: People with community connections in Canada or sponsors ready to commit to a full year of support.
3) Blended Visa Office‑Referred (BVOR) Program
Who qualifies: Refugees identified by the UNHCR and matched to Canadian sponsors through a shared‑support model.
Costs & support: Financial responsibilities are shared: the government typically provides six months of income support, and private sponsors provide at least six months plus start‑up costs and settlement help.
Best for: Cases suitable for a joint government‑and‑community sponsorship approach enabling faster matches.
4) In‑Canada Asylum (Refugee) Claims
Who qualifies: People who are already in Canada and fear persecution, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment/punishment if returned to their country of origin.
Costs & support: There is no government application fee to make a refugee claim. Claimants receive a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). If found to be a “protected person,” they can later apply for permanent residence without paying typical PR processing fees.
Best for: Individuals who have already arrived in Canada (lawfully or at the border) and need protection.
5) Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Applications
Who qualifies: People in Canada who are not eligible under other categories but would face unusual and undeserved, or disproportionate, hardship if required to leave. Factors can include establishment in Canada, best interests of children, and hardship in the country of origin.
Costs & support: H&C applications generally involve processing fees; however, Canada can waive certain fees on a case‑by‑case basis due to genuine financial hardship. Applicants may also access community support services.
Best for: Exceptional cases where refugee criteria do not apply but removal would cause serious hardship.
What Support Do Refugees Receive After Arrival?
- Initial income assistance: Short‑term support to cover basic needs while settling and searching for work.
- Housing help: Temporary accommodation and assistance finding long‑term housing.
- Language training: Free English/French classes (LINC/Cours de langue) to aid integration.
- Interim health coverage: Access to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for eligible medical services until provincial health coverage begins.
- Employment & schooling: Job‑readiness services, credential guidance, and help enrolling children in school.
Who Pays for What?
Depending on the pathway, funding typically comes from one or more of:
- The Government of Canada: Covers application processing for refugee resettlement and provides RAP income support and arrival services for GARs; shares support in BVOR.
- Private sponsors: Cover living expenses during the initial year for PSR cases and share costs for BVOR cases; provide hands‑on settlement assistance.
- Travel arrangements: May be government‑arranged, subsidized, or offered via travel loans; terms are explained during processing.
Note: Exact coverage and benefit levels can differ by case, family size, health needs, local costs, and program rules in effect at the time of processing.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Relocate Legally Without Paying Fees
A) Resettlement from Outside Canada (GAR, PSR, BVOR)
- Register with UNHCR or a referral partner in your current country of asylum. If a Canadian sponsor is available, they may initiate a PSR or BVOR case.
- Document your situation: Keep identity documents, family records, and any proof of risk/persecution safely stored.
- Wait for matching and processing: Screening, security, and medical checks are part of the process; you won’t be asked to pay application fees.
- Pre‑arrival orientation: You may receive cultural orientation and settlement briefings before travel.
- Arrival & settlement: Meet reception services, move to temporary housing, then transition to long‑term arrangements with sponsor or RAP support.
B) In‑Canada Asylum Claim
- Make your claim at a port of entry or an inland IRCC office. Submit your Basis of Claim (BOC) form within required timelines.
- Attend hearings at the Immigration and Refugee Board when scheduled. Consider free/low‑cost legal aid if eligible in your province.
- Protected person status: If accepted, apply for permanent residence. Refugees and protected persons are not charged standard PR processing fees.
C) Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications
- Assess eligibility: H&C is discretionary and reserved for exceptional hardship.
- Prepare evidence: Establishment in Canada, community ties, best interests of children, medical factors, and hardship upon return.
- Request fee relief if needed: Where genuine inability to pay exists, fee waivers may be available.
How to Avoid Scams and Illegal Fees
- Use official channels: Apply via IRCC, the UNHCR, or recognized community sponsors.
- Check sponsors: Verify if an organization is a recognized Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) or a legitimate Group of Five following IRCC rules.
- Never pay for a sponsorship spot: Charging refugees for placement or processing is not allowed. Report suspicious requests.
- Confirm promises in writing: If housing, transportation, or other supports are offered, ensure they’re described in sponsor documentation.
Comparison: GAR vs PSR vs BVOR vs Asylum vs H&C
| Pathway | Where You Apply | Who Covers Costs | Key Supports | Typical Timeline* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAR (Gov’t‑Assisted) | Outside Canada via UNHCR referral | Government of Canada | RAP income support, housing help, orientation, IFHP | Varies by caseload/security screening |
| PSR (Private Sponsorship) | Outside Canada, sponsored by SAH/Group of Five | Private sponsors | 1 year of financial & settlement support | Depends on sponsor readiness and processing |
| BVOR (Blended) | Outside Canada, UNHCR‑referred + sponsor match | Gov’t (6 months) + sponsors (6 months + start‑up) | Income support blend, settlement services | Often faster due to pre‑identified profiles |
| Asylum Claim (In‑Canada) | At border/port of entry or inland | No IRCC application fee; claimants may access legal aid; supports vary by province | IRB hearing, work/study eligibility, IFHP (if eligible) | Timelines depend on IRB scheduling |
| H&C (Exceptional Cases) | Inside Canada | Fees typically apply; waivers possible for hardship | Community support services; discretionary assessment | Case‑by‑case; often longer |
*All timelines are approximate and can change due to policy updates, volume, and case complexity.
After You Arrive: Toward Permanent Residence and Citizenship
- Permanent Residence (PR): Resettled refugees and protected persons can obtain PR without paying standard PR processing fees. Sponsors or the government continue initial supports depending on the pathway.
- Citizenship eligibility: After meeting physical presence and other requirements (commonly 3 out of 5 years as a PR), you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Long‑term integration: Language training, job services, and community programs help you transition to work and self‑sufficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do refugees pay for their visa or PR application in Canada?
No. Refugees and protected persons are not charged standard government application fees for resettlement or for permanent residence based on protected‑person status.
Who pays for housing and living expenses during the first year?
Under GAR, the government provides initial income support and services. Under PSR/BVOR, sponsors fund living costs and provide settlement assistance for the sponsorship period.
Can I seek asylum in Canada without UNHCR status?
Yes. If you are already in Canada (or at a port of entry), you may make an asylum claim. You will not be charged an application fee to make this claim.
Are there scams that charge refugees money to be sponsored?
Yes. Avoid any person or group asking for money to “secure” a sponsorship spot or to pay government “processing” for refugee resettlement. Apply only through IRCC, UNHCR, or verified sponsors.
What if I am in Canada but don’t fit the refugee definition?
You may consider applying on Humanitarian & Compassionate grounds. These applications generally have fees, but hardship‑based fee waivers may be available in limited situations.
Disclaimer: This content is informational and not legal advice. Always check current requirements with IRCC and, where appropriate, consult a licensed immigration professional or accredited settlement agency.