People outside their country of nationality who cannot return to that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.
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Course/Training
Webinar: Changes to the Refugee Process: How Will Bill C-12 Affect You?
The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, also known as Bill C-12, introduces major changes, including stricter asylum eligibility rules, a 14-day deadline for certain claims, and authorized sharing of migrant data.Last updated Apr 17, 2026
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Best Practices/Practical Guide
Reclaiming authentic collaboration: What we achieve when lived experts share in the power
First voice is a term coined by advocates in the community to reflect the value of lived expertise. It signifies the primacy of knowledge gained by experience. It’s not a substitute for academic or professional skill; it’s another dynamic of intellectual competence that can
Last updated Jan 15, 2026
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Research/Dataset
Here to Stay: Understanding Immigrant Retention in Canada
Introduction
Research from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) shows that immigrant onward migration – immigrants leaving Canada – has increased steadily since the 1980s. Housing affordability, inflation, cost of living, and similar macro-level economic factors are
Last updated Dec 3, 2025
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Best Practices/Practical Guide
OCASI Guidelines on Trauma and Violence Informed Approaches for Agencies Serving Immigrants and Refugees
These Guidelines were developed as part of OCASI’s Mental Health Promotion in Immigrant and Refugee Serving Organizations initiative. They are meant to support anyone who interacts with the public on behalf of OCASI or similar organizations. The Guidelines are flexible and can beLast updated Oct 1, 2025
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Other
Are sponsored refugees eligible for Settlement Services?
Yes, all sponsored refugees generally have access to government-funded settlement services upon arrival in Canada, just like other permanent residents.Last updated Aug 26, 2025
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Tool
Supporting LGBTQI+ refugee claimants in Canada
Refugee claims based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics have specific challenges. This webinar aims to help community workers better understand the difficulties LGBTQI+ people face in making refugee claims and what they can do toLast updated Jun 13, 2025
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Research/Dataset
New Report: Building Better Relationships Betweeen Sponsors and SAHs Organizations
PRSN released its latest research report: Building Better Relationships Between Private Refugee Sponsors and Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) Organizations.Last updated Jun 10, 2025
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Tool
Refugee hearing tipsheets
If you are a refugee claimant, these printable tipsheets can help you to:
- understand how to prepare for your refugee hearing
- gather your evidence
- get your decision and take other important steps after your refugee hearing
Refugee law is complicated. It’s important to get legal help
Last updated Jun 4, 2025
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Tool
OCASI Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression (ARAO) Policy Kit
OCASI has created a set of tools to help organizations in the immigrant and refugee-serving sector take action against racism and oppression.Last updated May 6, 2025
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Research/Dataset
Impact of Language Barriers on Newcomer’s Settlement
Language barriers significantly hinder newcomers' integration in Canada, affecting education, healthcare access, housing, and employment opportunities. Addressing these challenges requires tailored language instruction and improved support services to facilitate resettlement.Last updated Jan 29, 2025
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Call for participants: Housing for refugee claimants
Researchers at the University of Ottawa are conducting interviews with people who claimed asylum in Canada and experienced homelessness or housing precarity in Ottawa.Published April 22, 2025
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Temporary pause on intake of refugee sponsorship applications from groups of five and community sponsors
Ottawa, November 29, 2024 – Canada has temporarily paused new refugee sponsorship applications from Groups of Five and Community Sponsors under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program.Published November 29, 2024
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Nothing to come back to,' says Ukrainian woman in Canada, her beloved home destroyed
Laura Osman, The Canadian Press March 27, 2023
Oleksandra Verovkina and her son, Danylo, would stroll half a block through the back alley behind their apartment to a large forest. They would walk hand in hand beneath the tall trees, the air filled with the scent of pine resin…
Published March 31, 2023
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Responding to Intimate Partner Violence: Refugee Assistance Program Workers Relaunch
Refugee women sometimes experience intimate partner violence. Do you know how pre-migration and migration trauma can impact the safety of refugee women and their families? Do you know how to work collaboratively with violence against women experts in your community? Does your…
Published March 24, 2023
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Visitors can continue to apply for work permits inside Canada with temporary policy extended by 2 years
Ottawa, February 28, 2023—Foreign nationals who are in Canada as visitors and who receive a valid job offer will continue to be able to apply for and receive a work permit without having to leave the country. Visitors applying under this public policy who held a work permit…
Published March 9, 2023
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Government of Canada increases sponsorship opportunities for Sponsorship Agreement Holders
February 17, 2023—Ottawa—Canada continues to be a global leader in refugee resettlement and integration. Since the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program was launched over 4 decades ago, Canadians and permanent residents have come together to offer protection and a safe…
Published March 3, 2023
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Cornwall, Ont. calling for more federal resources to help with influx of asylum seekers
Nate Vandermeer CTV News Ottawa Feb. 21, 2023
Asylum seekers crossing into Quebec from the United States continue to arrive in Cornwall, Ont. and the city says it needs federal help to handle the situation.
Around 800 people are now being housed in Cornwall at the Dev Centre and…
Published February 28, 2023
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Term ‘refugee’ carries negative connotation, says multicultural organization head
Allan Benner St. Catherine’s Standard Tue., Feb. 21, 2023
Janet Madume said says she doesn’t care where they came from, the circumstances that brought them to Canada — or the stigma and negativity associated with the term “refugee.”
The Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural…
Published February 28, 2023
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One year after war, Ukrainian newcomers in Canada weigh future options
By Maan Alhmidi The Canadian Press Posted February 22, 2023
Yuliia Kleban remembers waking up to a message from her manager on Feb. 24, 2022, telling her Russia had started invading her country.
A few minutes later, Kleban heard air-raid sirens go off in Lviv, the Ukrainian city…
Published February 28, 2023
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Advocates say migrants must be welcomed by Quebec, not sent to other provinces
CBC News · Posted: Feb 21, 2023
Migrants crossing from New York into Quebec at Roxham Road should not be seen as a burden, according to the executive director of a Montreal-based non-profit organization that offers support to refugee claimants.
"What if some of these asylum…
Published February 28, 2023