What programs are there for refugees’ family members to come to Canada?

If you are a refugee in Canada, there are programs that can help bring your family members to join you. Here are the main options.

One-year window (OYW) of opportunity

Resettled refugees (both Government-Assisted and Privately Sponsored) can apply to bring immediate family members under the One-Year Window of opportunity provision (OYW). This program can assist with family reunification under certain circumstances.

If your family was separated for reasons beyond your control, you can apply to reunite with them as long as you have declared them in your immigration application.

The sponsor (a person or group) is responsible for supporting family members who arrive through this program.

Other Family Sponsorship Programs

If you do not qualify for reunification within the one-year limit, other programs may help bring your loved ones to Canada.

If your family member is a refugee outside Canada, they may be eligible for resettlement through private sponsorship or a government program.

For more details and to check eligibility, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Sponsorship section on Settlement.Org.