Leviticus 19:33-34 33 “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” New International Version 2 Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Handbook Welcome! World Renew is pleased to introduce the Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Handbook. This Handbook was developed in collaboration with sponsors from across Canada, as well as with several agencies actively engaged in private sponsorship. The Handbook will guide churches, other faith groups, community associations, and co- sponsors in the many activities related to the private sponsorship and settlement of refugees to Canada. World Renew is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) organization and has held a legal agreement with Immigration and Refugees Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to privately sponsor refugees since the inception of the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program (PSRP) in 1979. Over the years, World Renew has worked with groups across Canada together have sought to respond to the needs of refugees with hospitality, friendship, support, and encouragement. Our mission statement is motivating and compelling: World Renew will partner with churches, individuals and refugee organizations to facilitate the process of refugee sponsorship to Canada in collaborative activities of love, mercy, justice and compassion and to advocate for refugee rights globally. Moreover, with all our many sponsoring churches and groups, we draw on the compelling words of Paul’s letter to the Galatians: “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbour as yourself” (Galatians 5:14). World Renew is encouraged by the hard work exemplified by churches and communities over the past 40 years of our program, in sponsoring and helping to resettle refugees – new Canadians – to a new home. Our hope and prayer is that this Handbook will serve you well in providing relevant resources and information that will assist you in your journey as you welcome and walk alongside newcomers. Rebecca Walker Refugee Coordinator World Renew 3 Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Handbook A Story of Welcome My name is Cenaida Chilito and I want to tell the story of how my six children and I have a life we only dreamt of, thanks to the Neerlandia community. My family and I fled from Ecuador to Colombia because of death threats from the military. Life in Ecuador wasn’t easy as I was a single mother supporting six kids; my youngest one having cerebral palsy. After some time in Ecuador, we were fortunate to come to Canada as sponsored refugees, though we did not know what to expect. From the day we arrived in Neerlandia, Alberta, the community was so helpful. They took us to all sorts of appointments, grocery shopping, and even took my kids to school. They were very patient throughout the whole process, especially learning English. People were always more than happy to help us. Three of my kids now live in Edmonton and have started families of their own. My three youngest kids and I live in Barrhead. We are Canadian citizens now, so we enjoy all the benefits than come with this. The Neerlandia community has never failed to make us feel like we are family. We do not have to live in fear; we live in peace and I know that we have a good future ahead of us thanks to the community of Neerlandia Christian Reformed Church. Living in such a peaceful country is a dream that the Neerlandia community has made come true. I want to encourage churches that are considering refugee sponsorship. You will be giving others a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the feeling of being free as well as knowing they are safe. You are helping offer a bright future for them and their future generations. 4 Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Handbook Acknowledgements First, World Renew wishes to thank the refugees and sponsoring churches that shared their stories, tips, and suggestions. You have lived this journey and we are deeply grateful for your sharing of it in this handbook. World Renew is also grateful for the wisdom of our advisory team,a group of former sponsors who spent many hours suggesting content and reviewing drafts for this handbook. Our abundant thanks to: Dave Kennedy – Kindred Spirits, Vernon, BC Margaret Kunst – Langley Immanuel CRC, Langley, BC Mabel Lee – Grace Toronto Church, Toronto, ON Patrick Lee – Kanata Community Christian Reformed Church, Kanata, ON Don Prokuda – Bethel Community Church, Edmonton, AB Rebecca Shortt – Refugees of Hope, Jarvis, ON Marianne Van Delft – New Westminster CRC, Richmond, BC Margaret Vegt – New Westminster CRC, Richmond, BC World Renew also wishes to thank the team that lead the development of this Refugee Sponsorship Handbook: Rebecca Walker (Refugee Coordinator, World Renew), Cameron Klapwyk (Refugee Program Associate, World Renew), Kathryn Teeluck (Refugee Program Associate, World Renew), and Jeanette Romkema (Senior Consultant, Global Learning Partners). These individuals dedicated countless hours to collecting useful resources, adapting tips and tools for use by settlement groups, and writing additional sections to ensure a robust, helpful and inspiring handbook. Lastly, World Renew is deeply grateful to The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (www.adra.ca/about) for generously providing funding support for the development and distribution of this Handbook. What a gift this partnership has been. 5 Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Handbook Table of Contents A Story of Welcome ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 6 List of Acronyms .......................................................................................................................................... 10 List of Forms ................................................................................................................................................ 11 Why Do We Sponsor Refugees ................................................................................................................... 12 The Mission of World Renew’s Refugee Program ...................................................................................... 14 Introduction to the Handbook .................................................................................................................... 15 What Is the Purpose of this Handbook? ................................................................................................. 15 When and How Should this Handbook Be Used? ................................................................................... 15 How do I Navigate through the Handbook? ........................................................................................... 15 A Word About Acronyms ........................................................................................................................ 16 Who Is a Refugee? ...................................................................................................................................... 17 Durable Solution for Refugees ................................................................................................................ 17 What Is the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program (PSRP)? ................................................................. 19 Who Can Sponsor? .................................................................................................................................. 19 What Responsibilities Do Sponsors have? .............................................................................................. 19 Who Can Be Sponsored? ......................................................................................................................... 20 Three Ways Refugees Can Be Sponsored ................................................................................................... 21 Sponsor-Referred Refugees .................................................................................................................... 21 Blended Visa Office Referred (BVOR) ..................................................................................................... 22 Matching Process ................................................................................................................................ 22 Differences Between Sponsor-Referred and BVOR Sponsorships ...................................................... 23 Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) ......................................................................................................... 24 The Sponsorship Steps ................................................................................................................................ 25 STEP 1 Getting Started ......................................................................................................................... 25 Initial Inquiry ....................................................................................................................................... 25 Case Narrative Form and Identity Documents (Sponsor-Referred)