Refugee Sponsorship Update

The picture above shows Tasha and Chantal in a magical moment when they thought they were almost finished completing the seven (yes, seven) forms required for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to assess the co-sponsors (Chantal and St. Mary Mags) and the applicant (Lunda). 

It turns out that we were not quite done, but another push allowed the Diocesan Refugee Unit to check that the forms were complete and submit them in mid-June.  A happy day.

Now the waiting begins. 

How long, you ask? The current wait times are 27 months to assess the co-sponsors, followed by 31 months to assess Lunda's case. Shakuntala Soden, the part-time Refugee Sponsorship Coordinator for the Diocese estimates that it may be a bit quicker--only four years. 

Reviewing sponsorship applications includes assessing whether the sponsors are eligible, whether they have the financial resources to provide support, and whether they have a realistic plan for helping the newcomer settle in Canada.  Only once the sponsors have been approved does the IRCC begin processing the refugee's permanent residence application. This includes verifying identity and family relationships, conducting security and background checks, arranging medical examinations and, in many cases, interviewing the applicant. 

 It will be hard for Lunda and Chantal not to become discouraged, so we will continue to pray and look for other ways that will help them bear this wait.