After submission to ROC-O the SAH will get an email confirming the application has been received. The first stage is a completeness check. Once the application has been deemed complete a "G number" will be assigned to the file.

Now, the application moves to the assessment office where the sponsoring group is assessed for capacity and a thorough settlement plan. IRCC wants to be sure sponsors have the capacity needed and a practical settlement plan for the settlement year.

If they are approved, sponsors will generally receive notification within 6 - 8 weeks. At this point, the file is sent to the appropriate visa office abroad. Overseas processing times vary, and current wait times can be checked here. 

When the visa office starts processing the refugee portion, they will schedule an interview with the refugee(s), notifying both the refugee and the sponsor. At the interview, a Canadian visa officer interviews the refugee in person to check if they meet the eligibility and admissibility criteria for resettlement to Canada.

If the refugee is approved, the Canadian Visa Office will issue a visa and contact IOM to arrange travel to Canada. After the visa is issued, it may take several more weeks to arrange for exit permits if required by the local authorities.

If the refugee is refused, a Procedural Fairness Letter will be sent to both the refugee and the sponsor with an explanation and an opportunity to respond. 

In the case of a positive assessment, sponsoring groups can expect a pre-NAT 4 to 10 weeks before departure, and a Notice of Arrival about 10 days before the refugee(s) arrive(s) in Canada.

It is very important that housing be secured only after the Notice of Arrival is received. 

Refugee applicants arrive in Canada as Permanent Residents - their refugee days are over! When you meet them at the airport they will already have their temporary PR papers with them. Be sure there is a Canadian address to provide to the Immigration Officer at the Port of Entry to avoid delays in receiving the PR cards. If permanent housing has not been arranged, use a Core Team member's address.