Understanding the Emotional Impact
Separation from family members during a refugee claim is one of the most difficult aspects of the process. You may be experiencing strong emotions including grief, guilt, worry about family safety, and anxiety about the future. These feelings are normal and understandable.
Family separation can affect your well-being and your ability to focus on your claim. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support. Many people in similar situations have found it helpful to:
- Connect with other refugees or asylum seekers who understand your situation
- Seek counseling or mental health support
- Maintain hope by exploring reunification options
- Take concrete steps toward reunification when possible
- Practice self-care and build a support network
Staying Connected with Family
Maintaining communication with family overseas helps stay connected emotionally and allows provision of mutual support. However, careful consideration regarding communication methods is necessary:
Safe Communication Methods
Use secure communication methods that do not expose your family to risk. Encrypted messaging apps and email can help ensure privacy. Avoid posting about your location or activities on social media.
What to Discuss
Share information about your life in Canada: your living situation, work, friends, and activities. This helps family feel connected to your experience.
What NOT to Discuss
Be careful about discussing details of your refugee claim, as this information could be misused or put family at risk if intercepted. Do not discuss names of people who helped you escape or locations where underground networks exist.
Regular Contact
Try to maintain regular contact with family. Even brief messages can provide comfort. If long-distance calls are expensive, use free video calling apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
Sponsoring Family Members
Once you receive protected person status (refugee protection or permanent residence), you may be able to sponsor family members to come to Canada. The sponsorship process depends on your immigration status and the relationship with your family.
Sponsoring Immediate Family
Spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children can be sponsored through family sponsorship programs. Processing times vary but can take 6-12 months.
Sponsoring Parents or Grandparents
Parents and grandparents can be sponsored through a sponsorship program. These applications have specific financial requirements and longer processing times.
Government-Assisted Refugee Sponsorship
If family members are recognized as refugees by UNHCR, they may be eligible for government-assisted sponsorship to Canada as refugees.
Private Sponsorship
If you have Canadian sponsors (individuals or organizations willing to support your family), they can privately sponsor family members through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.
Sponsorship requires demonstrating financial ability to support family members and a stable residence in Canada. Consult with an immigration lawyer about options specific to your family situation.
Example Family Conversations
This shows language such as what you might say when discussing your situation with family.
Family Member:
"How are you doing? When do you find out about your claim?"
Language such as:
"I am doing okay. I am getting good support here. My hearing is scheduled for next month. I have a lawyer helping me prepare. The process takes time, but I am hopeful about my future. How are things with you? Are you safe?"
Family Member:
"We are worried about you being alone there. When can we see you?"
Language such as:
"I understand you miss me. Once my claim is approved and I become a permanent resident, I can sponsor you to come here. This will take time, but it is possible. In the meantime, we can talk through video calls as often as possible. I miss you too, but I am safe and have people supporting me."
Family Member:
"What if your claim is rejected? What will you do?"
Language such as:
"If my initial claim is rejected, I have the right to appeal to another court. My lawyer says we have a good case, and she will continue to help me if needed. Let's be positive and focus on preparing the best case we can."
Managing Safety Concerns
Separation from family may be complicated by ongoing safety concerns in your country of origin. You may be worried about family being persecuted, targeted by the same people who harmed you, or facing hardship.
Managing these concerns:
- •Seek mental health support: A counselor can help you process fear and anxiety about family safety
- •Provide what support you can: If possible, send financial support to help family meet basic needs
- •Help family seek safety: Explore whether family can move to a safer location or apply for refugee protection themselves
- •Consult with organizations: Human rights organizations and refugee agencies may have information about family safety or options
- •Take legal action if needed: If family faces immediate danger, explore emergency sponsorship programs or applications to IRCC
Finding Support
Many organizations provide support for people dealing with family separation and trauma:
- •Mental health services: Access counseling or therapy through settlement agencies or community mental health centers
- •Support groups: Join groups for refugees or asylum seekers where you can share experiences with others
- •Settlement organizations: Settlement agencies provide culturally sensitive support and can help with family-related questions
- •Religious communities: Faith communities often provide emotional and practical support to refugees
- •Family support services: Some organizations specialize in supporting families separated by immigration
Looking Ahead to Reunification
Many refugees eventually reunite with family members in Canada. While waiting for your claim to be approved, you can prepare for this possibility:
- •Document family relationships: Gather documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates) proving your relationships
- •Prepare financially: Begin saving money to help support sponsored family members
- •Secure stable housing: Work toward having stable accommodations that can house family members
- •Consult with a lawyer: Once approved, immediately consult with an immigration lawyer about sponsorship options
- •Explore options: Different sponsorship programs have different requirements—understand which option fits your situation
Reunion is possible, and many families have successfully reunited after separation. Focus on successfully navigating your claim process, and then work toward bringing family members to Canada.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Family sponsorship and separation issues can be complex and vary significantly by individual circumstances. For specific advice about your family situation, consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or settlement counselor.