Resettlement: Final decision
(REF-OVS-6)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
When rendering a final decision for a refugee, all assessment results are considered, weighed and must be correctly documented. A final destination can be selected when approved for government-assisted refugees. The final selection decision must be received by Quebec before a final decision can be made for its province.
Refusing an application
General factors to consider before refusing an application, details for case notes, procedural fairness and structure of refusal letter.
Withdrawal of refugee
Considerations when withdrawing an application at request of refugee or for other reasons.
Humanitarian and Compassionate Consideration
How to decide if humanitarian and consideration grounds may be applicable.
Approving an application
General factors to consider before approving an application and details for case notes.
Barriers to exiting host country
Guidance on processing an application when the applicant may encounter difficulties in exiting the host country
Re-evaluation of final decisions
Cessation of protection in Canada
Considerations when deciding whether there may be grounds to cease protection for a resettled refugee.
Requests for reconsideration of refusal
Procedures and considerations when assessing requests for reconsideration of refusal.
Vacating decision due to misrepresentation
Considerations when deciding whether there are grounds of misrepresentation to vacate a decision for protection.
When approved sponsor is re-assessed due to changes in circumstances
Next steps for refugee when sponsorship is re-assessed due to changes in sponsor’s circumstances.
Cases for priority or special processing
Considerations for assessing and processing special or priority case groups. Includes cases referred for urgent protection, vulnerable cases, public policies, applicants who are persecuted on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity expression (SOGIE-LGBTQI) and other groups requiring special attention.
Resettlement: Program delivery partners – roles and responsibilities
Key partners within and outside of IRCC and their respective responsibilities regarding resettlement.
Temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of specific refugees previously sponsored by a sponsorship agreement holder
Following the cancellation of a Sponsorship Agreement Holder’s (SAH) sponsorship agreement, refugee applicants sponsored by that SAH who have received a positive sponsorship decision, will have 90 days to find a new sponsor