Join the Sponsorship Waiting List

How to Apply for Sponsorship

If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, here’s how to start the process:

Step 1 – Contact Us Through Our Website

Go to the Rainbow Refugee website and fill out the contact form to begin the sponsorship process.

Step 2 – First-Stage Assessment

After we receive your message, our team will do a first-stage assessment.
This helps us understand if you might be eligible under Canadian immigration rules and Rainbow Refugee’s capacity.

• •If you are not eligible, we will share resources or referrals that may help you.

• •If you seem potentially eligible, we will invite you to the next step.

Step 3 – Second-Stage Intake Form

You will be asked to complete a detailed intake form.
This form collects important information required by sponsors and Canadian immigration authorities.
We may ask for supporting documents to better understand your situation.

Step 4 – Applicant Pool

If you meet the requirements after both assessments, you will be added to our applicant pool.
This is not a waiting list by date. We match individuals based on:

• •Urgency of need

• •Timing

• •Readiness of a sponsor group

 Please note: Due to limited spaces and reliance on volunteers, the process may take more than two years.

You may be eligible for sponsorship through Rainbow Refugee if:

• •You are LGBTQIA+ (this includes people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, or sex characteristics), and

• •You are not living in your home country, and

• •You are in a country where:

  • - You are not safe, and

  • -The government does not protect you, and

  • -There is no safe place for you to move within the country (no “internal flight alternative”), and

• •You do not have a permanent or long-term solution where you are now. This means:

  • -You do not have permanent residency,

  • -You are not safely integrated, and

  • -You have not been accepted for resettlement, and

• •You meet Canada’s refugee resettlement criteria:

  • -You are recognized as a Convention Refugee Abroad, or

  • -You are part of the Country of Asylum Class (you’ve been seriously affected by war or human rights abuse), and

• •You pass both Rainbow Refugee’s first-stage and second-stage assessments.

If you meet these conditions, you may be added to our applicant pool. This is not a waiting list by date. We match people based on urgency, timing, and volunteer sponsor readiness.

You are not eligible for sponsorship through Rainbow Refugee if:

• •You are still living in your home country
  (unless you are stateless or denied citizenship due to discrimination)

• •You are in a country where:

  • -The government protects LGBTQIA+ people, or

  • -There is a safe place for you to move within the same country, or

  • -There are LGBTQIA+ protections under the law
    (based on Canadian immigration rules)

• •You have already:

  • -Been accepted as a refugee, or

  • -Applied for refugee status in a country that is considered safe for LGBTQIA+ people

• •You are heterosexual and cisgender, and are not at risk because of SOGIESC
  (sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or sex characteristics)

• •You are already in a safe and permanent situation, also called a durable solution. This includes:

  • - Permanent residency in a safe country

  • -Legal status with safety (local integration)

  • -Resettlement through another country or program

These rules come from Canadian immigration policy. Rainbow Refugee does not make them. We understand this may feel painful or unfair. Please know you are not alone. We are always advocating for more fair and inclusive pathways.

• • We work to match refugees with a sponsorship group willing to support them.
• • Sponsorship groups fundraise before and during the application process and while the refugee prepares to settle in Canada.

• • We verify refugee eligibility for sponsorship.
• • Conduct interviews with potential sponsors and refugees to be sponsored.

If you are eligible, we will submit the sponsorship application for processing with immigration Canada.

• • Refugees complete the Application for Permanent Residence in Canada which includes multiple forms.
• • The sponsorship application and refugee application are sent to the Resettlement Operations Centre in Ottawa (ROC-O) for review.
• • If the application is incomplete, it is returned for resubmission.

If complete, it is forwarded to a migration office overseas for further review.

• • For refugees living with HIV, medical screenings will include assessments related to their health status. While having HIV does not automatically disqualify someone from sponsorship, they must complete the required health procedures and may need to show access to treatment plans for continuity of care.
• • Refugees undergo a Canadian Embassy interview, which includes:
  • - Background check
  • - Medical check
  • - Biometrics collection

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) plays a crucial role in the resettlement process for refugees. Their responsibilities include:

• •  Biometric Data Collection: IOM captures biometric information, such as facial images and fingerprints, to verify and manage identities securely. (IOM Information)
• •  Security Screenings: IOM conducts thorough security checks to ensure the safety of both the refugees and the receiving communities.
• • Medical Examinations: IOM facilitates comprehensive health assessments to ensure refugees meet the medical requirements of the resettlement country. (IOM Medical Guide)

Issuing Exit Permits and Visas: Upon completion of these procedures, IOM assists in obtaining necessary exit permits and visas, ensuring that all pre-departure requirements are met for a smooth transition to Canada

• • Refugees receive confirmation of travel dates.

If they lack a valid passport, IOM provides a one-way travel document with their visa.

• • Refugees living with HIV will have access to medical support in Canada, including HIV treatment and care. It is important to connect with local healthcare providers as soon as possible to ensure continuity of treatment.

Upon arrival, refugees are granted permanent resident status.