Syrian here. Want to immigrate to Canada via family sponsorship. A few questions

[BlueShell]

Hey everyone,

I've been researching this for the last week and I just want to make sure that everything will be fine and that I may iron out a few doubts through your responses.

I've just earned my bachelor's degree back in January and I feel that the next logical move is to move to Canada in order to start a secure life where i could build myself knowing that it wouldn't all go to waste within a moment. Here's my situation:

1- I did not flee Syria. As a matter of fact, the last time I've visited Syria was in the early 2000's, if not the late 90's. I'm not sure.

2- I've picked the refugee route in order to come to Canada because I don't have enough points for express entry (lack of work experience and lack of funds). The situation is quite shaky right now and that is why I've decided to come right after graduation. Who knows what statutes might be written tomorrow?

3- I am in a very safe, secure, and prosperous country but that country does not grant permanent residency, citizenship, or any sort of permanent solutions to foreigners. My visa will expire soon and no employers are hiring me as I'm a Syrian (high liability).

4- I have a top-notch degree that is accredited by the same board that accredits programs for the likes of UoT, UWO, McGill and so on.

5- My english is really great. I'd say about 90% fluent in regards to accent. I believe that I'd adapt quickly should I move as I am aware of the popcult and western norms.

6- I've filled out all the papers I need to fill out (IMM0008_2e, IMM0008ENU_2D, IMM5476E, and IMM5669E)

7- I have MANY relatives in the location I want to reside in. All of these relatives have been in the country for 10+ years and all enjoy successful careers.


My questions are:

- Should I go with the Group of five (G5) method for private sponsorship?
- Can one family member sponsor me? In my case, that one family member would be my cousin.
- Do I need to undertake an english proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) before coming to Canada, or will I be evaluated upon arrival?
- Do things such as having an accredited degree help in the scenario of being a privately sponsored refugee?






I would really appreciate feedback on this.

 

[scylla]

Based on the information provided, you don't qualify to be sponsored for PR through family sponsorship.

If you are thinking of going the refugee route (e.g. group of 5) - you should post your questions to the Refugee / Asylum section of the forum.

if you are thinking of applying via one of Canada's economic immigration streams (e.g. Federal Skilled Worker) - they you should join the Express Entry section of the forum.

 

[Leon]

According to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/sponsor/groups.asp if you are Syrian, you do not currently have to have UN status as a refugee in order to be sponsored by a group of 5. Use the above links for instructions on how to apply.

 

[BlueShell]

According to http*//www*cic*gc*ca/english/refugees/sponsor/groups*asp if you are Syrian, you do not currently have to have UN status as a refugee in order to be sponsored by a group of 5. Use the above links for instructions on how to apply.

Thank you!. Just a small question regarding this statement:

"All of the group members must be at least 18 years of age and live or have representatives in the area where the refugee will settle."

How general is term area? Down to the city/town or as general as a province?

 

[Leon]

Thank you!. Just a small question regarding this statement:

"All of the group members must be at least 18 years of age and live or have representatives in the area where the refugee will settle."

How general is term area? Down to the city/town or as general as a province?

I don't know anything about refugee sponsorship but if you are on that page and follow another link from there about eligibility of the sponsoring group, you end up here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/sponsor/groups-who.asp On that it says:

To be eligible, each member of the group must:

* be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident,
* be at least 18 years old,
* live in the same community where the refugee is expected to settle, and
* agree to give settlement assistance and support for the length of the sponsorship (usually one year).

It does not define "community" any further but I would expect that they mean that the sponsors should live in the same city or close to each other. In the same province would not be enough. A G5 sponsor can not help you get set up if they live hours away.