Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) — Canada

You retain certain rights while IRCC processes your Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) application.

You also have to meet strict document and examination requirements for IRCC to keep your file moving.

Work and permit basics

You may apply for work authorization as part of your permanent residence process.

Submit your forms together and through the same channel so IRCC can assess them in one file.

Use the correct forms, including Form IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada), and make sure every family member is included if they’re part of your application.

If submissions are incomplete or separated, processing will likely slow down.

If you’re considering other pathways, keep them separate:

Don’t combine a GAR application with a Refugee Claim (Asylum) or a request based on Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations unless IRCC tells you to do so.

Follow IRCC’s official form instructions for current requirements and any associated CA$ fees.

Timing and medical/exam requirements

Every person included in your application needs to complete required examinations.

All exams must remain valid at the same time for IRCC to finalize processing.

This applies to each family member listed on your IMM 0008, whether they travel with you or join later.

If one person’s results expire before the others, IRCC may require updated exams.

Stick to these rules:

1. Arrange required exams for all family members.

2. Complete them so results are valid together.

3. Submit proof as IRCC instructs.

You can’t finalize your GAR case if examination validity doesn’t line up across all applicants.

Monitor expiration dates and act early to avoid repeat testing or delays.

For current medical and examination instructions, check with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

IRCC publishes estimated timelines for Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) and updates them regularly.

You don’t pay private sponsorship costs under this stream, but you should monitor official sources for current timelines and any required fees in CAD.

Standard processing timelines

As of March 2026, the processing time for a Government-Assisted Refugee under the “Standard” category is:

This estimate reflects how long IRCC expects to take to make a decision if it receives your complete application today.

Processing times vary by category and by the office handling your file.

Applications processed outside Canada may require extra time for documents and logistics.

You should check current timelines directly with IRCC before making plans.

For comparison, timelines for the Private Sponsorship of Refugees, a Refugee Claim (Asylum) made inside Canada, or applications based on Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations follow different models and are calculated separately.

How processing times are calculated

Your processing time starts the day IRCC receives a complete application and ends when it makes a decision.

For permanent residence under the GAR program, IRCC estimates how long it may take to finalize applications submitted in a specific month and year.

The estimate reflects current inventory and operational capacity.

If your application is incomplete, IRCC may return it.

The clock doesn’t start until you submit a complete package, including required forms such as Form IMM 0008.

IRCC may also take longer to process:

• Non-routine applications
• Files needing extra review
• Applications submitted during high-volume periods

Annual immigration levels can affect timelines.

If more people apply than Canada can admit in a year, wait times may increase.

Regional, program and system notes

Processing times differ based on where IRCC processes your file.

If you apply from outside Canada, plan for extra time related to document transmission and coordination.

GAR applicants don’t pay private sponsorship support costs.

You should confirm any applicable government fees directly with IRCC.

If you need exact fee amounts in CA$, check IRCC’s official fee schedule before paying.

Rely on IRCC’s current published figures.

Processing estimates change and are not guarantees.

Start with the correct IRCC forms and instructions.

Complete every required section accurately.

You must sign the application and submit it with all required identification and supporting evidence to the right office.

Download and start the form

Download the current Government-Assisted Refugee application package from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Use only the version available from IRCC to avoid delays.

Review the instructions carefully before you begin.

Make sure you’re applying under the right category, such as Government-Assisted Refugees, and not Private Sponsorship of Refugees, a Refugee Claim (Asylum) made inside Canada, or an application based on Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations.

Gather your documents before filling out the forms.

This typically includes:

• Identity documents
• Civil status documents
• Any evidence supporting your need for protection

If the package includes Form IMM 0008 or other required forms, complete the most current version provided by IRCC.

Don’t use outdated copies from previous applications.

Complete the forms electronically if possible so your answers are clear and legible.

Complete, sign and submit

Fill out every required field. If a question doesn’t apply, follow the form instructions rather than leaving it blank.

Provide accurate and consistent information across all forms, including IMM 0008 if required. Inconsistent details about identity, family, or background can slow things down.

Before you send anything, make sure you’ve:

• Completed all required sections
• Signed and dated each signature field
• Included all required supporting documents

Submit the full application package to the office specified in the IRCC instructions for your category. Only send it after confirming it’s complete.

Keep copies of everything you submit.

IRCC denies or delays many Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) applications because of avoidable form errors and credibility concerns. Submit complete, consistent, and current information to protect your case.

Common filing errors that cause denials

You risk refusal if you submit incomplete forms or missing documents. IRCC expects every required field and attachment to be present at filing.

Common errors include:

• Leaving sections of Form IMM 0008 blank
• Failing to include required identity documents
• Using an outdated version of a form
• Providing inconsistent personal details across documents

Even small discrepancies in names, dates of birth, or family details can trigger delays. IRCC may pause processing while it requests clarification, which slows your case.

Use this checklist before submission:

Filing as a Government-Assisted Refugee does not guarantee approval. IRCC still assesses eligibility and credibility.

How credibility and form issues affect outcomes

IRCC reviews your statements for internal consistency and alignment with your documents. If your written answers conflict with your identification or prior immigration history, officers may question your credibility.

For example, if details in your GAR file differ from information in a prior Refugee Claim (Asylum) or a request based on Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations, IRCC will scrutinize the differences. Explain any changes clearly and directly.

Form issues also affect how officers assess reliability. Incomplete answers or vague responses can appear evasive, even when that wasn’t your intent.

Credibility concerns can lead to:

• Procedural delays
• Requests for additional documents
• Refusal of the application

Accuracy strengthens your position. Review every answer for clarity, consistency, and completeness before submitting to IRCC.