Learn more about Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, Canada’s response and how you can help ISSofBC in welcoming Afghan refugee families to Metro Vancouver.

How to Help – ISSofBC Initiatives 

Donate to ISSofBC – Help Afghan and other refugees reunite with family in Canada by supporting our Private Sponsorship Program.

Welcome to Canada Gift Cards – Welcome refugees to British Columbia by donating to our gift card campaign. Gift cards will help Afghan refugee newcomers purchase basic essentials they need as they begin their new lives in Canada.

Housing Support – Please complete the housing form if you are interested in supporting newcomer Afghan refugees with housing. If your housing availability matches a family, we will contact you.

Please note: We are currently not looking for additional volunteers. We will update this as the situation unfolds and the need for additional volunteers arises. 

Government of Canada – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Contact for Afghan Refugee Resettlement

English – Contact information for IRCC

French – Coordonnées d’IRCC

Resources for Private Sponsorship of Refugees

Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program – Information on different ways to sponsor refugees.

Refugee Sponsorship Training – Provides training and information on privately sponsoring refugees.

Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) – Learn about the role of SAH’s in private sponsorship and access the list of SAH’s in Canada.

Latest Information and News

August 31, 2021 – Canada reaches agreement with U.S. to support refugees’ travel to safety

August 29, 2021 – Support for Afghan citizens with travel authorizations to leave Afghanistan

August 27, 2021 – UNHCR the refugee brief

August 26, 2021 – Supporting Afghan nationals – Key figures

August 25, 2021 – Assistance for Canadians and permanent residents in Afghanistan

August 24, 2021 – Facilitative measures to support those affected by the crisis in Afghanistan

August 19, 2021 – Supporting Afghan nationals: How the special programs work

August 17, 2021 – How Canada is supporting vulnerable Afghans

August 17, 2021 – UNHCR issues a non-return advisory for Afghanistan

August 13, 2021 – UNHCR warns Afghanistan’s conflict taking toll on displaced women and children

August 13, 2021 – News Release on Canada’s Afghan Refugee Resettlement Program