As thousands of Syrian refugees settle in Canada, many desperately want to be reunited with family in danger overseas.

A family of Syrian refugees - 12-year old Miryam, her two brothers and aunt Safaa - came to Winnipeg two months ago. CTV has withheld the family's last name because they fear for their relatives still in Syria.

“We were very happy in Syria and everything was okay and then this happened and everybody has been spread out,” said Miryam.

On top of learning English and adjusting to a new culture, Miryam is on the mend.

In January 2015, a bomb blew up Miryam's house in Syria. She was badly burned all over her body. Her six-year old sister was killed.

“It hurts,” said Miryam, speaking in Arabic with the help of a translator. ”I was able to use my hands before. Now, it's hard for me to use my hands and my skin is pulling on me."

Aunt Safaa took her to Turkey for medical help. Miryam's mother survived, but with a newborn baby, she stayed behind.

Unable to return to Syria, Safaa, 30, took Miryam and her brothers to Canada.

Even though she is pregnant, Safaa said she left her husband behind to make sure Miryam got help, and wants him here as soon as possible.

“It is very hard,” she said in tears.
 

Slow family reunification processing times

According to the Canadian Council for Refugees, processing for family reunification in Canada is extraordinarily slow. Family members typically wait more than 30 months for word on loved ones overseas.

Around 1,000 Syrian refugees have landed in Manitoba in the last six months, and more are on the way. Manitoba is expected to accept up to 2,000 Syrian refugees by the end of the year.

"We would encourage a faster pace,” Rita Chahal, executive director with Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council.

“Family reunification is essential in successful settlement. When your heart is still somewhere else, you can never completely feel settled in a new environment."
 

Cost and options

For Safaa to sponsor another refugee it will cost her $12,600 and she doesn't know how she'll come up with the money.

MIIC says there are programs and ways to reduce the cost. It says in-kind donations can reduce the amount to about $4,000 or $5,000.

One provision available in Canada is called the One Year Window. It assists refugees with family reunification who were previously unable to travel.
 

Immigration Canada working to reunite families

According to Immigration Canada, as of May 16, 2016, 8,067 Syrians abroad had been registered for potential sponsorship.

“In order to sponsor a family member to immigrate to Canada, the individual must provide proof that they can:   meet basic need such as food, clothing and shelter—for themselves and their family, support their relative financially and   make sure that their spouse or relative does not need to ask for financial help from the government,” said a government statement sent to CTV News.

Processing times can be found on Immigration Canada’s website.