Sponsoring refugees: Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program

The Government of Canada helps thousands of refugees every year. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program gives Canadians and permanent residents an opportunity to get involved and help settle refugees in Canada.

Sponsors are groups that commit to providing financial settlement assistance (except for Joint Assistance Sponsorship cases) to refugees for one year or until they can support themselves financially, whichever comes first. This assistance includes accommodation, clothing and food. In special cases, the sponsorship period can be extended for up to 36 months. Sponsors also provide emotional and significant settlement assistance to the refugees for the duration of the sponsorship period.

Refugees must qualify for entry under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and must pass medical and security screening before they are admitted to Canada. Visa officers abroad will review the application and may interview applicants to find out if they qualify.

There are several ways that individual Canadians, permanent residents and organizations can get involved in helping refugees build a new life in Canada. This site has information about how you can do this.

Learn about:

• Sponsorship agreement holders and their constituent groups
• Groups of five
• Community sponsors

Related Links

• Guide to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program