Although Canada is a peaceful country and we have freedom of speech, freedom to do as we please and have the ability to lead a rather normal life it isn’t so for many people all around the world. When a country is stricken with war and famine all someone could ever dream of is ending up in a country where they don’t have to fear for their lives anymore. Thankfully, the Government of Canada has made it possible to sponsor a refugee for up to 3 years and must be willing to provide them with all necessities and financially support them.
Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program
The PSR Program allows private groups to sponsor eligible refugees abroad. As the private sponsor, you’ll support a refugee for the sponsorship period which is usually up to 1 year. The support you provide will include:
- start-up costs, such as furniture and clothing
- on-going monthly costs for basic necessities, including housing, food, and public transportation
- supporting refugees socially and emotionally
Who Can Sponsor Refugees
Sponsoring a refugee on your own in Canada is not allowed. You must be part of one of the following groups in Canada:
- Sponsorship agreement holders (SAH) sign agreements with the Government of Canada to help support refugees when they come to Canada
- Constituent Groups are groups who work with SAHs to sponsor refugees under the SAH’s agreement
- Groups of Five are groups of 5 or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who sponsor refugees to settle in their communities
- Community Sponsors are organizations, associations, or corporations that sponsor refugees
How to Sponsor a Refugee
There are three different scenarios when it comes to sponsoring a refugee. Those pathways include:
Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program
The Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program makes it easier for private sponsors to help the most vulnerable refugees. The BVOR program
- reduces the financial burden on private sponsors
- connects sponsors with refugees we’ve already screened and interviewed, making them ready to travel sooner
Sponsoring a Refugee With Special Needs
The Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) Program helps your group sponsor refugees with special needs.
Only SAHs and their Constituent Groups are eligible to sponsor through the JAS program. With the JAS program:
- sponsors must support refugees for up to 24 months
- the Government of Canada provides financial assistance
Sponsoring a Refugee You Know
You can sponsor a specific refugee or refugee family. The person your group wants to sponsor must be eligible under the PSR program and the process depends on the sponsorship group you are part of
If you choose to sponsor a refugee you know
- the processing time may be longer than if you sponsor a refugee we’ve already reviewed
- you won’t get financial assistance from the Government of Canada
This process depends on the type of sponsorship group you are part of!
How to Find a Refugee Sponsorship Group
- Contact a sponsorship group in your area to find out how to join them
- Contact the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) to find out how to form your own sponsorship group
Are You Seeking to Sponsor a Refugee in Canada?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.
VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Ella Bergquist
Hello! I am one of VisaPlace's many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.
