Refugee Sponsorship

Refugee sponsorship lets Canadians help protected people abroad start a new life here. We handle Group of Five, Community Sponsor and Sponsorship Agreement Holder files with the care these cases demand.

What's included

Group of Five (G5) sponsorships
Community Sponsor and SAH-linked applications
Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) cases
In-Canada refugee claims and PRRA referrals

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Overview

What this means for you.

Canada runs one of the world's largest private refugee sponsorship programs. Citizens and permanent residents can sponsor refugees abroad through a Group of Five, a Community Sponsor, or in partnership with a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH).

Sponsors commit to financial and emotional support — usually for 12 months — and help the newcomer settle, find housing, learn English or French, and integrate into the community.

These files are sensitive. We help you document the refugee's situation, build a realistic settlement plan, and meet the income and undertaking requirements IRCC expects.

Eligibility

Who can apply?

A quick checklist to see if this is the right pathway for you.

Sponsors are Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in the community of settlement
The refugee is recognized by UNHCR or a foreign state, or qualifies under Canada's source country list
Sponsors can meet the settlement plan and financial commitment for 12 months (or longer in some cases)
The refugee is admissible on health, security and criminality grounds
Sponsors are not in default on a previous undertaking

Process

How we move your file forward.

Step 01

Choose the right stream

G5, Community Sponsor or SAH-linked — each has different paperwork, caps and processing times.

Step 02

Build the settlement plan

Housing, income support, orientation, schooling and language training — documented so IRCC sees a realistic plan.

Step 03

Submit and wait

We file the sponsorship and PR application, manage communications with the visa office, and update you at every milestone.

Step 04

Welcome and settle

We brief sponsors on landing, the 12-month commitment, and how to access settlement services in Alberta.

FAQ

Questions we hear every week.

Still wondering about your specific case? A 30-minute consultation is the fastest way to get a real answer.

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Generally, people recognized as Convention refugees abroad or as Country of Asylum class members. The refugee must be outside their home country and unable to return safely.

Processing varies widely by visa office — anywhere from 12 months to several years. We give you a realistic estimate based on the country of asylum at your consultation.

Sponsors typically cover housing, food, clothing and basic needs for 12 months. The exact amount depends on family size and city; in Edmonton, current guidelines run about CAD $20,000 to $40,000 for a small family.

A Group of Five is five Canadians acting together. A Community Sponsor is an organization. A SAH has a signed agreement with IRCC and can sponsor in higher volumes — often partnering with constituent groups.

Yes, if they meet the refugee definition and you are not eligible to sponsor them through family class. We assess both pathways and pick the one most likely to succeed.

Talk to a licensed RCIC.