Canada is still a leader in the world when it comes to resettling and integrating refugees. Tens of thousands of refugees are given shelter and a secure, permanent home every year thanks to the collaboration of Canadians and permanent residents since the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Programme was established more than 40 years ago. Over 130 organisations, referred to as sponsorship agreement holders (SAHs), who sponsor refugees on an annual basis are essential to the program’s success.
The number of these neighbourhood groups that seek to help refugees has increased along with the programme. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, stated today that the maximum number of refugees that SAHs may sponsor would rise to 13,500 in 2023 in response to this surge. There are now 12,150 more spots accessible to SAHs than there were when the cap was first enacted in 2012.
New SAHs will be able to launch their operations thanks to the extra cap places, while seasoned organisations will be assisted in expanding. These organisations oversee every step of the sponsorship procedure, from selecting refugees and submitting applications to giving sponsored immigrants vital support.
The Government-Assisted Refugee Programme (GAR) and the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Programme, Canada’s other two resettlement initiatives, are strengthened by the PSR Programme. They are one of the numerous ways Canada is aiming to meet its target of accepting more than 83,500 privately sponsored refugees by 2025. Together, they assist Canada in receiving more refugees each year than the Government of Canada could settle alone.
The PSR and BVOR programmes in Canada serve as role models for other nations. Canada promotes and supports the implementation and growth of community sponsorship programmes designed to meet local needs through its involvement in the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI). Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, and most recently, the United States have all benefited from GRSI funding for the creation of programmes.
Quotes
“Our government is increasing the number of refugees that can be sponsored by sponsorship agreement holders to 13,500, a 10-fold increase from when the cap was first introduced in 2012. Today’s announcement will support the vital work of these community organizations so they can continue helping refugees from around the world settle in Canada. I want to thank these partners, who make this program possible year after year. Your work is a testament to the compassion of Canadians, and we’re grateful for all that you do.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“We commend the government’s commitment to refugee resettlement during this time of unprecedented global displacement and the recognition of the importance of sponsorship agreement holders in quality resettlement. As interest in the program continues to grow among Canadian citizens and permanent residents, we look forward to continuing to develop and strengthen this impactful partnership.”
– Kaylee Perez, SAH Council Chair, and National Migration and Resettlement Operations Coordinator at the Mennonite Central Committee Canada
“Sponsorship agreement holders and their community partners contribute roughly $135 million annually in sponsorship funds, in addition to their own operating costs and service delivery costs. The sponsorship community is pleased with the increase in sponsorship spaces for 2023 and commends the important work IRCC is undertaking to address the significant processing backlogs. We hope to see high numbers of landings in 2023 for all PSR Program resettled newcomers.”
– Lena Awwad, SAH Council Vice Chair, and Research and Programs Director at Islamic Family and Social Services Association
Quick facts
- The PSR Programme was the first opportunity for Canadians to participate in the resettlement of refugees, and it began in earnest in 1978. More than 350,000 migrants entered Canada through the programme between 1979 and 2020.
- SAHs enter into contracts with IRCC committing to sponsor a specific number of refugees each year for resettlement in Canada. For the duration of the sponsorship, which is normally 12 months, sponsors give refugee families financial support and assistance with relocation. This assistance covers recurring monthly expenses for basics (including housing, food, transit in public, clothing, and furnishings) as well as social and emotional support.
- Over the previous five years, the number of SAHs in Canada (outside of Quebec) has progressively increased, rising from 114 in January 2019 to 138 in January 2023.
- 51 groups submitted applications to become SAHs in 2022. Early in 2023, these applications will be evaluated, and those who are accepted will become SAHs later that year.
- In accordance with the IRCC’s 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will continue to be a leader in the world for the integration and resettlement of refugees, hosting over 144,000 of them in the following three years, including over 83,500 who are sponsored privately.
- The majority of privately sponsored refugees are sponsored by SAHs, with the remainder being sponsored by groups of five, community sponsors, and sponsors headquartered in Quebec.