The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program lets private groups sponsor eligible refugees abroad. As the private sponsor, you’ll support a refugee for the sponsorship period, 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

Group of Five

Groups of 5 or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who sponsor refugees to settle in their communities

Community Sponsor

Organizations, associations or corporations that sponsor refugees

SAH Sponsorship Agreement Holders

Sign agreements with the Government of Canada to help support refugees when they come to Canada

Temporary Pause on intake of Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, effective November 29, 2024, will remain in effect till December 31, 2025.

Helps group sponsor refugees who are most in need while lowering the costs of sponsorship.

The BVOR program has 3 main benefits:

1. reduces the financial burden on private sponsors

2. prioritizes the most vulnerable refugees through referral organizations

3. connects sponsors with refugees we’ve already screened and interviewed, making them ready to travel sooner

Canada offers refugee protection to some people in Canada who fear persecution or who would be in danger if they had to leave. Some dangers they may face include torture, risk to their life, risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment. If you feel you could face one of these risks if you go back to your home country or the country where you normally live, you may be able to seek protection in Canada as a refugee.

To make a refugee claim, you:

• must be in Canada

• can’t be subject to a removal order