Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Canada Expands Refugee Sponsorship Program to Enhance Resettlement Efforts
Ottawa, February 17, 2023 — Canada continues to stand as a beacon of hope in the global landscape of refugee resettlement and integration. With a legacy spanning over four decades, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program has united Canadians and permanent residents in offering protection and a permanent home to tens of thousands of refugees annually. At the heart of this initiative are the over 130 organizations, known as Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs), who passionately sponsor refugees year after year.
Expansion of Refugee Sponsorship
In response to the growing interest from community organizations eager to support refugees, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a significant expansion of the program. The number of refugees that SAHs can sponsor is set to increase to 13,500 in 2023. This represents a substantial 10-fold increase from the cap introduced in 2012, equating to an additional 12,150 spaces available for SAHs.
This expansion is a pivotal move that will empower new SAHs to establish their operations while enabling seasoned organizations to continue their growth trajectory. These organizations undertake the comprehensive sponsorship process, which includes:
- Identifying refugees in need
- Submitting detailed applications
- Providing critical support and resources to sponsored newcomers
Complementing Canada’s Resettlement Programs
The PSR Program works in tandem with Canada's other two resettlement initiatives:
- The Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) Program
- The Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program
Together, these programs facilitate the resettlement of more refugees than the government could achieve independently. They form a cornerstone of Canada's ambition to welcome over 83,500 privately sponsored refugees by 2025.
A Global Model for Refugee Sponsorship
Canada’s PSR and BVOR programs have become exemplars for countries worldwide. Through its active participation in the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI), Canada advocates for and supports the establishment and expansion of community sponsorship programs tailored to local contexts. This initiative has played a crucial role in the creation of similar programs in countries such as:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Germany
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Spain
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
As Canada marks a new chapter in its refugee sponsorship legacy, it continues to inspire and lead by example. The nation's commitment to providing safe havens and fostering inclusive communities highlights its ongoing dedication to humanitarian efforts, setting a standard for others to follow in the global pursuit of refugee resettlement and integration.
