When BVOR isn't available, these 5 proven alternatives help Canadian sponsors resettle refugees
On This Page You Will Find:
- Five proven pathways to sponsor refugees when BVOR isn't available
- Critical 2026 program changes affecting your sponsorship options
- Step-by-step guidance for working with authorized organizations
- Expert tips for navigating the temporary PSR application pause
- Direct contact information for immediate sponsorship assistance
Summary:
When suitable refugees aren't available through Canada's Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program, you're not out of options. This comprehensive guide reveals five alternative sponsorship pathways that remain active in 2026, including programs specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ refugees and those with special needs. Despite recent changes that temporarily paused certain private sponsorship applications until December 2026, several viable routes still allow Canadian families and groups to sponsor refugees. You'll discover which organizations continue accepting applications, how to partner with authorized Sponsorship Agreement Holders, and practical steps to begin your sponsorship journey today.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Private Sponsorship applications from Groups of Five are paused until December 31, 2026, but Sponsorship Agreement Holders can still accept new sponsorships
- The Joint Assistance Sponsorship program offers up to 24 months of combined government and private support for refugees with special needs
- Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership provides dedicated support for LGBTQIA+ refugees with government funding for startup costs
- Visa Office Referred sponsorships remain available but don't include the financial support provided under BVOR
- Direct contact with the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program at bvor@rstp.ca can help match you with available refugees
Maria Santos had her heart set on sponsoring a refugee family through the BVOR program. After months of searching, she discovered something frustrating: no suitable matches were available in her area. "I felt like I'd hit a dead end," she recalls. "But then I learned there were actually five other ways to help resettle refugees in Canada."
If you're facing the same challenge, you're not alone. Many Canadians eager to sponsor refugees encounter this roadblock, unaware that Canada's refugee sponsorship system offers multiple pathways beyond the well-known BVOR program.
Understanding the Current Sponsorship Landscape
The refugee sponsorship environment shifted significantly in late 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) temporarily stopped accepting new applications from Groups of Five and Community Sponsors under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program on November 29, 2024. This pause remains in effect until December 31, 2026.
However, this doesn't mean your sponsorship dreams are over. Several programs continue operating, and understanding these alternatives could be the key to successfully resettling a refugee family.
Alternative 1: Private Sponsorship Through Sponsorship Agreement Holders
While direct Group of Five applications are paused, Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) continue accepting new sponsorships. Organizations like the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) fall outside the temporary restriction and anticipate submitting sponsorships throughout 2026.
How This Works: SAHs are established organizations with formal agreements with IRCC to sponsor refugees. They can authorize Constituent Groups from your community to sponsor refugees under their umbrella agreement. This means you can still privately sponsor refugees—you just need to work through an authorized organization rather than applying directly.
Your Next Steps: Contact established SAHs in your region to inquire about becoming a Constituent Group. These organizations provide training, support, and the legal framework necessary for successful sponsorship.
Alternative 2: Joint Assistance Sponsorship for Special Needs Cases
The Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) program creates a powerful partnership between government support and private sponsorship for refugees with special needs. This program specifically targets Government-Assisted Refugees who require additional support to establish successfully in Canada.
What Makes JAS Unique: Under this program, you'll receive both government assistance and private sponsorship support for up to 24 months. In exceptional cases, the private sponsorship component can extend up to 36 months, providing comprehensive long-term support for vulnerable refugees.
Who Qualifies: JAS focuses on refugees with medical conditions, disabilities, large families, or other circumstances requiring extra assistance during resettlement. If you're passionate about helping those facing the greatest challenges, this program offers meaningful impact.
Alternative 3: Visa Office Referred Sponsorships
The Visa Office Referred (VOR) program allows sponsoring groups to work with refugee populations beyond those identified under BVOR. While VOR sponsorships don't include the financial support provided under BVOR, they offer flexibility in choosing which refugees to sponsor.
Important Consideration: Since VOR doesn't provide government financial assistance, your sponsoring group must be prepared to cover all resettlement costs. This typically includes housing, food, clothing, and basic necessities for the first 12 months.
Best Suited For: Groups with strong financial resources or established community support networks who want more control over their sponsorship selection process.
Alternative 4: Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership
The Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP) addresses a critical need in refugee resettlement: supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees who face unique challenges and often persecution in their home countries.
How RRAP Support Works:
- Government funds startup costs and provides three months of financial support
- Your sponsoring group covers the remaining nine months of financial support
- You provide crucial community and social support tailored to LGBTQIA+ needs
Why This Matters: LGBTQIA+ refugees often face discrimination and isolation during resettlement. Your involvement provides not just financial support, but creates a welcoming community connection that can be life-changing.
Alternative 5: Working with Different Organizations
Sometimes the solution is simply expanding your network. If one organization can't match you with suitable refugees, others might have different populations or waiting lists.
Key Organizations to Contact:
Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP): Email bvor@rstp.ca or call 1-877-290-1701 for direct assistance with BVOR matching and alternative program guidance.
Inter-cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA): This organization can match sponsors to refugees through various programs, including BVOR when profiles are available.
Regional SAHs: Each province typically has multiple Sponsorship Agreement Holders with different specialties and refugee populations.
Navigating the 2026 Changes
The current immigration landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Canada's immigration levels plan projects an overall decline between 2025 and 2027, with PSR program numbers decreasing by 1,000 annually. However, GAR and BVOR programs are projected to remain constant, with BVOR maintaining targets of 100 refugees per year through 2027.
What This Means for You: While overall numbers may be lower, dedicated programs like BVOR continue operating. The key is understanding which pathways remain fully operational and how to access them effectively.
Taking Action: Your Practical Next Steps
Step 1: Assess Your Resources Determine your group's financial capacity, volunteer availability, and long-term commitment level. This helps identify which programs align best with your capabilities.
Step 2: Contact RSTP Directly Start with the experts. Email bvor@rstp.ca to discuss your specific situation and get personalized guidance on available alternatives.
Step 3: Review Available Profiles Visit the BVOR Refugee Profiles page to view current refugees seeking sponsorship. Even if your initial search was unsuccessful, new profiles are regularly added.
Step 4: Connect with Local SAHs Since direct applications are paused, partnering with existing Sponsorship Agreement Holders may be your most viable option for immediate action.
Step 5: Consider Specialized Programs If your group has particular interests or capabilities—such as supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees or those with special needs—explore targeted programs like RRAP or JAS.
Making Your Sponsorship Dream Reality
The temporary changes to Canada's refugee sponsorship system don't eliminate opportunities—they redirect them. By understanding these five alternatives and taking strategic action, you can still make a profound difference in a refugee family's life.
Remember, successful refugee sponsorship isn't just about finding available programs; it's about creating lasting community connections that help newcomers thrive in Canada. Whether you choose to work through a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, focus on refugees with special needs, or support LGBTQIA+ individuals, your commitment to refugee resettlement remains valuable and needed.
The path may look different than originally planned, but the destination—welcoming refugees into Canadian communities—remains achievable through these proven alternative pathways.
FAQ
Q: What are my options if I can't find suitable refugees through the BVOR program in my area?
You have five viable alternatives when BVOR matches aren't available. First, you can work with Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) like the Mennonite Central Committee, which continue accepting sponsorships despite the Groups of Five pause until December 2026. Second, consider the Joint Assistance Sponsorship program for refugees with special needs, offering up to 24 months of combined government and private support. Third, explore Visa Office Referred sponsorships, though these require full financial responsibility without government assistance. Fourth, the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership specifically supports LGBTQIA+ refugees with government startup funding plus your group's support. Finally, contact different organizations beyond your initial search - email bvor@rstp.ca or call 1-877-290-1701 for direct matching assistance, as new refugee profiles are regularly added to the system.
Q: How do the 2026 program changes affect my ability to sponsor refugees privately?
The November 29, 2024 changes temporarily paused new applications from Groups of Five and Community Sponsors under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program until December 31, 2026. However, this doesn't eliminate private sponsorship entirely. Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) can still accept new sponsorships and authorize Constituent Groups from your community to sponsor refugees under their umbrella agreements. Canada's immigration levels plan shows PSR program numbers decreasing by 1,000 annually through 2027, but BVOR maintains steady targets of 100 refugees per year. The key change is that you must now work through established SAHs rather than applying directly as a Group of Five. Organizations like MCC anticipate continuing sponsorship submissions throughout 2026, so private sponsorship remains accessible through the right channels.
Q: What's the difference between Joint Assistance Sponsorship and regular private sponsorship?
Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) specifically targets Government-Assisted Refugees with special needs who require additional support beyond standard resettlement assistance. Unlike regular private sponsorship where your group covers all costs, JAS creates a partnership where the government provides assistance while your group adds private sponsorship support for up to 24 months (36 months in exceptional cases). JAS focuses on refugees with medical conditions, disabilities, large families, or other circumstances requiring extra help during resettlement. Regular private sponsorship through BVOR or VOR typically involves healthy refugee families where your group provides 12 months of financial and social support. JAS offers more comprehensive, longer-term support for the most vulnerable refugee populations, making it ideal for groups specifically wanting to help those facing the greatest resettlement challenges.
Q: How does the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership work, and who can participate?
The Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP) is designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ refugees who face unique persecution and challenges. Under RRAP, the government funds startup costs and provides three months of financial support, while your sponsoring group covers the remaining nine months of financial assistance. Beyond financial support, your group provides crucial community and social support tailored to LGBTQIA+ needs, helping address discrimination and isolation these refugees often face during resettlement. Any eligible sponsoring group can participate in RRAP, whether you're a Group of Five, Community Sponsor, or Constituent Group working under a Sponsorship Agreement Holder. The program recognizes that LGBTQIA+ refugees need specialized support networks and community connections that understand their unique experiences. Contact RSTP at bvor@rstp.ca to learn about available LGBTQIA+ refugee profiles and RRAP application processes.
Q: What should I expect when working with a Sponsorship Agreement Holder instead of applying directly?
Working with a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) means partnering with an established organization that has a formal agreement with IRCC to sponsor refugees. You'll become a "Constituent Group" under their umbrella, which actually provides several advantages over direct application. SAHs offer comprehensive training programs, ongoing support throughout the sponsorship process, and established systems for refugee matching and resettlement. They handle the legal framework and paperwork requirements while providing guidance on everything from housing preparation to integration support. The process typically involves an application to become a Constituent Group, mandatory training sessions, financial capacity verification, and matching with available refugees through the SAH's networks. Organizations like MCC, Inter-cultural Association of Greater Victoria, and regional faith-based groups serve as SAHs. While you'll work under their agreement rather than your own, you maintain direct involvement in supporting your sponsored refugee family throughout their resettlement journey.
Q: Are there any financial differences between these alternative sponsorship programs?
Yes, financial requirements vary significantly between programs. BVOR provides some government financial support plus your group's contribution, making it the most cost-effective option. Visa Office Referred (VOR) sponsorships require your group to cover all resettlement costs for 12 months since no government financial assistance is included - typically $15,000-$25,000 depending on family size and location. Joint Assistance Sponsorship combines government assistance with your private support for up to 24 months, but targets special needs cases requiring higher overall investment. Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership offers government startup funding plus three months of government support, with your group covering nine months of financial assistance. When working through Sponsorship Agreement Holders, you may pay administrative fees but gain access to group purchasing power and shared resources that can reduce overall costs. Contact specific SAHs for detailed financial requirements, as some offer payment plans or community fundraising support to make sponsorship more accessible to committed groups.
