Although Canada is a peaceful country with freedom of expression, the liberty to do as we choose, and the capacity to live a somewhat normal life, this is not the case for many people throughout the world. When a country is ravaged by war and famine, all anyone can hope for is to end up in a place where they no longer have to fear for their lives. Fortunately, the Canadian government has made it possible to sponsor a refugee for up to three years and must be willing to give them all essentials as well as financial support.
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PSR (Private Sponsorship of Refugees) Program
The PSR Program enables private organizations to support qualified refugees abroad. As a private sponsor, you will provide financial assistance to a refugee for the duration of the sponsorship, which is often up to one year. You will provide the following assistance:
Start-up expenditures, such as furniture and clothing, ongoing monthly costs for basic requirements, such as accommodation, food, and public transportation, and social and emotional support for refugees
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Who Is Enabled to Sponsor Refugees?
It is not legal in Canada to sponsor a refugee on your own. In Canada, you must be a member of one of the following groups:
Sponsorship agreement holders (SAH) enter into arrangements with the Government of Canada to assist refugees who arrive to Canada.
Constituent Groups are organizations that collaborate with SAHs to sponsor refugees under the terms of the SAH agreement.
Groups of Five are groups of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who help refugees settle in their communities.
Organizations, associations, or corporations that sponsor refugees are known as community sponsors.
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How to Locate a Refugee Sponsorship Organization
Find out how to join a sponsoring group in your region by contacting them.
To learn how to start your own sponsorship group, contact the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP).
