Refugee Sponsorship in Canada

Who is a refugee?

A refugee is a person who has fled their country of origin due to a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

What is resettlement?

Many refugees flee to countries where they do not have rights and freedoms. Resettlement is when a refugee is granted permission to establish themselves permanently in a third country, because they cannot stay where they are and they cannot return to their country of origin. For the refugees sponsored by Anglican SAHs (Sponsorship Agreement Holders), resettlement is their only option for a safe future.

What is the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program?

The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program involves Canadians personally welcoming refugee newcomers into their communities, thus enabling their resettlement. A volunteer sponsor group commits to providing financial, emotional and settlement support to a refugee individual or family for their first year in Canada. The PSR program began with the ‘Boat People’ in the late 1970s and has earned Canada recognition worldwide. Through its dioceses, the Anglican Church of Canada was among the first organizations to sponsor refugees in this way.

How can our parish make a difference?

If your diocese is a SAH (see list below) your parish can form a refugee sponsorship group and sponsor a refugee individual or family for resettlement in Canada. The diocesan Refugee Coordinator can help you navigate the process.

How much money do we need to raise?

Sponsors must provide financial support for one year from the refugees’ arrival in Canada. Fundraising needs vary based on the cost of living, in-kind donations, family size and type of sponsorship application. Sometimes parishes partner with families here who provide some or all the funds. Approximately 70% of the total required funds must be raised before an application can be submitted to the Government of Canada. Here are some examples of total funds needed:

• Sponsor-identified (Named) Sponsorships: Single person: $20,000, Family of five: $45,000
• Blended Visa-Officer Referred Sponsorships: Single person: $14,000, Family of five: $35,000

What other responsibilities are involved in being a sponsor?

• Reception: Meet the newcomers at the airport.
• Lodging: Provide suitable housing, basic furniture, and household items.
• Care: Food, clothing, public transportation and basic necessities.
• Settlement Support: Help newcomers adjust to life in Canada (language training, employment or education, day-to-day life, expectations).

How long does the process take?

It usually takes the Refugee Coordinator and sponsors a few months to prepare a refugee application. After submission, it usually takes about two years for the Government of Canada to process a Sponsor-identified (Named) application. Refugees sponsored through the Blended Visa-Office Referred (BVOR) program have already been accepted to Canada, and usually arrive 2-4 months after being matched with a sponsor group. In both instances, the sponsorship period lasts one year from arrival.

To learn more:

• Contact the Refugee Coordinator in your diocese to learn more about sponsorship opportunities for your parish or community. Your diocesan synod office will have their contact information.
• Invite the Refugee Coordinator to speak to your parish, its outreach committee or community sponsorship group.
• The Anglican Sponsorship Agreement Holders are:
  • Diocese of Islands and Inlets (B.C.)
  • Diocese of New Westminster
  • Diocese of Kootenay
  • Diocese of Edmonton
  • Diocese of Calgary
  • Diocese of Saskatoon
  • Diocese of Qu’Appelle
  • Diocese of Rupert’s Land
  • Diocese of Huron
  • Diocese of Niagara
  • Diocese of Toronto
  • Diocese of Ontario
  • Diocese of Ottawa
  • Diocese of Montreal
  • Diocese of Nova Scotia/PEI