Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP)

National webinar: 'Walkthrough of the Permanent Resident (PR) Portal for invited parties'
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All sponsorship group types (including SAHs and their CGs/Co-Sponsors, Community Sponsors and Groups of Five) who are sponsoring through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program.

Please join us for a demonstration how to submit Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) sponsorship applications on IRCC’s Permanent Residence Portal (PR Portal) for sponsors and/or refugee applicants who are invited to a sponsorship application. Attendees will learn about the steps that invited sponsors and/or principal applicants will need to take to create an account, access the application they have been invited to, complete the parts specific to them, and upload required information.

Register Here

National webinar: 'Strategies for a successful application; preparing for the PSR interview' (Series part 3 of 3)
2026-05-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All sponsorship group types sponsoring under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program, including SAHs and their Co-Sponsors and Constituent Groups, as well as Groups of Five and Community Sponsors.
Anyone interested in this topic.

This workshop is designed to empower you (the sponsors), with the knowledge and tools to effectively support the sponsored refugees in preparing for their interview. Whether you are still completing the PSR application or are already waiting for an interview date, we encourage sponsors at any stage of the application process to join us.
During this interactive webinar, we will provide you with strategies to:
• Demystify the interview process: understand the interview’s purpose and the Visa Officer’s key goals.
• Build refugee confidence: Learn how to coach refugees to navigate their interview with clarity and assurance.
• Promote effective communication: Emphasize the importance of truthful, complete answers and how to empower refugees to speak up when clarification is needed.

Questions? Contact our webinar facilitators at:
May Amouri – mamouri@rstp.ca, , Lubna Bajjali – lbajjali@rstp.ca

Register Here

National webinar: 'Understanding the Social Insurance (SIN) number application process (guest speaker from Service Canada)'
2026-05-27 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual
This virtual info session for all private sponsorship groups will focus on applying for the refugee newcomer’s Social Insurance Number and the related process(es). As part of their sponsorship responsibilities, PSR and BVOR sponsors are expected to assist the refugee newcomers they sponsored with obtaining SIN documentation.
We have invited a guest speaker from Service Canada to present about the topic. Attendees will also have a chance to ask questionsat the end of the presentation.

You will learn about:
What a Social Insurance Number is
How and where to apply
The ‘My Service Canada’ account

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to the BC RSTP Trainer, Gizol, via email at gshah@rstp.ca.

Register

National webinar: 'Addressing Secondary Migration: what sponsors need to know’
2026-05-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All sponsorship group types (including SAHs and their CG’s and Co-sponsors, Groups of Five, Community Sponsors)
PSR and BVOR program sponsors

This webinar provides an overview of secondary migration among Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs), focusing on the implications for sponsors and newcomers. Participants will learn how to manage sponsorship responsibilities when refugees move to a different community, understand reporting and communication procedures, and explore best practices for supporting successful resettlement after relocation.
Register Here

Regional webinar (Ontario): 'Strategies for a successful application; understanding durable solutions' (Series part 3 of 3)
2026-05-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All sponsorship group types sponsoring under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program, including SAHs and their Co-Sponsors and Constituent Groups, as well as Groups of Five and Community Sponsors in Ontario.
Anyone interested in this topic.

During this online training session with regional RSTP trainers from Ontario, we will take a deep dive into one of the most critical and often challenging eligibility requirements for refugee sponsorship: demonstrating that the applicant has “no durable solution” in their country of asylum.
You will learn about:
• The legal foundation of durable solutions,
• What the three durable solutions are,
• The law versus reality,

You will walk away from this training session with a better understanding of ‘Durable Solutions’ and you’ll have a practical toolkit to help you navigate them.

Questions? Contact our webinar facilitators May Amouri or Lubna Bajjali at:
May Amouri – mamouri@rstp.ca, , Lubna Bajjali – lbajjali@rstp.ca
Please note: while this webinar is intended for sponsors in Ontario to get to know their regional trainers, all sponsorship groups from across Canada are welcome to attend if the time of this session is most convenient. For participants outside of Ontario, we ask that you reach out to the RSTP trainer in your region if you have any follow-up questions.

Register Here

National webinar: 'The One-Year Window of Opportunity Provision (OYW) for settlement workers'
2026-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
Settlement service professionals (Settlement workers and counsellors, Settlement Provider Organizations)

This session will provide an overview of the OYW provision under Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program, which allows resettled refugees to be reunited with immediate family members left behind. Participants will gain a clear understanding of eligibility criteria, the application process, required documentation, and best practices for preparing and submitting successful OYW applications.
This training is recommended for Frontline Staff at Service Provider Organizations involved in the case management or coordination of sponsorship applications and supporting clients with One Year Window applications or inquiries.

Register Here

National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#3 Submitting your Private Sponsorship of Refugees Application online on the PR Portal’
2026-05-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
This hands-on webinar by the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) is for new and experienced sponsors who want to learn about the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. Join us to learn how to submit your PSR application online, through the Permanent Residence Portal (PR portal).
In this session, we will cover information about:
*how to submit the application package online.
*how to navigate the new PR Portal and find out how to access it and how to log in.
* the difference between a Primary Sponsor and a Principal Applicant – and the documents that each of them need to upload to the portal.
*how to review your application in detail before submitting it online
*common application mistakes that you can avoid making.

Register Here

Regional webinar (Ontario): 'Strategies for a successful application; understanding the Schedule 2 form' (Series part 1 of 3)
2026-05-19 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All sponsorship group types sponsoring under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program, including SAHs and their Co-Sponsors and Constituent Groups, as well as Groups of Five and Community Sponsors.
Anyone interested in this topic.

For sponsors participating in the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program, the Schedule 2 form is a critical part of the application package and process. It determines the Principal Applicant’s (PAs) eligibility for the program. It also guides and supports the applicant during their interview, and helps demonstrate that no durable solution option exists for them. Missing or incomplete information on this form can lead to delays and even refusals.
Benefits of attending this webinar:
• Understand the importance of the Schedule 2 form in the PSR sponsorship application and process.
• Learn step-by-step how to complete the form accurately.
• Avoid common mistakes and information gaps that could impact your application.

Questions? Contact our webinar facilitators May Amouri or Lubna Bajjali at:
May @ mamouri@rstp.ca, Lubna @ lbajjali@rstp.ca

Register Here

National webinar: ' The One-Year Window of Opportunity (OYW) provision: eligibility criteria and the application process'
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All sponsorship group types (including SAHs and their CG’s and Co-sponsors, Groups of Five, Community Sponsors)
Sponsors in the PSR, BVOR and/or JAS programs
Sponsored refugee newcomers (who have been in Canada for less than one year)

Have you recently welcomed a family with non-accompanying dependents? Would you like to learn more about the family reunification process under the One-Year-Window (OYW) program?
This session will provide an overview of the OYW program and the main eligibility criteria; it will walk the attendees through the application forms and requirements; and it will provide a hands-on guidance on how to submit a OYW application using the PR Portal. The session will be followed by a Q&A.

Register Here

National webinar: 'Pre-arrival support services, preparing the refugees you sponsored for their move to Canada'
2026-05-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All refugee sponsors
Refugee newcomers

This virtual info session is for all private sponsorship groups or potential sponsors on the topic of pre-arrival services.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about free government-funded services that are available to sponsored refugees before their arrive in Canada. Join us to learn more about when sponsored refugees will be eligible for these services, and how they can assist eligible refugees with registration. Guest Speakers from three pre-arrival programs (SOPA, Next Stop Canada, and AEIP) will be presenting at the session and will provide information about their services and how they might be beneficial to both sponsors and refugees. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions at the end of the session.
Learn about:
Free pre-arrival programs
Eligibility requirements
Registration process
Various settlement services

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to our RSTP trainer and session host, Gizol, via email at gshah@rstp.ca.

Register Here

Regional webinar: 'Information session: settlement services in Halifax'
2026-05-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
SAHs and their Constituent Groups & Co-Sponsors who are involved in the BVOR and/or PSR refugee sponsorship programs
Sponsored refugee newcomers

Guest speakers from the YMCA and ISANS will share information for private sponsors on the topic of Free Settlement Services available in Halifax. Find out what is available for sponsored refugees, how to sign up for programs, and ask your questions!
What are Settlement Services? Settlement service providers (SPOs) are agencies that provide free services to newcomers (and their sponsors) to assist them during their settlement period in Canada, through their ‘Settlement Workers’ or ‘Settlement Counsellors’. They can help with things like providing information about available English classes and placements, school enrolments for children, job search counselling and other employment related supports. Settlement workers can be a great additional support for any refugee sponsorship group and the newcomer(s) they support.

Register Here
Time: 2 pm – 3 pm ADT / (1 pm – 2 pm EDT)

National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#2. How to prepare a successful application package for the PSR program’
2026-05-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
This hands-on webinar by the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) is for new and experienced sponsors who want to learn about the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. Join us to get an in-depth understanding of how to prepare applications to sponsor under the PSR program.
We will go over the following information:
* an overview of the entire application process
*how to structure applications
*how and where to complete the application forms
*and a list of the supporting documents that must be included with the application
package – to make sure that the application is complete.

Register Here

National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#1. What is the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program & how does it work?” (For PSR sponsors)
2026-05-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
This hands-on webinar by the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) is for new and experienced sponsors who want to learn about the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. Join us to get an in-depth understanding of the PSR program.
We will go over the following information:
*an overview of Canada’s refugee sponsorship and resettlement programs
*who can sponsor under the PSR program
*the eligibility and admissibility requirements for refugees being sponsored under the PSR program
*the importance of refugee status documents and who needs them
*and, an overview of the application process.
The monthly webinars are a 5-part PSR program webinar series where attendees will learn how to become a PSR refugee sponsor by going through the entire process from A-Z. These webinar series can also be taken as refresher sessions for existing sponsors.

Register Here

National webinar: 'Info session: scam and fraud awareness & prevention'
2026-05-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All refugee sponsors
Refugee newcomers
Scams and fraud are becoming more sophisticated, with the use of artificial intelligence (AI), some scams and fraud are harder to recognize. Anyone can be a target, especially newcomers like sponsored refugees who may still be adjusting to life in Canada and may not be familiar with these threats.
During this info session, private sponsors AND refugee newcomers across Canada will have the opportunity to learn more about scams and fraud to build their awareness. Whether they’re new to this topic or looking to deepen their understanding, attendees will gain the knowledge and tools to recognize and prevent potential threats.
A guest speaker from the settlement provider organization MOSAIC will join us to present on this topic. Attendees will also have a chance to ask any questions at the end of the session.
Learn about:
Common scams targeting vulnerable groups
The basics of A.I: risks, benefits, and responsible use
Practical prevention strategies
Resources for victims of fraud and scams
Simulation games and interactive activities

Have questions? Contact our RSTP Trainer and host, Gizol over email at gshah@rstp.ca
Register Here

National webinar: 'Ask us anything about the BVOR refugee sponsorship program'
2026-05-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
Anyone in Canada, interested in becoming a refugee sponsor through the BVOR program
Existing BVOR sponsors who are actively sponsoring someone right now, whether new to the program or experienced (including Groups of Five, Community Sponsors and Workplace Sponsorship participants)

Join us live on Zoom to ask our BVOR worker, Parastoo, anything about the BVOR refugee sponsorship program – that is the program that matches potential sponsors like you with refugees in need of resettlement to Canada. Whether you’re a seasoned or new refugee sponsor, or just taking your first steps towards your first BVOR sponsorship – all people and questions are welcome! Please make sure to register to reserve your spot. Join us for the whole hour, or drop by anytime during the hour to ask your question(s). If we cannot get through all of your questions, we will do our best to respond to you over email after the webinar.

Register Here

*Before you register – please note, refugees for the BVOR program are referred to Canada by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and selected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Refugees cannot apply to participate in this program. The BVOR ‘Ask me Anything’ sessions are held several times throughout the year and participants may stay for the whole session or drop by anytime throughout the hour to ask their question(s). Please note, we will answer your questions on a first-come first-served basis, and we’ll do our best to answer any remaining questions that we cannot cover throughout the hour, by email.

National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#5. Preparing for and transitioning to month 13 of the sponsorship’
2026-04-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
This hands-on webinar by the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) is for new and experienced sponsors who want to learn about the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. Join us to find out what ‘Month 13’ is in the context of a PSR sponsorship.
We will go over the following information:
*learn about Month 13 and when sponsors should start preparing for the transition to Month 13 of the sponsorship
*learn about resources that are available to assist sponsors and sponsored newcomers during this transition
*learn about the considerations that sponsors and sponsored newcomers should make when beginning to prepare for the transition
*find out about the services that are available to sponsored newcomers during Month 13
*learn how to evaluate the sponsorship period.

Register Here
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4219320250586102874

Please note: this webinar starts at 4 pm Eastern Time and is one hour long.

National webinar: 'Understanding the new RAP rates: key changes & what you need to know’
2026-04-28 15:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All sponsorship group types (including SAHs and their CG’s and Co-sponsors, Groups of Five, Community Sponsors)
PSR and BVOR programs

The updated Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) rates came into effect on January 26, 2026.
Groups of Five and Community Sponsors can join this session to learn more about the changes, including how to calculate the new Housing Supplement maximum, the new features that have been added to the Minimum Financial Support Calculator, and more!
Questions? Contact Lubna at lbajjali@rstp.ca or Helen at hsmithmcintyre@rstp.ca

Register Here

National webinar (for SAHs): 'Be ready: Emergency preparedness training'
2026-04-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
This session is intended for:
Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) and their Constituent Groups and Co-sponsors in Atlantic Canada, SAH participants from across Canada are welcome to join.
Learn how to protect yourself, your household, and the newcomers you support in the event of an emergency or disaster. Learn practical steps from the Red Cross on how to stay prepared – such as building an emergency kit, creating a clear communication plan, and organizing an effective evacuation strategy.
*Please note that although some information shared in this session may be specific to the Atlantic Canada region, this is a valuable training session for all SAHs and their CGs & Co-sponsors from across Canada.

Register Here

National webinar: 'Changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)'
2026-04-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-21 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All refugee sponsors (PSR, BVOR and JAS programs)
All sponsored refugee newcomers (PSR, BVOR and JAS programs)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced upcoming changes to the supplemental coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). The changes will come into effect on May 1st, 2026.
Learn more at one of our upcoming info sessions in April. Please register to attend (all sessions are the same, please only register for one).

Info session registration:

April 18 at 1-2 pm EDT – Register

April 21 at 3-4 pm EDT – Register

April 23 at 7-8 pm EDT – Register

National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#4. Preparing for arrival and meeting the program requirements and newcomer’s needs in an ethical way’
2026-04-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
This hands-on webinar by the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) is for new and experienced sponsors who want to learn about the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. Join us to review or learn about sponsors’ settlement responsibilities when sponsoring refugees under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) and Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) programs
We will go over the following information:
*review of sponsors’ settlement responsibilities under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) and Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) programs
*the important ethical considerations to keep in mind when sponsoring refugees
*learn about the inherent power imbalance that exists in the sponsor-sponsored newcomer relationship and tips on how to mitigate this imbalance
*learn about the importance of managing the expectations of the sponsors and the newcomer(s).

Register Here

Please note, this webinar starts at 4 pm Eastern Time and is two hours long.

National webinar: '‘Addressing Secondary Migration: what sponsors need to know’
2026-04-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
All sponsorship group types (including SAHs and their CG’s and Co-sponsors, Groups of Five, Community Sponsors)
PSR program only

This webinar provides an overview of secondary migration among Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs), focusing on the implications for sponsors and newcomers. Participants will learn how to manage sponsorship responsibilities when refugees move to a different community, understand reporting and communication procedures, and explore best practices for supporting successful resettlement after relocation.
Register Here

National Webinar: ‘Post-arrival responsibilities - getting to know IRCC’s Assurance activities’
2026-04-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
Groups of Five who are sponsoring through the PSR and/or BVOR program
Groups of Five who are sponsoring through the PSR and/or BVOR program
RSTP’s sponsorship trainer, Gizol, will be hosting a virtual info session for Groups of Five and Community Sponsors on the topic of the sponsors’ post-arrival responsibilities – with a focus on assurance activities. This webinar is open to Groups of Five and Community Sponsors who are sponsoring through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program and/or the the Blended Visa-Office Referred (BVOR) program.
This is the third and final interactive webinar in a 3-part spring info series, this session will focus on the Assurance Activities that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts and how sponsors can ensure that they are collecting the appropriate ‘Proof of Support’ documentation.
Have questions? Contact Gizol by email at gshah@rstp.ca

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National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#3 Submitting your Private Sponsorship of Refugees Application online on the PR Portal’
2026-04-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
This hands-on webinar by the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) is for new and experienced sponsors who want to learn about the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. Join us to learn how to submit your PSR application online, through the Permanent Residence Portal (PR portal).
In this session, we will cover information about:
*how to submit the application package online.
*how to navigate the new PR Portal and find out how to access it and how to log in.
* the difference between a Primary Sponsor and a Principal Applicant – and the documents that each of them need to upload to the portal.
*how to review your application in detail before submitting it online
*common application mistakes that you can avoid making.

Register Here

Please note, this webinar starts at 4 pm Eastern Time.

National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#2. How to prepare a successful application package for the PSR program’
2026-04-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
This hands-on webinar by the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) is for new and experienced sponsors who want to learn about the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. Join us to get an in-depth understanding of how to prepare applications to sponsor under the PSR program.
We will go over the following information:
* an overview of the entire application process
*how to structure applications
*how and where to complete the application forms
*and a list of the supporting documents that must be included with the application
package – to make sure that the application is complete.

Register Here

Please note: this webinar starts at 4 pm Eastern Time and is two hours long.

About the Monthly Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) webinar series:
The monthly webinars are a 5-part PSR program webinar series where attendees will learn how to become a PSR refugee sponsor by going through the entire process from A-Z. These webinar series can also be taken as refresher sessions for existing sponsors.

Regional webinar, British Columbia: ‘The post-arrival responsibilities of PSR sponsors, on managing expectations & ethical considerations’
2026-04-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
This webinar is intended for:
Groups of Five & Community Sponsors in BC
PSR program only

This virtual Info Session on April 15, 2026 (`11:00 am PST to 1:00 pm PST) about the post-arrival responsibilities of Groups of Five and Community Sponsors in the PSR program will focus on managing your group’s expectations (and the newcomer’s) and making ethical considerations. This is the second workshop in a 3-part spring info series:
-The first session of the series was on the topic the sponsor’s responsibilities during the post-arrival period
– The third session of the series will be held on Wednesday, April 22 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm PST. This session will focus on the Assurance Activities that IRCC conducts and how sponsors can ensure that they are collecting the appropriate Proof of Support documentation. You can register for the the April 22nd session here.
Have questions? Contact our BC RSTP Trainer, Gizol, by email at gshah@rstp.ca.

Register Here
(or visit https://bit.ly/Apr15_PSRManagingExpectations to register)

National webinar: 'Workshop for the Constituent Groups and Co-Sponsors of SAHs' (with certificate)
2026-04-15 08:00 - 17:00
Please note this interactive webinar is for:
Constituent Groups and Co-Sponsors of Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) – who are participating in the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program.

This interactive webinar (online workshop) will provide an orientation for the Constituent Groups (CGs) and co-sponsors of SAHs that are sponsoring refugees under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. The following topics will be covered:
the relationship between CGs, co-sponsors and SAHs;
the minimum amount of financial support that sponsors are expected to provide to refugees sponsored under the PSR program on arrival based on the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) rates and how to use the Minimum Financial Support Calculator;
situations that may change the amount of financial support that sponsors are expected to provide once the refugees arrive in Canada;
an overview of the sponsors’ settlement responsibilities under the PSR program and how settlement agencies can assist sponsors with fulfilling their settlement responsibilities;
an overview of IRCC’s post-arrival assurance activities.

National webinar: '‘A walkthrough of the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal & refresher session for SAHs’
2026-04-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
This webinar is for:
Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) and their CG’s and Co-sponsors
PSR program only

Please join us for this refresher training that will provide reminders on how to create an account on the portal, how to prepare an application for submission via the Portal, guidance on uploading supporting documents, and troubleshooting technical challenges.
Questions? Contact Anoush at mnewman@rstp.ca
Register Here
