Sponsorship Cost Table
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has developed a Sponsorship Cost Table to provide sponsoring groups with an estimate of the financial resources required to support a refugee family for twelve months. Recognizing varying levels of cost of living in different regions across Canada, this table serves as a financial guideline and is roughly based on the rates of social assistance.
Sponsorship Cost Table
The following Sponsorship Cost Tables are taken from IRCC’s Financial Guideline as provided in the Refugee Sponsorship Application Kit. The cost table was updated on May 1st, 2018.
| Family Size | 12 Months of Income Support | Start-up Costs | Estimated Total Annual Settlement Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13,200 | 3,300 | 16,500 |
| 2 | 19,700 | 5,100 | 24,800 |
| 3 | 20,400 | 6,300 | 26,700 |
| 4 | 21,200 | 7,500 | 28,700 |
| 5 | 23,700 | 8,600 | 32,300 |
| 6 | 25,700 | 9,800 | 35,500 |
| For each additional member add | 1,600 | 1,100 | 2,700 |
Start-up Costs
Start-up costs include a one-time payment for:
- household items
- furniture
- linens
- food staples
- (winter) clothing
- deposit for utilities
- phone installation
- first month’s rent
Income Support
Please note that these figures are estimates and represent a guideline for the minimum amount of funds required. The costs of housing, food, and transportation can vary according to the age of dependants and locality.
In-kind Deduction Table
In-kind donations may also reduce the financial resources required. The following table below was provided by IRCC as an estimate of the value of a variety of in-kind donations according to family size. These approximate figures are based on annual costs, and may change over time.
| Family Size | Shelter | Clothing | Furniture | Household Needs | Linens | School Start-up Costs | Food Staples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7008 | 385 | 1085 | 300 | 80 | 105 | |
| 2 | 9984 | 770 | 1708 | 325 | 160 | 150 | |
| 3 | 10,632 | 1033 | 2016 | 350 | 240 | 195 | |
| 4 | 11,328 | 1295 | 2310 | 375 | 320 | 240 | |
| 5 | 12,024 | 1558 | 2604 | 400 | 400 | 285 | |
| 6 | 12,372 | 1820 | 2898 | 425 | 480 | 330 | |
| For additional member add | 12,372 (for family of 7+) | 263 | 294 | 25 | 80 | $75 per child between ages 4-21 | 45 |
The financial resources that a refugee family brings with them to Canada can reduce the amount of financial support that a sponsoring group must provide. However, please note that a contingency plan is still needed.
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Rates
The RAP rates are the minimum level of financial support that sponsors must provide when the refugee(s) arrive in Canada. Click here for more information about the RAP rates.