Latest Policy & Program Updates - Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP)

Information from IRCC on the Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement for Air Travelers and Sponsored Refugees

January 21, 2021 -

IRCC has shared the information below on the negative COVID-19 test requirement for air travelers that came into effect on January 07, 2021 and the measures that have been implemented to assist sponsored refugees with meeting this requirement: The Minister of Transport has put in place a new requirement, effective January 7, 2021, that all […]

COVID-19 Factsheets for Sponsored and Resettled Refugees

August 17, 2020 -

IRCC has produced factsheets for sponsored and resettled refugees. The factsheets provide information on the symptoms of COVID-19 and how to prevent its spread; and, information on what will happen on arrival in Canada, including the procedures that will be followed at the airport and the mandatory 14-day quarantine. The factsheets are available to download […]

Travel Resumption Resource Kit for Refugee Sponsors (Updated February 2021)

July 17, 2020 -

RSTP’s Travel Resumption Resource Kit for Refugee Sponsors is available to download at the links below. The kit: Outlines the procedure that IRCC will follow before booking travel for sponsored refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic; Summarizes the mandatory entry requirements that all persons arriving or entering Canada must follow, including sponsored refugees; Provides readiness checklists that […]

Letter Templates for Use by Sponsors on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

June 12, 2020 -

IRCC has shared letter templates that sponsors can adapt for use with the newcomers they sponsor so they: Understand the consequences of applying and receiving funds from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) if they do not meet the eligibility requirements of the program; and, Understand that any funds received from the CERB is considered […]

IRCC Multi-Language Resources on COVID-19

May 8, 2020 -

IRCC has translated some existing COVID-19 related resources into various languages, including information on the financial assistance programs available to sponsored newcomers if they meet the eligibility requirements for each of the programs. The resources can be accessed on IRCC’s website at the following links: English: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/financial-assistance.html French: https://www.canada.ca/fr/immigration-refugies-citoyennete/services/coronavirus-covid19/aide-financiere.html For information on how COVID-19 is affecting refugee […]

Guidance from IRCC for Private Sponsors Regarding COVID-19

May 8, 2020 -

IRCC acknowledges the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the refugee sponsorship community. Refugee sponsors have an important role to play in ensuring that sponsored refugees continue to receive the standard levels of support while taking into account COVID-19 specific guidelines created by governments at all levels. IRCC have produced a document* […]

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Multi-Language Resources on COVID-19

April 6, 2020 -

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has a number of multi-language awareness resources on COVID-19, including fact sheets on physical distancing, how to reduce the spread of COVID-19, how to self-isolate, taking care of your mental health during self-isolation and advice for mothers on pregnancy and caring for newborns. The resources can be accessed […]

RSTP Services to Sponsors Continue Virtually

March 31, 2020 -

March 31, 2020 RSTP continues to provide a full range of virtual services to Canada’s refugee sponsorship community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check our website, www.rstp.ca, for dates and times of upcoming online workshops and courses. RSTP trainers across Canada are available for virtual consultation from 9 to 5 each day, by appointment. Among […]

COVID-19: ROC-O Update on Refugee Arrivals

March 31, 2020 -

Following the announcement of the Prime Minister on March 16, 2020, travel to Canada has been restricted in response to COVID-19, allowing entry only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with certain exceptions. Detailed information on these exceptions have been outlined and include family members of Canadian citizens and residents, and foreign nationals, including privately-sponsored refugees […]

COVID-19 – Update from IRCC on Submission of Refugee Sponsorship Applications

March 25, 2020 -

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, IRCC offices have scaled down their services to the public as of March 17, 2020. Following the directive of Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer and local health authorities, all ROC-O employees are teleworking in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Due to the current disruption to normal operations, […]