Temporary Pause on New Group of Five & Community Sponsor Applications under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program Extended to December 31, 2026
Dear sponsorship community, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the temporary pause on new Group of Five and Community Sponsor applications to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program until December 31, 2026.
For more details, please read the notice and instructions posted to the IRCC website today in either English or French at the links below.
English Notice
French Notice
Additional Details:
English – Department of Citizenship and Immigration, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act:
https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2025/2025-11-22/html/notice-avis-eng.html#na1
French – Ministere de la Citoyenneté et de l’Immigration, Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés:
https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2025/2025-11-22/html/notice-avis-fra.html#na1
*Please note, the BVOR program is not impacted by the pause nor its extension. Groups of Five and Community Sponsors are still eligible to apply to be matched with refugees in need of resettlement under the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program. Please note, the BVOR program matches sponsors with refugees that are not known to them – sponsors cannot name refugees to participate in the program.
Monthly Series # 1: What is the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program & how does it work?
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
Please note: this webinar starts at 4 pm EDT and runs for 2 hours.
Monthly Series #4: How to Prepare for Arrival & Meeting Post-Arrival Needs and Requirements in an Ethical Way
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).
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
Please note: this webinar starts at 6 PM Eastern Time on February 25th.
Monthly Series #3: Submitting a Private Sponsorship Application Online – through the PR Portal
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.
The monthly webinars are a 5 part PSR webinar series where you will learn how to become a PSR refugee sponsor by going through the entire process from A-Z.
Please note -this event starts at 6 PM Eastern Time. Registration is required.
Monthly Webinar 3: How to Prepare a Successful PSR Application
The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program enables people in Canada to sponsor refugees that they have a connection with, whether it’s a friend, a family member or someone that you know of. Join our free hands-on webinar to learn how to prepare a successful PSR application.
In this third session, we will take a look at the application process.The monthly webinars are a 7 part webinar series where you will learn how to become a PSR refugee sponsor by going through the entire process from A-Z. If you’re already a sponsor, you are welcome to join us again for a quick refresher course.
Learning Format: Continue to learn about the PSR program by walking through the application process with our case-study group. See how Aliyah and her sponsorship group fill out the sponsorship application package. This webinar is the perfect opportunity for you to set yourself up for success! Gain insight into the key components of a successful application and avoid common mistakes. We will review common reasons why applications may be returned or denied. Join our case study members and learn from their experiences.
Please REGISTER HERE. *Note: this webinar is taking place from 4 – 6 PM Eastern Time.
Post-arrival Budget Calculations (Webinar for Groups of 5 and Community Sponsors)
Explore the budget calculations post-application submission, considering potential changes such as newborns or new spouses. Learn how to ensure newcomer refugees receive the recommended RAP Rates and gain insights into essential assurance activities for sponsors.
Please note registration is required. This webinar starts at 5 PM CST (Central Standard Time) / 6 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time).
REGISTER HERE
April Monthly Webinar 2: Preparing a Settlement Plan
Join us for a hands-on webinar about Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. In this second session, you will find out how to get started on your application. The monthly webinars are a 7 part webinar series where you will learn how to become a PSR refugee sponsor by going through the entire process from A-Z.
If you’re already a sponsor, you are welcome to join us again for a quick refresher course.
Learning Format:
Continue to learn about the PSR program by walking through the entire sponsorship process, following a case-study of Aliya and her sponsorship group as they figure out why the settlement plan is central to the application.
Learn how to calculate the application budget. Find out where to find the current application guide and how to read it with ease. And finally, let’s not forget the importance of planning for contingencies!
Please note: registration is required. This event is taking place on Eastern Daylight Time and is accessible anywhere across Canada.
Unlocking Success: G5/CS Sponsors’ Post-Arrival Responsibilities Workshop
A workshop aimed at G5/CS Sponsors, delving into the intricacies of post-arrival responsibilities. Explore ethical considerations and vital practices and gain insights to elevate your sponsorship journey.
This workshop will take place in Central Standard Time.
Before & After Arrival Sponsors’ Responsibilities: A Guide for Community Sponsors & Groups of Five
Ready to embark on a transformative journey as a sponsor? Join our webinar tailored for Community Sponsors & Groups of Five. Explore financial and settlement responsibilities and discover how settlement agencies can be your guiding partners!
Before & After Arrival Sponsors’ Responsibilities: A Guide for Community Sponsors & Groups of Five
Ready to embark on a transformative journey as a sponsor? Join our webinar tailored for Community Sponsors & Groups of Five. Explore financial and settlement responsibilities and discover how settlement agencies can be your guiding partners!
