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 (America/New_York) | 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: 'Changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)'
2026-04-21 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00
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: ‘#2. How to prepare a successful application package for the PSR program’
2026-04-16 16:00 - 18:00
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.

National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#1. What is the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program & how does it work?” (For PSR sponsors)
2026-04-15 16:00 - 18:00
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

Regional webinar, British Columbia: ‘The post-arrival responsibilities of PSR sponsors, on managing expectations & ethical considerations’
2026-04-15 14:00 - 16:00
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: '‘A walkthrough of the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal & refresher session for SAHs’
2026-04-14 14:00 - 15:00
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

National webinar: '‘The One-Year-Window of Opportunity (OYW) provision: eligibility criteria & the application process’
2026-04-08 18:00 - 19:30
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 or JAS programs
Sponsored refugee newcomers (who have been in Canada for under a 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.
Questions? Contact Anoush at mnewman@rstp.ca

Register Here

Regional webinar, British Columbia: 'The post-arrival responsibilities of PSR sponsors'
2026-04-08 14:00 - 16:00
This webinar is intended for:
Groups of Five & Community Sponsors in BC
PSR program only

Join this virtual info session for Groups of Five and Community Sponsors on the topic of PSR Post Arrival Responsibilities – with a focus on orientation and overall requirements.
This will be the first workshop in a 3-part spring info series, second session of the series (Wednesday, April 15 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm PDT) will focus on how sponsoring groups can manage their expectations and the ethical considerations of sponsorship:
The third session of the series (Wednesday, April 22 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm PDT) will focus on the Assurance Activities that IRCC conducts and how sponsors can ensure that they are collecting the appropriate Proof of Support documentation.
Questions? Contact Gizol at gshah@rstp.ca

Register Here

National webinar: 'Lunch & Learn: The Disability Tax Credit, Canada Disability Benefit, and other Financial Supports'
2026-03-27 12:00 - 13:30
This training session is intended for:
All types of sponsorship groups (SAHs, G5, Community Sponsors) participating in any of the Private Refugee Sponsorship programs (PSR, BVOR, JAS)
Sponsored refugee newcomers

In this information session, learn about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and other related benefits. The DTC is a principal disability support that provides access to other important tax benefits, including the Canada Disability Benefit, Child Disability Benefit, Canada Worker’s Benefit, Disability Supports Deduction. Those with the DTC can also open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)—a long term financial savings plan designed to help people with disabilities with their financial futures. In this session, learn about these different benefits, their eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Register Here

Regional webinar, Edmonton AB: 'Showcasing settlement agencies and their free services in Edmonton'
2026-03-26 20:00 - 21:30
This virtual information session is intended for:
Private sponsorship groups (PSR program) in Edmonton
Sponsored refugee newcomers

Edmontonians, learn about the free settlement programs and services available to sponsored refugees in your region.
Under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program, private sponsoring groups—including Groups of Five, Community Sponsors, and Sponsorship Agreement Holders—are responsible for ensuring that the essential settlement needs of the newcomers they sponsored are met throughout the 12-month post-arrival support period.
While this responsibility can feel overwhelming, the good news is that sponsors are not expected to manage it alone. Settlement Provider Organizations (SPOs) offer free professional support to newcomers (and their sponsors). Settlement workers play a key role in complementing and strengthening the support provided by private sponsors. By collaborating with SPO staff, sponsorship groups can help ensure a smoother and more successful settlement and integration journey for the refugees they support.
Guest speakers from three Edmonton-based settlement organizations will be present, including: Catholic Social Services, the Newcomer Centre, and Action for Healthy Communities. They will share detailed information about their programs, services, and how these resources can benefit both sponsors and sponsored refugees.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please get in touch with Edmonton RSTP Trainer, Meghri, at mnerses@rstp.ca.
Register Here

National webinar: 'Best practices for monitoring'
2026-03-25 18:30 - 20:00
This webinar is for:
All sponsorship group types (including SAHs and their CG’s and Co-sponsors, Groups of 5, Community Sponsors) participating in the PSR and BVOR programs

Monitoring is one of the most important responsibilities of a sponsoring group. This session covers what meaningful, respectful monitoring looks like in practice, what to document, and how to identify when a refugee family may need additional support. You’ll leave with practical tools and confidence to fulfill this part of your commitment well.

Register Here
Note: this webinar starts at 6:30 pm EDT

National webinar: 'Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) rate calculations for the post-arrival period' (For Groups of Five & Community Sponsors)
2026-03-25 12:00 - 13:00
This webinar is intended for:
Groups of 5 & Community Sponsors in the PSR program

The updated Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) rates came into effect on January 26, 2026.
Groups of Five and Community Sponsors can join this online training 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!

Register Here

Regional webinar, Greater Toronto Area ON.: ‘‘GTA Lunch & Learn for Groups of 5 and Community Sponsors: Fulfilling IRCC’s post arrival responsibilities for refugee sponsors’ (Part 2 of 2)
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00
This webinar is for:
Groups of 5 and Community Sponsors participating in the PSR and BVOR programs

This is the second webinar in a two-part training series on providing post-arrival support. This session will equip sponsors with helpful tools and best practices to ensure the successful settlement and integration of the newcomers they sponsored.
Learn about:

Managing expectations and ethical considerations
Best practices for ongoing support of newcomers
Available RSTP resources for refugee sponsors

Questions? Contact May at mamouri@rstp.ca

Register Here

National webinar: 'Secondary Migration - when sponsored refugees move away'
2026-03-23 19:00 - 20:30
This webinar is for:
All types of refuge sponsorship groups (SAHs & their Constituent Groups and Co-Sponsors, Groups of Five, Community Sponsors) participating in the PSR and/or BVOR (or JAS) programs.
Lawyers
Refugee applicants abroad (PSR program)

When a sponsored refugee moves away from your community (the intended community of settlement where the sponsors live), it can raise a lot of questions about your sponsorship obligations. This session will help you, the sponsors, understand what secondary migration means for your group, what responsibilities remain, and how to respond effectively when it happens. Whether you’ve experienced it or want to be prepared, this is a conversation worth having.

Register Here

Regional webinar, Greater Toronto Area ON.: ‘‘GTA Lunch & Learn for Groups of 5 and Community Sponsors: Fulfilling IRCC’s post arrival responsibilities for PSR sponsors’ (Part 1 of 2)’
2026-03-23 12:00 - 13:00
This webinar is intended for:
Groups of 5 and Community Sponsors participating in the PSR program

This first webinar in a two-part training series will provide an overview of the sponsors’ post-arrival responsibilities under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program as required by IRCC.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of their financial and settlement obligations and learn how to ensure compliance while effectively supporting newcomers.
Learn about:

Financial responsibilities and RAP rates
How to Calculate the Level of financial support using the online Minimum Financial Support Calculator
Settlement responsibilities
IRCC’s Post-Arrival Monitoring and Program Assurance Activities

Questions? Contact May at mamouri@rstp.ca

Register Here

National webinar: 'RSTP Quick Learn Series: Self destination and secondary migration'
2026-03-18 20:00 - 21:00
This webinar is for all sponsors participating in the PSR refugee sponsorship program.

The Quick Learn Series are a set of short, highly focused webinars about post-arrival settlement support for PSR sponsors.
The upcoming topic is part of a 3-topic series launched in January 2026. Designed to support new sponsors and build foundational knowledge and overall readiness to meet their roles and responsibilities under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program, while also serving as a refresher for experienced sponsors to reinforce best practices and remain up to date with IRCC’s program requirements.
Please note:
Participants who attend a minimum of three sessions from these series (including sessions offered in 2025 and early 2026) and successfully complete the final quiz for each session will receive a Certificate of Participation, formally recognizing their engagement.
Self-Destination & Secondary Migration

Mar 18, 2026 • 6:00 PM MDT – Register
Mar 21 2026 • 1:00 PM MDT – Register

National webinar: 'Preparing for the Interview' (PSR program only)
2026-03-17 18:30 - 20:00
This webinar is for:
All types of refuge sponsorship groups (SAHs & their Constituent Groups and Co-Sponsors, Groups of Five, Community Sponsors)
Lawyers
Refugee applicants abroad (PSR program)

For many refugees, the IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) interview is one of the most stressful steps in the application process – and your sponsorship group can make a real difference in how prepared they feel. This session walks through how sponsors can support applicants before the interview, what kinds of preparation are appropriate, and how to set realistic expectations. Knowing your role in this stage can ease anxiety for both your sponsorship group and the people you’re sponsoring.

Register Here

Note: this webinar starts at 6:30 pm Eastern Time

Regional webinar, Greater Toronto Area ON.: '‘GTA Lunch & Learn for Groups of 5 and Community Sponsors: Fulfilling IRCC's post arrival responsibilities for refugee sponsors’ (Part 2 of 2)'
2026-03-17 12:00 - 13:00

Regional webinar, Greater Toronto Area ON.: '‘GTA Lunch & Learn for Groups of 5 and Community Sponsors: Fulfilling IRCC's post arrival responsibilities for PSR sponsors’ (Part 1 of 2)'
2026-03-16 12:00 - 13:00

National webinar: '‘Info session: Understanding Canada’s tax system & benefits - with guests from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)’
2026-03-09 14:00 - 15:30
This webinar is intended for:
All refugee sponsorship groups participating in any refugee sponsorship program (PSR, BVOR, JAS).
Sponsored refugee newcomers

Join this informative session with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on understanding taxes and benefits. Our guest presenter, Ms. Yin Yin Wu, from the CRA will provide sponsors with the knowledge they need to support newcomers and help them understand the Canadian tax system. Learn how to guide sponsored individuals through tax filing and accessing government benefits. This session will equip you with practical tools to ensure the newcomers are set up for financial success and empowered to navigate their new life in Canada with confidence.
Key topics covered:

why we pay taxes
Canada’s tax system and residency status
how to get the benefits and credits that sponsored refugee newcomer’s may be entitled to
how sponsored newcomer’s can do/file their taxes
the digital Services available to newcomers

Questions? Contact Lubna at lbajjali@rstp.ca
Register Here

Regional webinar, Winnipeg MB: 'Guest speaker panel: Free settlement services available to refugee newcomers in Winnipeg'
2026-03-09 12:00 - 13:30
This webinar is intended for:
All types of refugee sponsorship groups participating in any refugee sponsorship program (PSR, BVOR, JAS).
Sponsored refugee newcomers (PSR, BVOR & JAS programs)

Join us for an interactive session featuring panelists from local Settlement Service Provider Organizations (SPOs). Representatives will share up-to-date information on the services currently available to newcomers in Winnipeg.
This is an opportunity for sponsors to hear directly from service providers, learn how to connect newcomers to appropriate supports, and ask questions about eligibility and referrals. There will also be a moderated discussion and time for questions and answers.
Questions? Contact Hilina at hshiwaye@rstp.ca
Register Here
Time: 11 am – 12:30 pm CDT

Regional webinar, British Columbia: 'SPO Networking Forum - Free Settlement Services Info Session for BC Sponsors'
2026-02-26 14:00 - 15:45
As per their obligations under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program, private refugee sponsoring groups (Groups of Five, Community Sponsors, and Sponsorship Agreement Holders) are responsible for making sure the basic settlement needs of the newcomers they are met during their first twelve months here.
This can be a daunting task, but sponsors don’t have to do it alone! Connect with a Settlement Provider Organizations (SPOs) and receive support from trained professionals.
Settlement workers complement and enhance the settlement support given by private sponsorship groups. By working together, private sponsors and SPO staff can improve the settlement and integration journeys of sponsored refugees.
With guest Speakers from settlement provider organizations MOSAIC, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., ISS of BC, and Impact North Shore

You’ll learn about:
Free post-arrival settlement and integration programs
Service eligibility requirements & registration
Meet local settlement organizations that provide these services in Metro Vancouver, BC

Register Here

National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#5. Preparing for and transitioning to month 13 of the sponsorship'
2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:00
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
Please note: this webinar starts at 5 pm Eastern Time and is one hour 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 application and sponsorship process from start to finish. The webinars in this series can be taken as a whole set or individually as a refresher for a specific topic for previous or existing sponsors.

National webinar: 'BVOR Pre-Arrival Orientation: Ready to Welcome Refugees' (For BVOR program sponsors)
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00
Get ready for the arrival of the refugees you sponsored with this info-packed webinar all about:
– calculating a budget
– understanding and accessing RAP support
– planning for the first few days and weeks after arrival
– connecting to settlement support and other local resources
– communication before and after arrival

National webinar: '‘Lunch & Learn Conversation: Making the Most of Your Available Spaces & Pre-Screening the Principal Applicant’ (Training for SAHs)
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for an engaging conversation on how one community‑based SAH effectively conducted pre‑screening of Principal Applicants (PAs) before selecting sponsorship cases.
Learn practical strategies they used to ensure that available spaces were used wisely and that selected cases were well‑aligned with their capacity and sponsorship goals.
Navigating the sponsorship process requires not just compassion, but also strategic planning to ensure your group’s success. We understand that one of the biggest challenges for SAHs is selecting the right cases to ensure that your available spaces are used effectively and sustainably.
To support you in this critical area, we are pleased to invite you to our lunch and learn conversation with Dawit Demoz of the Eritrean Canadian Community Centre of Metropolitan Toronto.

This webinar is for:
Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs)

Register Here

National webinar: ‘Preparing for the PSR Interview’ (For Groups of 5 & Community Sponsors)
2026-02-25 13:00 - 14:30
Preparing a refugee for their visa interview can set them up for success and lead to a positive decision.
Attend this training session, designed to empower you, and the refugee(s) you are sponsoring. You’ll get the knowledge and tools to effectively guide & support the sponsored refugees. This session is particularly helpful if the refugee is already waiting for an interview date.
During this interactive training, we will:
Demystify the interview process
Understand the interview’s purpose and the Visa officer’s key goals.
Learn how to coach refugees so they can navigate their interview with clarity and confidence.
Encourage effective communication – emphasizing the importance of truthful, complete answers and how to empower refugees to speak up to provide clarification when needed.

Register Here

This webinar is for: Groups of Five (PSR program), Community Sponsors (PSR program), Refugee applicants (PSR program)

Regional training, Alberta: 'Review of New Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Rates’ (For Alberta SAHs, their CG’s & Co-sponsors)
2026-02-24 20:30 - 21:30
As you may be aware, the new Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) rates came into effect on January 26, 2026, with increased support levels. RSTP Trainers in Alberta invite all Alberta SAHs, their CGs and Co-Sponsors to join us for one of two upcoming information sessions to learn more about these changes.
The sessions will cover:
An overview of the new RAP rates
How to calculate the new Housing Supplement maximum
New features added to the Minimum Financial Support Calculator
Case examples and a step-by-step walkthrough of the RAP Rate Calculator to determine actual updated costs

Register Here

To accommodate different schedules, this same session will also be offered on the following dates (please only register for one):

Feb 24, 2026 • 6:30 PM MST – Register

Feb 28, 2026 • 1:00 PM MST – Register

Mar 11, 2026 • 6:30 PM MDT – Register

Mar 14, 2026 • 2:00 PM MDT – Register

This webinar is for: Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs), their CG’s and Co-Sponsors (PSR Program) in Alberta

National webinar, Monthly PSR Series: ‘#4. Preparing for arrival and meeting the program requirements and newcomer’s needs in an ethical way'
2026-02-24 13:00 - 15:00
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 1 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.

National webinar: 'Walkthrough of the PR Portal for invited parties' (For SAHs and their CG's & Co-sponsors)
2026-02-23 18:00 - 20:00
Please note, this webinar is strictly for Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) and their Constituent Groups and Co-Sponsors.
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
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4574868225261176157
