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Who May Sponsor a Refugee?

Find information on: Privately Sponsored Refugees in Turkey

Organizations and individuals may sponsor refugees under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Sponsoring groups must be made up of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 years old.

Sponsoring groups commit to providing settlement assistance to refugees for one year from the date the refugee arrives in Canada. This assistance can take such forms as accommodation, clothing and food.

In special cases, the sponsorship period can be extended for up to 36 months. The sponsoring group must agree to this.

Please note that sponsors living in the province of Quebec should contact the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles for more information on sponsorship in that province.

There Are Three Types of Sponsoring Groups:

1. Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) and Their Constituent Groups
A number of organizations across Canada have signed sponsorship agreements with the Government of Canada to facilitate the sponsorship process. They may sponsor refugees themselves or their constituent groups may sponsor refugees with their approval.

2. Groups of Five
A group of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor refugees living abroad. Each member of the group must:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• live in the community where the refugee will live; and
• personally provide settlement assistance and support.

3. Community Sponsors
Other groups interested in sponsoring refugees may consider a community sponsorship. This type of sponsorship is open to organizations, associations and corporations who

• have the necessary finances to provide adequate settlement assistance, and
• have representatives in the community where the refugee will live.

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