Frequently asked questions:
The refugee system

Financial support for government-assisted refugees

Do in-Canada refugee claimants or privately sponsored refugees receive resettlement assistance?

No. In-Canada refugee claimants have not been selected for resettlement and are therefore not eligible to receive any resettlement assistance.

Privately sponsored refugees receive assistance from their sponsors, not the government. Sponsorship groups must prepare a settlement plan that outlines how they will support the sponsored refugees. This includes helping them to find suitable housing, learn English or French, find a job, make friends, and learn about Canadian culture and values, as well as services in their community.

Sponsorship groups must also provide for the reception, care, lodging and settlement for the sponsored refugees. Sponsors provide financial support for a period of up to 12 months (or longer in exceptional circumstances, if agreed to by the sponsoring group) or until the refugee can support her or himself, whichever occurs first.

In some cases, the government provides some support for the initial cost of resettlement of privately-sponsored refugees (under the Joint Assistance Sponsorship Program). As well, privately sponsored refugees and their sponsors may have access to some of the orientation services provided to Resettlement Assistance Program clients.

Related Links

• Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program