Refugee Sponsorships in Canada

Refugee sponsorship helps eligible refugees resettle in Canada with support from the government or private sponsors. Spousal sponsorship is a family immigration pathway that allows an eligible Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a spouse or partner for permanent residence.

New applications from Groups of Five are currently paused. During the pause, Groups of Five may only submit sponsorship applications through the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program. Applications submitted before the pause continue to be processed.

Private sponsors generally provide financial and settlement support for 12 months after the sponsored refugee arrives in Canada, or until the refugee becomes self-sufficient, whichever comes first.

In eligible cases, a spouse or common-law partner living in Canada and being sponsored for permanent residence may apply for an open work permit while the PR application is being processed. Eligibility requirements apply.

An eligible sponsor is generally a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act who meets the applicable sponsorship requirements and can fulfil the responsibilities associated with sponsorship.

Documents vary depending on the sponsorship program and individual circumstances. They may include identity documents, refugee-related records, sponsorship forms, financial information, and supporting documents required by the relevant program.

A spouse may apply for a visitor visa while a permanent residence application is being processed. However, approval is not automatic, and the applicant must meet the requirements for temporary entry to Canada.