Refugee Sponsorship
Open Your Heart, Change a Life
Private refugee sponsorship allows Canadians to directly support refugee families. We guide you through every step of this rewarding journey.
Canada's Private Sponsorship Program
Canada's private refugee sponsorship program is unique in the world, allowing ordinary Canadians to directly sponsor refugees to come to Canada. Since 1979, over 327,000 refugees have been privately sponsored.
Group of Five (G5)
Five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents can come together to sponsor a refugee. We help you form and manage your group.
Community Sponsor
Organizations, churches, and community groups can become Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAH) or work with existing SAHs to sponsor refugees.
Family Sponsorship
Sponsor family members who are refugees overseas. We provide guidance on the application process and requirements.
How Sponsorship Works
We support you through every step of the sponsorship journey.
Information Session
Attend our free info session to learn about sponsorship requirements, costs, and responsibilities.
Form Your Group
We help you form a sponsorship group or connect you with an existing SAH organization.
Application Support
Our team guides you through the application process, document preparation, and submission.
Pre-Arrival Planning
Prepare for your sponsored family's arrival with housing, school, and community arrangements.
Settlement Support
Receive ongoing guidance as you help your sponsored family settle into their new life.
Sponsor Responsibilities
As a sponsor, you commit to supporting the refugee family for their first 12 months in Canada. This includes financial support and practical assistance with settlement.
- Provide financial support for 12 months (food, housing, clothing, etc.)
- Help with finding housing and furnishing the home
- Support school registration and healthcare enrollment
- Assist with language learning and employment
- Provide emotional support and community connection
- Help navigate Canadian systems and culture
The Impact You'll Make
By sponsoring a refugee, you're not just providing a home—you're giving a family safety, hope, and the chance to rebuild their lives. Many sponsor-refugee relationships become lifelong friendships.
The impact extends beyond one family. Successful integration strengthens our communities and enriches Canadian society with diverse perspectives and experiences.
Support for Newly Arrived Refugees
Whether you're a sponsor group or a newly arrived refugee family, IFA provides settlement support services.
Housing Support
Help finding and setting up a home
Document Help
SIN, health card, and ID applications
School Enrollment
Registering children in school
Community Connection
Building social networks
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sponsor a refugee?
The estimated cost varies by family size and location. For a single person, expect approximately $16,500-$20,000 for the first year. Families are proportionally higher. We can provide detailed breakdowns.
How long does the sponsorship process take?
Processing times vary significantly, typically ranging from 12-36 months depending on the refugee's location and circumstances. We help you prepare while waiting.
Can I sponsor a specific person or family?
Yes, through the "Named" sponsorship stream, you can sponsor someone you know who has been recognized as a refugee by UNHCR or a foreign state.
What if I can't afford to sponsor alone?
Most sponsorships are done by groups who share the financial and practical responsibilities. We can help you find or form a group.
Ready to Start Your Sponsorship Journey?
Attend our free information session to learn more about becoming a sponsor, or contact us with your questions.