Sponsoring refugees: Joint Assistance Sponsorship—After applying
Application processing
In most cases, applications are processed within 30 working days of being received by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). You will receive a letter telling you whether your application has been accepted or refused.
If your application has not been processed within 30 days, CIC will send you a letter to tell you the estimated processing time.
Approved applications
If your application is approved, you will receive a letter that includes a CIC file number and a CIC contact name and fax number.
On average, refugee(s) under the JAS program will arrive in Canada within 12 weeks from the date the sponsorship is approved by CIC. You will be notified about 10 days before the refugee(s) is scheduled to arrive in Canada.
When you have the refugee applicant’s consent, you can check the status of your application online.
Change of address
If your address or telephone number changes after you submit your application, you must notify your local CIC Centre.
Refugee Sponsorship Training Program
CIC’s Refugee Sponsorship Training Program is designed to help you learn more about what to expect when the refugee(s) arrives in Canada.