After you apply: get next steps – Joint Assistance Program (JAS)

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 informing you whether your sponsorship has been approved 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, refugees sponsored under the JAS program will arrive in Canada within 12 weeks of the date the sponsorship is approved by CIC. You will be notified about 10 days before the refugee is scheduled to arrive in Canada.

Once 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 the Centralized Processing Office in Winnipeg:

Centralized Processing Office – Winnipeg (CPO-W)
400 – 25 Forks Market Road
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 4S9
Fax: 204-983-3176

Be sure to include your CIC file number.

Refugee Sponsorship Training Program

CIC’s Refugee Sponsorship Training Program is designed to help you learn more about what to expect when the refugees arrives in Canada.