Sponsoring refugees: Joint Assistance Sponsorship—How to apply

Before you apply, you should read the application package to ensure that you qualify for the Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS). You should also read the Guide to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program for information you will need when applying.

Quebec has its own process for sponsoring refugees. Sponsors who live in the province of Quebec should contact the Quebec ministry that handles immigration (ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles).

There are five steps to apply for a JAS:

  1. Obtain and print the application package.
  2. Complete your application.
  3. Match a sponsorship group with refugees.
  4. Determine where to submit your application.
  5. Check and submit your application.

1. Obtain and print the application package.

The package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the application package.

2. Complete your application.

  • Before you start, read the guide carefully. It contains detailed instructions for completing all the required forms.
  • Gather all the necessary documents. They are listed in the document checklist.
  • Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep the working copy for your records.
  • Fill in the forms carefully and completely. Many of the forms can be completed on your computer. Print the forms after you fill them out, because you can’t save them on your computer. If you are filling out the forms by hand, print clearly—in black ink. You can also use a typewriter.
  • Sign and date your forms.
  • You must complete all the forms:
    • Request for a Joint Assistance Sponsorship Refugee Profile. This is only used if your group does not find a match through the secure website (see step 3, below).
    • Undertaking/Application for a Joint Assistance Sponsorship. Complete this form after your group has received and reviewed the profile of a refugee(s) and is committed to sponsoring that refugee(s).
    • Sponsor Assessment. All sponsors who sign the above undertaking must complete a copy of this form.
    • Settlement Plan—Joint Assistance Sponsorship. This document is a planning tool for sponsoring groups to indicate how they intend to deliver the settlement assistance needed to help the refugee(s) become established successfully in Canada. Where possible, arrangements should be in place before the refugee arrives.
    • Document Checklist
    • Use of a Representative. You must complete this form if you want to use a representative or an agent to help you apply. Using a representative is a personal choice. Find out more about using immigration representatives.

3. Match a sponsorship group with refugees.

Under the JAS program, your group can use one of two options to choose the refugee(s) to sponsor. You can:

  • use a secure website to download profiles of refugees or
  • request a refugee profile through CIC’s Matching Centre.

Additional details on each option are available in the guide that is included in the application kit. For more information, see requesting a refugee profile.

4. Determine where to submit your application.

Submit your application to the CIC centre closest to the community where the refugee(s) will settle. You will find a list of CIC centres in the back of the guide that is included in the application kit.

5. Check and submit your application.

Use the document checklist to ensure you have included everything you need. Make sure you sign and date your forms. Your application will be delayed if the information you submit is incomplete. Enclose all the required documents in an envelope and mail them to a CIC Centre. Print “Joint Assistance Sponsorship” above the CIC address on the envelope, and make sure you also provide your complete return mailing address.

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