Joint Assistance Program – Sponsoring refugees with special needs

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) sometimes partners with organizations to resettle refugees with special needs. This program is called Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS).

Refugees with special needs may need more support than other refugees in order to settle in Canada. Special needs may arise due to:

• trauma from violence or torture,
• medical disabilities,
• the effects of systemic discrimination, or
• a large number of family members.

Under the JAS program, refugees receive support from the government and a private sponsor for up to 24 months, depending on the case. In a few cases, the private sponsor may provide support for up to 36 months.

These refugees get income support from the Government of Canada for food, shelter, clothing and basic household goods. They are also matched with a private sponsorship group. The sponsorship group helps refugees adjust to life in Canada by providing settlement help and emotional support.

Sponsors in Quebec

Quebec has its own process to sponsor refugees. Sponsors who live in the province of Quebec should contact Quebec’s Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles.