Guide to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program
2. Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program
2.5 How is a sponsoring group formed?
Sponsorship Agreement Holders: To become an SAH, interested organizations must submit a completed application form and all required documentation (articles of incorporation, audited financial statements, etc.) to the Director, Strategic Management and Coordination Division, Integration Program Management Branch, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 180 Kent Street, 6th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1. The application to become a SAH can be requested by writing to the address above.
SAHs must be incorporated organizations. Generally, new SAH applicants have sponsorship experience and expect to sponsor more than two refugee cases each year. Applicant organizations must have personnel and finances available to ensure the settlement needs of the sponsored refugees are in place before their arrival.
Constituent Groups are usually members of the organization holding the sponsorship agreement. However, each SAH sets its own criteria for recognizing CGs. Interested parties should contact a SAH directly to inquire about sponsoring under its auspices.
Groups of Five are at least five individuals who are eligible to sponsor and willing to contribute to the requirements of sponsorship. Each group member must complete a personal financial profile form and the group must collectively complete a settlement plan and financial assessment.
A Community Sponsor is an organization that decides to participate in refugee sponsorship and provides statements demonstrating the ability to meet the required financial obligations.
Cosponsor: Interested individuals should contact an SAH, a CG or a Community Sponsor in their area to inquire about partnering in the private sponsorship of a refugee. Each SAH, CG or Community Sponsor has its own procedures for screening and approving a cosponsor and for establishing the division of responsibilities in the settlement plan. The decision to accept an individual or organization as a cosponsor is the choice of the SAH, CG or Community Sponsor who submits the undertaking.
The sponsorship kit for SAH/CGs, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors as well as the IMM 6000 (overseas application kit), which the refugee must complete, can be obtained on this site.
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