For Private Sponsors | WelcomeOntario

As a private sponsor, you are responsible for providing financial and non-financial support to the refugees you sponsor. This includes covering start-up and ongoing monthly costs as well as providing settlement and emotional support. Find information to assist you in this role here.

Latest Articles for Private Sponsors

See all

Mar 04, 2025 4 min. read

How can you prepare for Month 13 (post-sponsorship period)?

Month 13 is the first month when the sponsors’ legal responsibility comes to an end and the sponsored newcomers become independent. To prepare the newcomers for the post-sponsorship period, the…

Learn more
Mar 04, 2025 2 min. read

What is the role of the UNHCR in resettlement programs?

The UNHCR “has the responsibility to work with countries in protecting uprooted people and finding them permanent solutions”. Canada relies on the UNHCR to help determine which refugees will resettle in Canada.
Learn more
Mar 04, 2025 2 min. read

Are there any groups or associations from my culture?

Yes. There are many associations and groups that are specific to different cultures.
Learn more

Latest FAQ for Private Sponsors

See all

Find a refugee-serving agency nearby

Services Near Me

Can't find what you're looking for?

Ask a question

Additional Resources

Visit these websites to find more information about settlement and refugee sponsorship:

Settlement.Org

Settlement.Org provides newcomers with relevant, comprehensive, up-to-date and reliable information they can trust to help them settle in Ontario.

Visit website

Refugee Sponsorship  Training Program (RSTP)

RSTP is a program that provides training and support to Canadian refugee sponsorship groups, Sponsorship Agreement Holders and sponsored refugees.

Visit website

Allies for Refugee Integration (ARI)

Allies in Refugee Integration (ARI) is an IRCC-funded project exploring how sponsors and settlement service providers can work together to best support refugees in their first year in Ontario.

Learn more

Latest News & Stories

See all

Nov 29, 2024 1 min. read

Temporary pause on intake of refugee sponsorship applications from Groups of Five and Community Sponsors

News Release Ottawa, November 29, 2024 – Canada has temporarily paused new refugee sponsorship applications from Groups of Five and Community Sponsors under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program…
Learn more
Oct 23, 2024 2 min. read

UNHCR Projected Global Resettlement Needs 2025

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicates an increase in resettlement needs for 2025 compared to 2024.
Learn more
May 27, 2024 2 min. read

UNHCR Projected Global Resettlement Needs Assessment 2024

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) indicates an increase in resettlement needs for 2024 compared to 2023.
Learn more

Upcoming Events

See all

Mar 18, 2025 - Online

OCASI Workshop: Staying Afloat in Turbulent Times: Self-Care for Frontline Settlement Workers

The OCASI Mental Health Promotion Project (MHP) in partnership with Hong Fook Mental Health Association is pleased to invite you to: Staying Afloat in Turbulent Times: Self-Care for Frontline Settlement…

Learn more
Mar 19, 2025 - Online

PRSN Lunch & Learn: Understanding Empowerment

The Private Refugee Sponsor Network - Ontario (PRSN) invites you to the upcoming Lunch & Learn: Understanding Empowerment
Have you been challenged by cultural differences and power imbalances between your…

Learn more