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

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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…

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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.
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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.
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Latest FAQ for Private Sponsors

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Latest News & Stories

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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…
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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.
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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.
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Upcoming Events

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Apr 15, 2025 - Online

RSTP Webinar: Understanding Taxes & Benefits with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) invites you to the upcoming informative session: Understanding Taxes & Benefits with CRA
Join this informative session with presenters from the Canada Revenue Agency…

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Apr 16, 2025 - Online

RSTP Webinar: Navigating Essential Services & Benefits from Service Canada

The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) invites you to the upcoming webinar: Navigating Essential Services & Benefits from Service Canada
This session with presenters from Service Canada will offer sponsors…

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