Refugee Sponsorship Programmes

Canada has a well-established private sponsorship programme for refugees. The programme allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to sponsor a refugee to come to Canada, thereby offering refugees worldwide protection and a new home. Sponsors commit to providing financial and emotional support to refugees during their first year in Canada.

The following groups may submit a private sponsorship of qualifying refugees for permanent settlement in Canada:

• Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAH): These are not-for-profit organizations who receive and support in the settlement of the refugees they sponsor under a formal sponsorship agreement with the Government.
• Groups of Five (G5): Five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents collectively arrange for the sponsorship of a refugee living abroad.
• Community Sponsors (CS): Any organization, association or corporation can sponsor a refugee to settle in their community.

These programmes are available for refugees in Israel, and UNHCR is involved in the Group of Five (G5) and Community Sponsors programme.

According to Canadian law, individuals who apply for private sponsorship to Canada under the G5 or Community Sponsors programme are required to submit, as part of their application, a document issued by UNHCR or a host state certifying their refugee status.

Asylum-seekers that travel to Canada from Israel as a result of private sponsorship receive refugee status and become permanent residents of Canada, enabling them to live in security and dignity, with full access to rights, services, educational opportunities, and the labour market, as well as a pathway to citizenship.

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