Government-assisted refugees
Resettlement cases are referred through designated organizations such as UNHCR. Individuals cannot simply apply to Canada to be chosen for government-assisted resettlement from abroad.
Country and humanitarian pathways / Refugee sponsorship
How refugee sponsorship actually works
Compare government-assisted resettlement, private sponsorship and the blended program—and understand the sponsor's responsibilities.
Program status: Eligibility and intake vary by channel
The current picture
Refugee resettlement is different from sponsoring a spouse or worker. The person must meet refugee eligibility requirements; a Canadian sponsor must qualify under an accepted channel. Government-assisted refugees are generally referred by designated organizations rather than selected directly by a private individual.
Which option fits your circumstances?
Private sponsorship
Sponsorship Agreement Holders and certain other eligible sponsors may support refugees. Sponsor groups are responsible for settlement and financial support under the program rules; intake limits and pauses can apply.
Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR)
The blended program matches eligible refugee cases identified for resettlement with private sponsors, with support shared according to its rules. Availability depends on current profiles and sponsor eligibility.
Groups of Five and community sponsors
New applications to sponsor a named refugee under these channels have been paused; some BVOR participation may remain possible. Check current IRCC instructions before organizing a group.
Before you apply
- 01Confirm the applicant meets the relevant refugee criteria and is outside Canada if applying for resettlement.
- 02Identify an eligible sponsoring organization or program before gathering a full application.
- 03Plan for required financial and settlement support; read the current undertaking and cost tables.
Avoid false promises
Refugee sponsorship is not a free, guaranteed route. Sponsors take on substantial support responsibilities; refugees should not be charged for a sponsorship place.
Canada Path can help you review eligibility, organize documents and understand application steps where appropriate. We cannot issue scholarships, secure refugee referrals or guarantee government decisions.
Official sources
Check these sources for the latest status, deadlines and eligibility. General information on this page is not legal advice.
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