How to sponsor a refugee
You can sponsor 3 different kinds of refugees as a sponsorship agreement holder (SAH).
Sponsor refugees you already know
You can sponsor refugees who are:
- friends
- members of a family in your community
- identified by an overseas contact
When you choose a refugee like this, we call them sponsor-referred refugees. Sponsor-referred refugees must meet the definition of a refugee.
How to sponsor a refugee you know
Sponsor pre-approved refugees in need
The Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program helps refugees with the greatest need to come to Canada. It also:
- splits the cost of financial support between government and sponsors
- connects sponsors with refugees we’ve already screened
- This means they can travel sooner.
How to sponsor a refugee through BVOR
Sponsor a refugee with special needs
The Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) Program helps refugees with special needs to come to Canada. The government usually supports them financially for 24 months. As a SAH you’ll provide:
- orientation
- settlement assistance
- emotional support