Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR)
Statutory definition
IRPR ss 138–157 set out the private sponsorship framework. Sponsors must be: a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) and their constituent groups; a Group of Five (5 or more Canadian citizens or PRs); or a Community Sponsor (organisation or association). Sponsors commit to providing financial and settlement support for 12 months or until the refugee becomes self-sufficient, whichever is shorter. The refugee must be a member of the Convention refugee abroad class or country of asylum class.
Explanation
Canada's private sponsorship program is one of the largest in the world and is considered a model for community-based refugee resettlement. Sponsorship groups bear the full cost of settlement for the first year — including accommodation, food, clothing, language classes, and employment support. Unlike GARs, privately sponsored refugees do not receive federal income support (the sponsors replace that role). The program gives ordinary Canadians an active role in the resettlement process and creates strong community integration outcomes for many sponsored refugees.