Refugees and humanitarian

Refugee resettlement and private sponsorship

Refugees outside Canada are resettled by the government or sponsored by private groups, such as Sponsorship Agreement Holders and Groups of Five.

Open with limitsStatus checked Nov 7, 2026

Government resettlement and Sponsorship Agreement Holders continue. New sponsorships by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors are paused until December 31, 2026.

Key requirements

For refugees outside Canada, usually referred by the UNHCR or another referral organization.
Resettled by the government, or sponsored by Sponsorship Agreement Holders, Groups of Five or Community Sponsors.
Private sponsors commit to support the refugee for usually one year.
Groups of Five and Community Sponsors cannot submit new sponsorships until at least the end of 2026.

Read our full guide Go to the official page

What you can do instead

Open with limits

Claiming refugee protection in Canada

People in Canada who fear persecution or serious harm at home can ask for protection, and the Immigration and Refugee Board decides most claims.

Open, with new limits: under a 2026 law, most claims made more than a year after arriving are no longer sent to the Board. Get legal advice early.

Details and alternatives Read our guide Official page

Open

Humanitarian and compassionate grounds

A request to become a permanent resident when you do not fit any other program, judged on your ties to Canada and the hardship you would face.

Open, but processing is very long and it is meant as a last resort. Get advice before you apply.

Details and alternatives Read our guide Official page

All pathways

Statuses change, sometimes with little notice. Always confirm on the official page before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.