Temporary Pause on Refugee Sponsorship Applications

Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program has long been a cornerstone of its refugee resettlement efforts, bringing hope and opportunity to thousands. However, due to overwhelming demand, the Government of Canada has announced a temporary pause on new applications from groups of five and community sponsors. This pause, effective from November 29, 2024, will remain in place until December 31, 2025.

Reasons Behind the Pause

The PSR Program has seen immense success over the years, inspiring similar initiatives in other countries. However, the increasing number of applications has led to a large and growing backlog, coupled with lengthy processing times. As a result, the Government of Canada has implemented this pause to help manage the backlog and ensure that the program remains sustainable.

Impact on Sponsors and Refugees

The temporary pause means that groups of five and community sponsors will not be able to submit new applications under the PSR Program. This decision comes after careful consideration of several factors, including stakeholder feedback and the current size of the application inventory. Despite this pause, applications already in progress will continue to be processed.

Government’s Response and Future Plans

In line with Canada’s immigration levels plan, the Government aims to welcome 23,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2025. Although this pause may cause challenges for those who were planning to submit new applications, it is a necessary step to reduce the growing application inventory. The Government has committed to working closely with partners and stakeholders during this transition and to exploring long-term improvements to the program.

What’s Next for the PSR Program?

This pause on intake will provide an opportunity to streamline the processing of current applications. The goal is to reduce processing times and ensure that refugees already in the system are resettled in a timely manner. Canada remains committed to the PSR Program and to offering refuge to those in need.

The pause will not affect the resettlement of refugees who have already been sponsored, and the Government of Canada continues to process all existing applications in line with the targets set out in the immigration levels plan.

Final Thoughts

While this temporary pause may be disappointing for many sponsors, it is an important step in ensuring that the PSR Program continues to operate effectively and efficiently. By taking this action, the Government of Canada aims to provide more certainty to both refugees abroad and sponsors in Canada, ultimately improving the overall experience for all involved.