2.B Sponsors: From Mobilization to Engagement

B.3 Who is eligible to sponsor and what is their relationship to government?

(vi) What is the settlement capacity of the sponsoring group members individually and how is their settlement capacity determined?

How Canada Does It

Generally, sponsors must demonstrate to the Government of Canada that they collectively possess the settlement capacity to support the sponsored refugee family for their first year in Canada. Sponsors must submit a detailed Settlement Plan, which outlines how they plan to fulfill their responsibilities (see 2.B.5). Canada examines Settlement Plans to determine whether sponsoring groups and their members are eligible to sponsor refugees.

Sponsoring groups must submit a detailed Settlement Plan to the Government of Canada outlining how the group intends to provide settlement assistance, counselling, and support to the resettled refugees during the sponsorship undertaking. Settlement Plans are always required for Groups of Five and Community Sponsors as well as new Sponsorship Agreement Holders and their Constituent Groups during the first two years of their agreement with the Government of Canada. See 2.B.5 for more details about sponsoring groups’ responsibilities towards the sponsored refugees.

When assessing settlement capacity, migration officers may consider the following questions:

  • Does the sponsor offer a clear plan to orient and support the refugees?
  • Are there plans to connect with local settlement agencies?
  • Does the sponsoring group have enough time, between all members, to commit to supporting the refugees?
  • Is the sponsoring group large enough to accommodate special needs of the refugees?
  • Do all members of the sponsoring group plan to contribute to the sponsorship?