2.D Refugee-Sponsor Relationship

At the end of the sponsorship undertaking, sponsoring groups may choose to continue providing financial and settlement support to the refugees, although they are not required to do so. In deciding to extend their support, sponsoring groups should consider their capacity to do so, the refugees’ chances of eventual self-sufficiency, the impact on the refugees’ eligibility to receive social or income assistance from the government, and the refugees’ rights to self-determination. 

Sponsoring groups may also apply to sponsor more overseas refugees. They will again be assessed to determine if they meet sponsorship eligibility requirements. Successful past sponsorships are not considered in determining sponsorship eligibility, although sponsorship defaults may preclude them from submitting new applications (see 2.D.3(ii)).

Experienced sponsoring groups may also decide to mentor other groups. Workshops are a useful forum where they can share their experiences and provide guidance on the sponsorship and resettlement process. Workshops engage potential sponsoring groups and lead to more successful future sponsorships. Sponsorship organizations, such as Refugee 613 and the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program, coordinate with experienced sponsoring groups to organize workshops for the general public.

Resources