The Government of Canada has announced a temporary halt on new applications for the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program from Groups of Five and community sponsors.
This pause will take effect on November 29, 2024, and will continue until December 31, 2025. The aim is to decrease the application backlog and improve processing times for all parties involved.
A Program Facing Struggles
For over 40 years, Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program has been a beacon of hope, inspiring the world by offering countless refugees the chance for a better future.
Since its launch, the program has allowed private groups across Canada to sponsor refugees globally, helping them rebuild their lives and integrate into Canadian society.
Despite its success, the program now faces significant challenges. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is struggling with a growing backlog of applications and demand that surpasses the quotas outlined in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.
“Processing times have become increasingly long, causing uncertainty for refugees and their sponsors,” IRCC noted in a press release.
To address these issues, IRCC has made the decision to temporarily stop accepting new applications in certain streams of the PSR Program.
How Will This Impact Sponsors and Refugees?
This decision primarily affects Groups of Five and community sponsors, two key categories of private sponsors in the PSR Program.
These groups will be unable to submit new applications until the suspension is lifted at the end of 2025.
However, the pause does not impact applications that have already been submitted. The IRCC will continue to process all PSR applications received before November 29, 2024. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the objectives of the Immigration Levels Plan, which includes resettling 23,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2025.
According to the IRCC, this pause is a necessary measure to prevent the application backlog from increasing further and to ensure more predictable processing times for both sponsors and refugees.
The Reason Behind the Pause
The decision to pause new applications is driven by the need to align demand with the resources available.
Although the PSR Program has been a vital component of Canada’s humanitarian initiatives, the increasing backlog of applications has resulted in considerable delays for both sponsors and refugees awaiting resettlement.
As part of the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada has established specific targets for the number of privately sponsored refugees. By suspending new applications, IRCC intends to remain on course to achieve these targets without exacerbating the backlog.
This action also aligns with Canada’s broader immigration goals, which aim to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025, a significant number of whom will be refugees and protected persons.
The Future of Refugee Sponsorship
The current pause, though temporary, prompts significant considerations regarding the future of private refugee sponsorship in Canada.
For years, sponsors and advocacy groups have advocated for reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of the system to global refugee crises.
The IRCC has indicated that it will take this opportunity to engage with stakeholders about possible changes to the intake process. This may include looking into digital solutions, streamlining processing systems, or adopting other strategies to better handle demand.
The government recognizes that the suspension may be disappointing for those eager to sponsor refugees. Nevertheless, the IRCC believes this pause is essential for ensuring the long-term viability of the PSR Program.
“This measure is intended to create a fairer and more efficient system,” stated the IRCC. “By making these adjustments now, we can develop a program that better supports both refugees and their sponsors in the future.”
Canada’s PSR Program remains one of the most generous and impactful refugee sponsorship initiatives worldwide. Even during this temporary pause, Canada is steadfast in its humanitarian mission. In 2025, the country plans to welcome 23,000 privately sponsored refugees, underscoring its ongoing commitment to providing refuge for those escaping persecution.
Looking Forward: A Request for Patience and Cooperation
Although the suspension may create difficulties for sponsors and refugees, it also offers a chance to develop a more robust and efficient refugee sponsorship program.
Sponsors are urged to take this time to connect with the IRCC and participate in ongoing conversations about the future of the PSR Program.
While Canada works to resolve these challenges, its dedication to supporting refugees remains steadfast.
This temporary pause is a necessary step toward building a system that will continue to provide hope and opportunities for refugees for years to come.
Key Points to Remember:
Pause Start Date: New PSR applications from Groups of Five and community sponsors will not be accepted from November 29, 2024, until December 31, 2025.
Reason for the Suspension: The pause is aimed at tackling the growing backlog of applications and enhancing processing times.
Impact: Applications that have already been submitted will still be processed. Canada expects to welcome 23,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2025.
Looking Ahead: During this pause, IRCC will focus on making long-term improvements to the PSR Program.
