Private Refugee Sponsorship Program. Public Information Session September 10, 2015

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Maude Benson
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1 Private Refugee Sponsorship Program Public Information Session September 10, 2015

2 ANC Backgrounder A non- profit, community- based refugee and immigrant- serving organiza9on Welcomes newcomers to Canada and encourages their full and ac9ve par9cipa9on in Canadian society Works with the community- at- large to provide prac9cal and comprehensive rese@lement and integra9on services

3 Syrian Refugee Crisis

4 What is Private Sponsorship? Private Sponsorship is the resettlement of refugee(s) to Canada, in which the financial costs of sponsorship and settlement support is provided by private groups or organizations Private sponsorship is a solution of last resort; there must be no other durable solution for refugee(s) except resettlement

5 Private Sponsoring Groups Sponsorship Agreement Holders An incorporated organization with a signed sponsorship agreement with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (e.g. ANC) There are other ways to sponsor independently of the ANC: Community Sponsors Any organization, association or corporation Groups of Five A group of five Canadians citizens or permanent residents

6 Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) The ANC was designated as a SAH in late 2014 SAHs are organizations that have signed an agreement with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to privately sponsor refugees CIC provides each SAH with a number of spaces each calendar year A co-sponsor is an individual or group who partners with the ANC to share responsibility for the sponsored refugee(s) While the ANC holds the sponsorship agreement, cosponsors take the lead role in providing financial and day-today support

7 Sponsorship Roles Role of Co-Sponsor financial support airport reception housing clothing food transportation childcare day-to-day support connecting refugee(s) to essential programs (SIN, MCP, Child Tax Benefit) Role of ANC assistance with private sponsorship application process training/support for co-sponsors information, referral and orientation sessions life skills training language training employment services in-school settlement support for children and youth volunteer supports social/recreational/educational supports

8 Identifying a Refugee for Sponsorship Identified by a local family/individual for sponsorship Fully funded by private sponsors Eligible for MCP only Identified by Visa Office overseas (Blended Visa Office Referral) 6 months income support from federal government; 6 month income support from private sponsors Eligible for MCP and IFHP Sponsorship period: 1 year Sponsorship period: 1 year Sponsors provide all financial and settlement support Sponsors provide some financial support and all settlement support

9 A Closer Look: Visa Office Referrals BVOR cases are posted weekly to a secure SAH list The ANC can select and reserve cases for sponsorship Refugees on BVOR waitlist are available to be sponsored immediately BVOR cases are given priority over regular private sponsorship cases All BVORs are fast tracked Processing times can vary from 6 weeks to six months

10 Sponsorship Cost Table Family Size 12 Months of Income Support Start Up Costs Total 1 9,800 2,800 12, ,800 4,400 21, ,700 5,300 23, ,000 7,000 27, ,500 7,200 29, ,500 8,000 32,500 Addt l Member 1,500 1,000 2,500

11 Other Ways to Help Donate to the ANC s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Fund All funds will be used to support local efforts to privately sponsor refugees Financial donations allow the ANC to sponsor refugees independently (e.g., family reunification) You can donate on our website at or in person at our Main Office on Military Road All monetary donations are tax deductible

12 Other Ways to Donate UNHCR Canadian Red Cross World Vision Oxfam War Child

13 Thinking of Co-Sponsoring? Talk to the ANC about available sponsorships Form a group of dedicated individuals who can commit to 12 months of support Fundraise! Make preparations for reception, housing, clothing furniture, childcare, etc.

14 Questions?

Some Frequently Asked Question from Public Meetings

Some Frequently Asked Question from Public Meetings What is the sponsorship process with Lifeline Syria? Lifeline Syria will recruit, train and assist sponsor groups to welcome and support 1,000 Syrian