In a significant move that reflects the complexities of refugee resettlement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced today a temporary pause on new refugee sponsorship applications.
Effective November 29, 2024, this decision addresses growing processing challenges in the renowned Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program.
Understanding the Context
For over four decades, Canada’s PSR Program has been a global model of refugee support, helping hundreds of thousands of individuals find hope and opportunity. However, the program’s success has also led to an increasingly challenging administrative landscape.
Why the Pause?
The key reasons behind this temporary measure include:
- Overwhelming demand exceeding available sponsorship spaces
- Growing application inventory
- Extended processing times
- Need for more predictable resettlement timelines
What Does This Mean?
Starting today, IRCC will:
- Suspend new applications from groups of five and community sponsors
- Continue processing existing applications
- Maintain the goal of welcoming 23,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2025
- Reassess the program’s intake by December 31, 2025
Looking Forward
IRCC has committed to working closely with partners and stakeholders to:
- Manage the current application backlog
- Develop long-term improvements to the sponsorship program
- Ensure continued support for refugee resettlement
