PSR — Privately Sponsored Refugees

Canada's Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program lets private citizens and organizations — including faith groups, community associations, and families — directly sponsor refugees for resettlement and permanent residence. Sponsor types include Sponsorship Agreement Holders, Groups of Five, and Community Sponsors.

Approved refugees receive permanent residency and full work authorization on arrival, with no application fees. Sponsors must provide financial, housing, and settlement support for 12 months. Processing currently runs around 42 months, driven by high demand exceeding annual intake targets.

This visa is ideal for refugees recognized by the UNHCR or a foreign state who have an existing connection to a Canadian sponsoring group willing to commit to one year of active support.