Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement
Refugees abroad resettled to Canada by the government, private sponsors or both.
The Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement is a Canadian humanitarian & refugee visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (No processing fee; sponsors cover settlement costs) and processing time (Varies by program and region (often 1-3 years)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement is for
Refugees abroad resettled to Canada by the government, private sponsors or both.
Resettled refugees arrive as permanent residents and can later become citizens.
Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement - eligibility criteria
- Recognized as a refugee or in a refugee-like situation abroad
- A UNHCR/state referral or a private sponsorship group
- Cannot return home or integrate where they are
- Sponsors commit to financial and settlement support
- Pass medical and security screening
Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement (Canada) is No processing fee; sponsors cover settlement costs, with an indicative processing time of Varies by program and region (often 1-3 years). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Referred or sponsored from outside Canada |
| Length of stay | Permanent (arrive as permanent residents) |
| Work rights | Full work rights as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | No processing fee; sponsors cover settlement costs |
| Processing time | Varies by program and region (often 1-3 years) |
| Route to PR | Resettled refugees arrive as permanent residents and can later become citizens. |
Pathway & next steps
Resettled refugees arrive as permanent residents and can later become citizens.
Many applicants also compare Asylum · Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim, H&C · Humanitarian and Compassionate Application. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement pitfalls we fix
Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement - frequently asked questions
How much does the Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement cost?
The Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement government fee is No processing fee; sponsors cover settlement costs. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IRCC (canada.ca) before applying.
How long does the Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement take to process?
Indicative processing time is Varies by program and region (often 1-3 years). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement lead to permanent residence?
Resettled refugees arrive as permanent residents and can later become citizens.
Can I work on the Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement?
Work rights: Full work rights as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement?
Refugees abroad resettled to Canada by the government, private sponsors or both.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority