Effective November 29, 2024

• Background:
  • The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program has successfully resettled hundreds of thousands of refugees over 40 years.
  • High demand has led to a large application backlog and lengthy processing times.
• Reason for Pause:
  • Applications from private sponsors exceed the spaces available in Canada’s immigration levels plan.
  • Stakeholder feedback and the growing application inventory influenced the decision.
• Details of the Pause:
  • New applications from groups of five and community sponsors under the PSR Program will not be accepted.
  • The measure is in effect until December 31, 2025.
• Goals:
  • Prevent further growth in the backlog.
  • Improve processing times for refugees and sponsors.
• Current Applications and Targets:
  • IRCC will continue processing existing applications.
  • Canada aims to welcome 23,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2025.
• Future Plans:
  • IRCC will collaborate with stakeholders to adjust to the changes.
  • Focus on long-term program improvements and potential future intake measures.