For over 40 years, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program has been a global model, offering hope and opportunities to hundreds of thousands of refugees. However, its success has led to a substantial application backlog and increasing processing times.
Canada’s immigration levels plan determines the number of privately sponsored refugees who can arrive annually. Due to persistently high demand, the volume of applications from private sponsors continues to exceed the available sponsorship spaces, resulting in a growing backlog and extended wait times.
To address this, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily paused new applications from groups of five and community sponsors under the PSR Program, effective November 29, 2024. This pause will remain in place until December 31, 2025, aiming to stabilize the application inventory and ensure shorter, more predictable processing times for both refugees and sponsors.
This decision was informed by several factors, including feedback from stakeholders, the current backlog, and the available spaces outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. IRCC will continue to process existing applications and resettle sponsored refugees according to the program’s targets, with a goal of welcoming 23,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2025.
IRCC acknowledges the impact of this measure on the refugee sponsorship community and its partners. The department is committed to working closely with stakeholders during this adjustment period and engaging with them on long-term improvements, including future intake strategies.
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