Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP)
Interested in Sponsoring a Refugee?
The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) is an initiative funded by Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide information and training to refugee sponsors in Canada. RSTP has a team across Canada (excluding Quebec) and plays a key role in helping sponsors understand and navigate the refugee sponsorship process, as well as their responsibilities as sponsors.
How we can help
- In-person and online training sessions, workshops, webinars, and courses for refugee sponsors, settlement workers, and community organizations. The training sessions are tailored to participants’ needs and cover the requirements to sponsor a refugee, the application forms and process, the role of sponsors and their responsibilities, preparing for arrival, and more!
- Ongoing support and assistance to sponsors throughout the sponsorship process. This includes answering questions and assisting with any issues or concerns.
- Fact sheets, resource kits and other materials to assist sponsors with every stage of the refugee sponsorship process.
- The latest news and updates on refugee sponsorship, so that sponsors are always equipped with the knowledge and skills to support refugees effectively.
- Networking opportunities for sponsors so they can collaborate, share best practices, and learn from each other's experiences.
Starting fresh in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. Many newcomers to Canada experience this mix of emotions as they adapt to their new home. At CCS, we’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you feel at home, thrive, and contribute to Canada. Here’s a reflection from a newcomer who valued the support they received from CCS.
Thank you for your assistance and never leaving my side. Thank so much for helping me by giving me the right resources and information. I will never forget you and the help you provided to me and the family.
Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) Locations
Our team is available to assist refugee sponsors over the phone, via email, virtually and in-person. Please click here to see the contact details of our team across Canada.
Our services are provided in our CCS locations as well as libraries, community centres and our partner organizations. For more information, please contact us:
- Toronto (55 Town Centre Crt):
416-757-7010
Visit our website at www.rstp.ca to get started and learn more about refugee sponsorship!
Things you should know
Glossary
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- Newcomer
- In Canada, people who have recently left another country to settle here are commonly referred to as "newcomers to Canada".
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- Settlement
- Getting used to your new life in Canada, like finding a home, learning the language, getting a job, and understanding Canadian ways.
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- Settlement Organizations like CCS
- An organization that provides essential help for newcomers to Canada like learning English, finding work, and various support for adjusting to life in Canada.
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- Permanent Resident (PR)
- Someone who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen.
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- Citizenship
- Being officially recognized as a member of a country. In Canada, it lets you vote, travel with a Canadian passport, and more.
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- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- A 9-digit number you need to work in Canada or to get government help and benefits.
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- Healthcare Coverage
- In Canada, this refers to the public health insurance that allows residents to get most health care services for free.
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- Constituent Group (CG)
- A group authorized in writing by a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) to act on its behalf in sponsoring refugees. Refer to section 138 "group" of IRPR.
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- Community Groups
- Any organization (for-profit/not-for-profit, incorporated/non-incorporated) located in the community where the refugees are expected to settle that has made an organizational commitment to sponsor. Community Sponsors are limited to submitting two sponsorship undertakings a year and must undergo financial and settlement plan assessments by their local Citizenship and Immigration Centre each time they wish to sponsor.
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- Group (CG)
- A group authorized in writing by a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) to act on its behalf in sponsoring refugees.
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- Co-sponsor
- A sponsoring group may choose to formally partner with an individual (e.g., a family member of the sponsored refugee living in Canada) and/or another organization in carrying out settlement duties. This partner is termed a "cosponsor".
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- Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs)
- Convention Refugees Abroad and members of the Source Country class who are resettled and supported by the Government of Canada through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP). Under RAP, refugees are supported at approximately the equivalent of local provincial social assistance levels for up to twelve months after their arrival in Canada.
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- Group of Five (G-5)
- A Group of Five is a sponsoring group under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. G-5 sponsorship groups are often one-time groups and are formed in response to special situations that arise.
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- Service Provider Organization (SPO)
- An organization that is funded by CIC, either directly or through provincial programs, to deliver orientation and settlement services directly to newcomers, including sponsored refugees.
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- Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs)
- Incorporated organizations that have signed a formal sponsorship agreement with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. SAHs tend to be local, regional or national religious organizations, ethno cultural groups or other humanitarian organizations. SAHs assume overall responsibility for the management of sponsorships under their agreement and generally submit several refugee sponsorships a year.