Imagine being the beacon of hope for someone who has lost everything. In communities across Canada, everyday people have helped refugees start new lives in safety. Often, these inspiring journeys happen through the Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) program – a pathway that lets Canadians partner with authorized organizations to privately sponsor refugees. If you’re considering sponsoring a refugee – whether it’s a relative, a friend, or a stranger in need – this guide will walk you through how the SAH program works, step by step. We’ll blend heartfelt inspiration with clear procedure, so you feel both emotionally connected and informed. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey: Mesidor Immigration is here to support you every step of the way, from the first questions to the joyous day of arrival.

What is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH)?

A Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) is an organization that has a formal agreement with the Government of Canada to resettle refugees. SAHs are often religious, ethnic, community, or humanitarian organizations dedicated to helping refugees. These organizations take on legal and financial responsibility for the refugees they sponsor, either on their own or in partnership with others (such partners are known as constituent groups or co-sponsors). In practical terms, a SAH acts as the backbone of a private sponsorship – they coordinate the sponsorship process and ensure all the refugee’s needs are met when they arrive in Canada.

When you sponsor a refugee through a SAH, you are participating in Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. This groundbreaking program, in place since 1978, has enabled Canadians to welcome over 327,000 refugees to safety and new lives in Canada.

SAHs play a crucial role in this success. They must meet strict eligibility criteria set by the government to become SAHs – for example, an organization must be legally incorporated for at least 2 years, be based in Canada, have the capacity to support multiple refugees each year, and possess a strong support network. Not every community group can be a SAH; only those with sufficient resources, experience, and planning capability are approved.

This means that when you work with a SAH, you’re partnering with an organization that is experienced, vetted, and committed to helping refugees.

SAH Sponsorship vs. Other Refugee Sponsorship Types

Canada also allows refugee sponsorship by Groups of Five (five or more private citizens) and Community Sponsors (other organizations without a formal SAH agreement). The SAH route has some unique advantages. For instance, Groups of Five can only sponsor refugees who already have official refugee status documents from the UN or a state authority, whereas SAHs can sponsor refugees who meet Canada’s refugee definition even if they don’t have a UNHCR certificate – Canadian officials will assess their refugee claim during processing.

SAHs also have annual allotments of how many refugees they can sponsor (called an allocation) based on their experience and capacity. In short, SAHs are established leaders in refugee resettlement, and partnering with one often makes the sponsorship process smoother and more flexible.

Why Sponsor a Refugee through a SAH?

Choosing to sponsor a refugee through a SAH offers several benefits, both practical and emotional:

1. Guidance and Expertise: SAHs understand the sponsorship process inside and out. From filing applications to preparing for arrival, these organizations provide invaluable guidance at each step.

2. Built-in Support Network: When you work with a SAH, you become part of a community dedicated to resettling refugees. It’s not just you on the hook for supporting the newcomer – the SAH’s team and broader network will be there too.

3. Flexibility in Who You Can Help: Through a SAH, you have options in choosing whom to sponsor. If you have a specific refugee or refugee family in mind – say a family member abroad or someone you heard about who needs help – the SAH can facilitate that sponsor-referred case (learn more here).

4. Accountability and Resources: SAHs carry ultimate responsibility for the sponsorship under their agreement with the government. This built-in accountability is a plus – it means there’s a well-thought-out plan and backup resources if challenges arise.

5. Emotional Reward and Community Enrichment: Beyond the logistics, sponsoring a refugee is a deeply human experience. You’ll witness firsthand the transformation that safety and support bring to someone’s life.

How the SAH Refugee Sponsorship Process Works: Step-by-Step

Sponsoring a refugee through a SAH may seem complex, but it can be broken down into clear steps. Here’s how the process typically unfolds, from the first spark of an idea to the moment you welcome a refugee to Canada.

Step 1: Reach Out and Plan

Start by discussing your intent to sponsor a refugee with someone who understands the process. We recommend beginning with an Initial Consultation with Mesidor Immigration.

Step 2: Find a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) to Partner With

You can search for SAHs by province using the official SAH directory.

Step 3: Prepare the Sponsorship Application

Work with the SAH to compile all required forms and documents. Key documents typically include:

• Sponsorship Undertaking form
• A Settlement Plan outlining how you and the SAH will support the refugee.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Await a Decision

Applications are submitted online via the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal.

Step 5: Prepare for Arrival and Settlement

Once approved, travel arrangements are made, and the SAH ensures the refugee’s smooth transition into life in Canada.

Mesidor Immigration – Your Partner in the SAH Refugee Sponsorship Journey

Embarking on a refugee sponsorship can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time. That’s where Mesidor Immigration comes in.

We’re a professional immigration consulting firm with heart – and we have extensive experience guiding sponsors through the SAH program and other humanitarian pathways.

Ready to Change a Life? Contact Us Today

You’ve taken the time to learn about sponsoring a refugee through a SAH – now take the first step to make it happen. Contact Mesidor Immigration today to schedule your Initial Consultation and explore your sponsorship options.