Sponsorship and Settlement Program

FOCAS Canada is a federally approved Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) that supports families with strong ties to Edmonton in privately sponsoring refugees. Through our program, we guide private sponsors through every stage of the application process, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools needed to help refugees transition successfully to their new home in Canada.

To qualify for resettlement through our program, a refugee must meet one of two Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) definitions: the Convention Refugee Abroad Class or the Country of Asylum Class. Individuals in the Convention Refugee Abroad Class are outside their home country and unable to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group, such as gender or sexual orientation. The Country of Asylum Class includes individuals outside their home country or habitual residence who have been seriously affected by civil war or armed conflict, or who have experienced ongoing denial of basic human rights.

All refugee applicants must also have a local co-sponsor living in Edmonton—usually a close friend or family member—who can lead the fundraising efforts required to provide one full year of financial support upon the refugee’s arrival. Unfortunately, without a local co-sponsor, we are unable to proceed with a private sponsorship application.

To learn more about our sponsorship process and timelines, please visit our website.  If you are interested in exploring other options, you may also review the nationwide list of Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) Nationwide SAH List Additional immigration-related resources are available for those supporting individuals still in their home countries who are seeking pathways to come to Canada.