Last updated: October 23, 2026
As of October 23, 2026, IRCC's pause on new sponsor-referred refugee applications from Groups of Five (G5) and Community Sponsors is scheduled to continue through December 31, 2026. IRCC says applications submitted before the pause continue to be processed; continued processing does not guarantee approval or a particular processing time. Official sources: [1] [2] [3]
How the pause began and was extended
The first pause took effect on November 29, 2024, and initially ran through December 31, 2025. IRCC announced an extension on November 21, 2025, through December 31, 2026. The notice's end date does not confirm that applications will reopen after that date, so check IRCC's latest notice before making plans. Official sources: [1] [2] [3]
Options during the pause
Groups of Five and Community Sponsors: During the pause, IRCC says G5 and Community Sponsors may sponsor through the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program. BVOR is for refugees referred through the program; it is not a general process for a sponsor to nominate any person they choose. Sponsor eligibility, matching, and program requirements still apply. Official sources: [4] [5] [6] [7]
BVOR sponsor responsibilities: Private sponsors provide six months of financial support for monthly living costs, such as rent, food, and utilities. They must also budget for one-time start-up costs, which may include furniture, household items, clothing, utility installations, and school start-up costs where applicable. Sponsors also provide 12 months of social, emotional, and settlement support. The Government provides the other six months of financial support through the Resettlement Assistance Program. Check current IRCC requirements before committing to a sponsorship. Official sources: [6] [7]
Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs): IRCC's 2026 cap is 5,000 spaces. Existing SAHs may submit applications subject to that cap and their allocation. IRCC also says there is no 2026 intake window for new organizations to become SAHs. This is limited capacity, not an unlimited or universally open route; confirm current availability with an eligible SAH. Official sources: [8] [9]
Before choosing a route
G5, Community Sponsor, SAH, and BVOR requirements are different. Confirm that the route is available, that the sponsor meets the relevant requirements, and that everyone understands any financial and settlement commitments before taking steps. Do not assume that a pause-ending date automatically means applications will reopen.
For a case-specific discussion, Contact Karim Immigration to discuss a consultation. This article is general information, not legal advice or a promise that a sponsorship application will be accepted.
Official sources
- IRCC: Ministerial Instructions 83 — original pause — Effective November 29, 2024
- Canada Gazette, Part I: original pause notice — November 30, 2024 issue; instructions effective November 29, 2024
- IRCC: Temporary pause extended through December 31, 2026 — November 21, 2025
- IRCC: Groups of Five — eligibility — Current page checked October 23, 2026
- IRCC: Community Sponsors — eligibility — Current page checked October 23, 2026
- IRCC: BVOR — eligibility and sponsor responsibilities — Current page checked October 23, 2026
- IRCC: BVOR program process — Current page checked October 23, 2026
- IRCC: Private Sponsorship of Refugees intake pause and 2026 SAH cap — Page details dated September 25, 2026
- IRCC: Become a Sponsorship Agreement Holder — Modified April 9, 2026