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What happens when a private sponsorship breaks down?

A sponsorship breakdown occurs when your sponsoring group stops taking financial responsibility for you based on the sponsorship agreement.

The responsibility for a sponsorship breakdown can be with the refugees or the sponsoring group. When this happens, an official declaration is made that an “irreparable failure” to meet the sponsorship arrangement has occurred.

Why do breakdowns happen?

Some sponsorship breakdowns happen because you, as a sponsored immigrant, have reasons to move away from the community where your sponsors are located. In some cases, this breakdown occurs due to a disagreement during the sponsorship period.

Things can escalate and lead to the end of the relationship between your family and the sponsoring group. Most of the time, this is due to miscommunication, which can result from differences in expectations, misunderstandings, and stress.

Steps in a Breakdown Process

When a situation that could result in a breakdown in sponsorship happens, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), your sponsoring group, and your family will work together to resolve the issues, in the hope of avoiding a formal breakdown in the sponsorship.

It is important for your sponsoring group to involve IRCC, especially when there are big or ongoing disagreements. IRCC can assist you with mediation or help you find alternative ways to resolve disagreements. You or your sponsors should contact the Resettlement Services Assurance Team (RSAT) to start the process.

Once RSAT is notified, they will evaluate how serious the situation is and decide if IRCC involvement is necessary. They might ask you and your group to work together to solve issues first.
If you cannot find a solution, IRCC will review all information and decide who is responsible for the disagreement. The RSAT officer will bring everyone together in a meeting to discuss your current needs and your needs for the rest of the sponsorship period. They will also decide if your sponsoring group will be able to support you for the rest of the sponsorship period.
During that discussion process, the RSAT officer will gather information on the amount of financial and settlement assistance already given to you. The sponsorship group is required to continue their support during this process.
This process can take a few weeks. If the RSAT officer determines that you and your family require immediate financial assistance, they may provide emergency funds or refer you to Ontario Works for social services.
If a sponsorship breakdown is declared, IRCC will determine who is responsible for the breakdown. It may be you, your sponsoring group, IRCC or no one. If your sponsorship group is found to be responsible, IRCC will determine how your support will continue, either through the group, Ontario Works, or the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP). IRCC will also monitor the sponsoring group’s current sponsorships in Canada. There may be further consequences for the group depending on the situation.

Unless IRCC issues a formal notice of sponsorship breakdown, which cancels the sponsorship agreement, sponsored refugees cannot access income support through Ontario Works or the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) during the sponsorship period (12 months).

Sponsorship breakdowns are difficult and stressful situations that can affect both you and your sponsoring group. IRCC has a process in place to provide everyone with the opportunity to resolve concerns before a breakdown becomes official.

If a sponsorship cannot continue, IRCC carefully reviews what happened and determines responsibility. They also make sure you and your family continue to receive the support you need.

By understanding these steps, you can navigate challenges more confidently and effectively during your sponsorship period.

For More Information

Managing Expectations. A fact sheet from the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP).
Sponsorship Disputes & Breakdowns - Information about navigating disagreements or misunderstandings between sponsors and newcomers from Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP).
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) - Learn more about this contribution program. It has two main components: income support and assistance for a range of immediate essential services from IRCC.