Information for refugee sponsors
Support from the Immigrant & Refugee Services Association PEI (IRSA)
Support for refugees
Private sponsorship groups in Prince Edward Island usually refer the refugees they sponsor to IRSA. Once registered, refugees access additional support from IRSA staff such as help with navigating the school system, interpretation services, job search and career planning assistance, access to social integration opportunities, and other services.
For more information on how refugees living in Prince Edward Island can register with IRSA, please go to Intake and Referral Services.
Online Guide for Newcomers to Canada
Our Guide for Newcomers to Canada can be a useful source of information for sponsors and refugees alike. The Guide covers many topics related to settling in the province of Prince Edward Island and contains links to other websites with relevant information. The topics range from the first things to do upon arrival to obtaining Canadian citizenship. The Guide is available in English and seven additional languages.
Support for sponsors
IRSA provides information to existing and potential refugee sponsorship groups and offers presentations or workshops on expectations, requirements, and practical matters related to sponsorship. If you are part of a refugee sponsorship group or think about sponsorship and need more information, please contact the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Settlement Worker.
Look for contact information on the right side of the page below
General information on sponsorship groups
Sponsorship groups agree to provide the refugees that they sponsor with care, lodging, settlement assistance, and support. This begins when the family or individual arrives in Canada and continues for the duration of the sponsorship period set out by the Federal Government, or until the family or individual becomes self-sufficient, whichever comes first.
Private sponsors support refugees by providing the following assistance:
- Providing the cost of food, rent, household utilities, and other day-to-day living expenses
- Providing clothing, furniture, and other household goods
- Locating and liaising with interpreters
- Enrolling children in school and adults in language training
- Assisting with applying for provincial healthcare coverage
- Applying for a family physician and locating a dentist
- Providing orientation about banking services, transportation, etc.
- Helping in the search for employment
- Introducing newcomers to people with similar personal interests, religion, education, etc.
- Providing integration opportunities and language practice options (where necessary)
- Referring refugees to the appropriate settlement organization or service as applicable
