About the Program
SCERDO is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) with the Government of Canada and is authorized to facilitate the private sponsorship of refugees and provide structured settlement and integration support to individuals and families upon arrival in Canada. SAHs are approved organizations that work with Constituent Groups (CG’s) and co- sponsors to support refugees throughout the sponsorship and resettlement process.
Program Overview
SCERDO supports individuals and families in the Edmonton region who wish to sponsor refugees with whom they have a meaningful connection. Sponsorship provides an opportunity for families and communities to reunite with loved ones and support individuals facing displacement, persecution, or conflict. Due to high demand, the program operates through limited intake periods, and applications are reviewed through a structured and competitive process.
Application Steps
Under Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program, applications first undergo this process to confirm that all required forms and sponsorship documents have been submitted.
Who Can Be Sponsored
- Be located outside their country of origin
- Must qualify as a Convention Refugee or Country of Asylum refugee according to Canadian guidelines
- Be unable to safely return to their country of origin due to persecution, conflict, or serious risk
- Applicants may include immediate family members where applicable.
Who Can Sponsor
- Reside within the Edmonton region
- Be over 18 years of age with clean criminal background check
- Submit an application on behalf of a refugee (applications are not accepted directly from refugees)
- Demonstrate financial capacity to support the sponsored individual(s)
- Not be receiving income support
- Be prepared to provide financial, resettlement and integration support for the refugee upon arrival
Required Documentation
A complete application requires supporting documentation from both sponsors and the refugee applicant(s). Incomplete applications will not be processed.
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (for sponsors)
- Proof of financial capacity
- Identification documents (passports, national IDs, birth certificates)
- Civil status documents (marriage, divorce, custody, etc.)
- Supporting evidence of persecution or country conditions
- Proof of UNHCR registration or other refugee ID
- Criminal Record Check
- Certified translations for any non-English/French documents
Request for Sponsorship
Due to limited program capacity, applications are highly competitive and committee-reviewed based on multiple factors. Processing timelines may exceed 3+ years, and submission does not guarantee approval. Please complete all sections accurately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sponsor a refugee?
The price differs based on the family’s size, the ages of its members, and their requirements. This calculator will provide you with an estimate.
My family are refugees, but I don't live in Edmonton. Can you help sponsor them?
We are only able to accept applications from Edmonton residents. If you have a family member who qualifies as a refugee and you reside outside of Edmonton, you can contact the local SAH (Sponsorship Agreement Holder) that serves your specific residential community. You can find that information here.
Who is considered a refugee?
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, refugees are people who have been forced to leave their country and who are afraid to return because of war, violence or persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Learn More
How long will it take for the arrival of a sponsored refugee?
Processing times for refugee sponsorship application varies in different Canadian visa offices abroad. To learn more about the average processing time at the relevant Visa Office, visit the IRCC website.
What is my role when the refugee arrives?
The sponsor has various responsibilities to assist the refugee with resettlement needs upon arrival. SCERDO collaborates with co-sponsors/CG’s to meet the refugee’s settlement needs. For more information on sponsor settlement responsibilities, visit here.
How can I find the forms I need to complete?
All relevant sponsorship forms can be found here.
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Get in Touch
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