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Last verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to Law Explorer
IRPRPART 8 Refugee ClassesDIVISION 2 Sponsorship
r.157

Joint assistance sponsorship

Refugee Classes
🍁 In Simple Terms

When a refugee has special needs — such as significant medical, psychological, or social challenges requiring extra support — the government finds a sponsor and covers the financial requirements itself. The sponsor identified in this process doesn't need to meet the normal financial eligibility thresholds.

Affects: Refugee claimants and protected persons
Legal Text — IRPR Regulation 157

(1)157 (1) If an officer determines that special needs exist in respect of a member of a class prescribed by Division 1, the Department shall endeavour to identify a sponsor in order to make the financial assistance of the Government of Canada available for the purpose of sponsorship. A sponsor identified by the Department is exempt from the financial requirements of paragraph 154(1)(a).

Cross-References
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