Ottawa increases privately sponsored refugee admissions while reducing government-assisted intake

OTTAWA — The federal government is adjusting Canada’s refugee resettlement system by increasing the number of privately sponsored refugee admissions while reducing the number of refugees supported directly by Ottawa.

Under the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will target 17,550 privately sponsored refugee admissions annually, up from the previous target of 16,000.

At the same time, the government-assisted refugee target will fall to 11,750, compared with 13,250 under the previous plan.

Privately sponsored refugees are supported by community organizations, religious institutions and private groups that help provide housing, financial assistance and settlement services during their initial period in Canada.

Supporters of the change argue that community sponsorship can strengthen integration by connecting newcomers with established local networks.

However, refugee advocacy organizations have expressed concern that the government is increasingly transferring responsibility for refugee resettlement to private and community-based groups.

The Canadian Council for Refugees has criticized the reduction in government-assisted admissions, arguing that Ottawa must maintain a strong humanitarian commitment to people fleeing persecution and conflict.

The broader immigration plan maintains an annual permanent-resident admissions target of 380,000 through 2029.

The changes come as the government seeks to balance immigration levels, settlement capacity and humanitarian obligations amid continuing international displacement crises.