New Sponsorship Agreement: Overview of changes/additions SAH Conference May 29, 2017

Sections covered 1. SAH Responsibilities – Section 5 2. Withdrawals – Section 7 3. Breakdowns – Section 8 4. Default and Revocation – Sections 9 & 10 5. Financial Guidelines – Appendix 1 6. Definitions – Appendix 4

1. SAH Responsibilities – Section 4 Additions to SAH Responsibilities: c) All family members listed on the refugee’s application must be included in the Undertaking d) SAHs must have sufficient cap space when submitting sponsorships l) SAHs will encourage refugees to access settlement services p) Refugees have freedom of movement, but SAHs will encourage them to remain in the community of sponsorship

SAH Responsibilities (cont’) More additions: h) SAH will ensure the CG and/or co-sponsor and PA is notified if the sponsorship application is returned or refused  m) SAH will exercise due diligence in screening volunteers Not new, but written separately with more detail: s) SAH will inform IRCC of issues that could lead to breakdown and work together to find resolution

SAH Responsibilities (cont’) Additional wording: r) SAH will monitor the sponsors and the refugees t) SAH will inform IRCC of changes in organizational governance and in persons authorized to sign These persons must be meet eligibility requirements These persons may be subject to background screening Other additions: b) SAH must have at least 2 representatives in the community of destination e) SAHs cannot sponsor under Community Sponsorship

2. Withdrawals: Section 7 Additions: a) Sponsors must advise IRCC in writing of their intent to withdraw and provide their reasons for the withdrawal Sponsors must make reasonable efforts to coordinate alternate sponsorship arrangements IRCC will evaluate withdrawal reasons and the Sponsorship Agreement could be affected Added acceptable reason for withdrawal: v) New information makes sponsorship no longer viable Alternative durable solution Involvement in fraudulent activity Loss of contact with refugee Evidence that refugee will not remain in community of settlement Situations that could affect refugee’s eligibility or admissibility

Withdrawal (cont’) Removed as acceptable reasons for withdrawal: change in relationship between SAH & CG ‘lengthy processing time’ as acceptable reason for withdrawal – but added to IRCC responsibilities section Added as unacceptable reason for withdrawal: c) iii. SAH has overextended its ability to support all submitted sponsorships, both financial and in-kind assistance

3.  Breakdown: Section 8 Only 1 change! Removed recognition that lengthy processing times can affect the sponsor’s ability to meet obligations. Reference to lengthy processing is included under Section 6, IRCC responsibilities

4. Default – Section 9 Additional wording: a) When the SAH is responsible for a breakdown and does not attempt to remedy the situation, default may be declared c) If a SAH takes responsibility when there is a sponsorship breakdown with a CG or Co-sponsor, IRCC will investigate the situation, and the CG or Co-sponsor may be in declared in default. Clarification: d) Financial default ceases upon reimbursement e) Non-financial default ceases when SAH satisfies IRCC that it is in compliance with obligation

4. Revocation – Section 10 Only 1 addition! c) Depending on the circumstances for the revocation, IRCC may suspend or cancel the SAH’s Agreement

5. Financial Guidelines - Appendix 1 Additional wording: b) SAHs required to equal RAP rates – but also “consider social-economic benefits over and above the table” d) Increased the one-time payment per application that a SAH can collect for administrative costs Was $100 – now $250 Must keep records of these admin costs but receipts not needed e) SAHs may not accept funds from the refugee for: Submission of sponsorship Prepayment or repayment of lodging, care, assistance As a guarantee they will remain in community for 1 year

Financial Guidelines (cont’) Addition: f) SAH must not be a paid representative and will not require relatives to use services of a paid representative Removed: SAH may decrease financial support if PSR refused to accept a reasonable job offer

Definitions - Appendix 4 Two key changes: Number of terms defined increased from 49 to 64!! Location of Definitions section moved to the last Appendix in the Agreement