Sponsors must complete a budget document that reflects your financial support plan. A draft must be submitted for approval by AURA before AURA can submit the sponsorship application to the government of Canada.
Around the time of arrival, AURA will ask you for an updated copy. As your SAH, AURA is required to keep a final copy on file.
You have options:
1- AURA Simple Budget
2- AURA Detailed Budget
3- Create your own document
Budgeting Considerations:
• Each sponsorship is unique, there is no “one size fits all” budget.
• Sponsorship is a contractual obligation with rules around the minimum financial requirements, but your job is to ensure the newcomer’s basic needs are met.
• Be careful not to provide too much financial support that will set newcomers up for a difficult post-sponsorship transition.
• Avoid creating a relationship of dependency by providing a monthly amount that far exceeds what they might earn/receive after the sponsorship. If you have enough money, consider paying for certain specific additional programs/expenses that will benefit them in the long term.
• Families with children will receive Canada Child Benefit Payments ($450-$550/child/month). However, CCB cannot be counted in your budget as sponsor support.
• Families with many children will receive a large CCB, which may enable you to provide a monthly amount closer to RAP rates. However, you can never go below RAP Rates because of CCB.
• CCB applications can take a few months to process and the first payment will be retroactive. Budget and explain accordingly.
• Newcomers should know how much money they will get, when, how and from whom. Avoid surprises!
• AURA sponsors are required to repay the Immigration Travel Loan to the Government of Canada on behalf of newcomers. Budget $1,200-$1,500 per person.
• BVORs will receive 6 months of financial support from RAP.
• Many start-up items can be provided in-kind instead of purchased new, such as furniture, clothing, household items etc.
• Personal items (mattresses, footwear, personal clothing) should not be provided second hand.
• Regardless of how many donations your group can get, newcomers must be provided with some start-up money so they can choose and buy new items.
• Sponsored refugees have the right to self-determination, including in finances. This means that while you must provide financial support – you cannot control or micro-manage how they use it.
• Strive for a structure where newcomers receive the same amount every month, and pay their rent, expenses etc. directly, themselves.
• The financial structures you develop will depend on the financial literacy and experience of the people/person you sponsor – every case is different.
• Shortly after arrival, meet to discuss the budget with the newcomers, including where funds came from, how you determined the monthly amounts, ensuring bills are paid, and how you can best work together to balance financial support with supporting self-sufficiency and independence.
• When a child turns 18, CCB payments end. Children over 18 must receive their own financial support for basic needs and communication. Plan and budget accordingly.
• Be prepared if a child will turn 18 before arrival or during the sponsorship. Ensure the parent knows well in advance how much their monthly support will decrease or change.