IRCC clarifies RSD document rules for Groups of Five and community sponsors

The requirement applies to Groups of Five and Community Sponsors

IRCC published dedicated Refugee Status Determination document instructions on September 3, 2026. A valid RSD document is a sponsorship requirement when a Group of Five or Community Sponsor submits a private refugee sponsorship application outside Quebec.

A document is required for the principal applicant and each de facto dependant, but not for dependants who are included in the principal applicant's sponsorship application. Sponsorship Agreement Holders are exempt, and the federal requirement does not apply to Quebec sponsorship cases.

The document must confirm a positive refugee determination

A valid document may be issued by the government authority responsible for asylum in the country where the applicant is located or by UNHCR. A government document must show that a formal refugee-status determination was completed and that the person was recognized as a refugee.

IRCC says a UNHCR-issued document should identify the applicant and include the date of birth, UNHCR registration number, issue date, issuing office, the designated officer's name, title and signature, and the UNHCR office stamp.

Several commonly held papers are generally not accepted

• An asylum-seeker certificate or other document showing that a refugee claim is still pending.
• A UNHCR registration card, UNHCR assistance letter or document issued by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
• A Palestinian Authority travel document used to facilitate travel rather than to confirm a positive refugee-status decision.

A moratorium does not cancel an earlier positive decision

If a country later imposes a moratorium on refugee-status determinations, a positive RSD issued before the moratorium remains valid. Applicants in that country who do not already have a positive determination generally cannot meet the G5 or Community Sponsor document requirement and may need to pursue sponsorship through a Sponsorship Agreement Holder instead.

The instructions clarify document assessment; they do not reopen the intake of new G5 or Community Sponsor applications where a separate intake pause remains in force.