Private sponsorship of refugees is a group activity, as there are many responsibilities that come with the promise to sponsor. A group is responsible for the financial support for all of the refugee's/refugee family's basic expenses (including rent, food, transportation, etc.), usually for one year or until the refugees become self-sufficient, whichever comes first. Sponsors are also responsible for providing settlement support to the refugees for one year. This can include helping the newcomers apply for necessary documents and services, find a doctor and dentist, open a bank account, learn how to use public transportation, enroll in English classes, find a job, and connect with a local settlement agency. You can find more details on settlement support in the Preparing your group for the application and settlement process s ection of the guide.

There are three options for becoming a private sponsor group:
1. Form a Constituent Group and partner with a Sponsorship Agreement Holder
2. Create a Group of Five
3. Become a Community Sponsor