Getting Started as

a Sponsor
While welcoming refugees through private
sponsorship is a significant responsibility,
you already have the most important skill
you need to succeed: knowledge of your local
community. And, you will receive support
from the Welcome Corps team throughout
your sponsorship journey.

NEXT STEPS
Use the next steps below to access resources and begin your sponsorship
journey today. You can read the Frequently Asked Questions and also watch a
recent Information Session to hear from sponsors who have already welcomed
newcomers into their communities and members of the Welcome Corps team.

Establish Your Private Sponsor Group: Groups can
be formed by friends, neighbors, work colleagues,
a congregation, book club members—any group
of adults who together meet the requirements: a
minimum of five members who are U.S. citizens
or lawful permanent residents, who are over the
age of 18 and who live in or near the welcoming
community. Use this toolkit to recruit for your group
by posting on social media, emailing friends, putting
a flyer on a bulletin board, or speaking to your local
clubs or groups!
C
 omplete Your Background Check: Make sure
every Private Sponsor Group member completes
the required background check. View background
check protocols and step-by-step User Guide.
Complete Training: At least one member of your
group must complete the Welcome Corps Essentials
Training before submitting your application. Be sure
to select The Welcome Corps from the list of options
when you sign up. Complete the training here.
Attend an Application Support Session: Join the
Welcome Corps team for an overview of the sponsor
application process, including the completion of
your Welcome Plan. Register here.
Complete Your Welcome Plan: The Welcome Plan is a
critical piece of your private sponsorship application.
Complete the plan sharing how your Private Sponsor
Group will support the refugee newcomers you will
sponsor. Learn more about creating a Welcome Plan here.
Sign the Commitment Form: Make sure every member
signs the Private Sponsor Group commitment form and
reviews the Code of Conduct. Download the form here.
Begin Fundraising: Begin fundraising the required $2,375
per privately sponsored refugee newcomer. This amount
can be made up of both funds and donated goods or
housing, but you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Get your
community involved! View our fundraising guide here.
Submit Your Application! Ready to apply? Click below
to submit your application. Please note: Completing your
application typically takes 45 minutes to one hour. It is
recommended to gather all information and materials
needed prior to beginning the application. Apply here!
Get ready for next steps: After you submit your
application, be on the lookout for next steps from the
Welcome Corps team! Our application review team will
be in touch with any questions about your application
and when you can expect to be matched with a refugee
newcomer or family!

The Welcome Corps is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by a consortium led by Last Modified: 04/03/2023
the Community Sponsorship Hub with funding provided by the U.S. government.