Community Refugee Sponsorship Programme Made Permanent
New Zealand's Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship (CORS) programme is becoming permanent, offering a new pathway for refugee resettlement alongside the existing quota.
What changed
- The Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship (CORS) programme is now a permanent pathway for refugee resettlement.
- Organisations can apply to become approved community sponsors from July 1, 2026.
- 50 places will be available in the first year (from July 1, 2026), increasing to 200 places per year from July 1, 2027.
- This programme complements the existing Refugee Quota Programme, providing an additional settlement option.
Who this affects
This primarily affects refugees seeking resettlement in New Zealand and community organisations interested in sponsoring them. It does not directly impact general visa, residence, or citizenship applicants.
What you should do
If you are a community organisation interested in sponsoring refugees, prepare to apply for approval from July 1, 2026. If you are a refugee, understand that this program offers an additional pathway for resettlement, with community organisations playing a key role in support.
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Check your eligibility dateOriginal source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/community-sponsorship-programme-be-permanent
This summary is an AI-assisted plain-English rewrite of an official NZ Government press release for general guidance only. Always check the official source before acting on your visa or citizenship application.