Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP)
A new refugee sponsorship program for Australia!
An opportunity to act locally – as part of a growing global movement
The CRISP is inspired by the successful community refugee sponsorship program operating in Canada since the late 1970s, which has enabled more than 325,000 refugees to build a new life in Canada, in addition to those resettled under the government-funded resettlement program. Similar programs are now being implemented in many countries around the world, including the UK, US, NZ and Ireland.
The CRISP program currently draws on visas from within Australia’s overall humanitarian quota. However in 2023, under the Albanese Government, this quota was increased to 20,000 places per annum (previously 13,750 places per annum plus the special Afghan intake of 4,000 places per year for 4 years), partly aided by the new CRISP model. We continue to advocate for community sponsorship programs like CRIPS to become structurally ‘additional’ to the humanitarian intake quota but are pleased that CRISP is now making a contribution to an enlarged government-backed Australian resettlement effort.’ Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles reaffirmed the governments commitment to the principal of additionality, and to expanding community sponsored pathways to 10,000 places per year, in this September 2023 statement made to mark the first anniversary of the CRISP. The Australian Labor Party also has ambitions to also progressively increase the traditional government-led resettlement quota to 27,000 per annum (see ALP National Platform here).
How does it work?



Hear from some everyday Australians who have put their hands up to welcome and support refugees to settle in their communities.
What types of support do community supporter groups provide?
How do I get involved?

Find out more about the program
Make sure this program is right for you by learning more about what’s involved:
- Attend an information session – register for upcoming live info sessions via our events page or watch this pre-recorded information session
- Read the CRISP Application Guidebook
- Read the CRISP Settlement Guidebook

Form a group
If you are an individual looking to find others in your area to form a group with, please post your interest on the CRSA Facebook group and check out our 5 tips on forming a group.

Register your group's 'Intention to Apply'
Let us know that your group is intending to submit a more formal application by registering your ‘Intention to Apply.’
Where is the program active?
If your group is missing, our apologies! Feel free to alert us on media@refugeesponsorship.org.au.
Next steps…
After you register your group’s ‘Intention to Apply’ CRSA will be in touch.

CRISP application form
All group members will need to provide background checks as part of their application. Read our resource about applying for national police checks and working with children checks.

Invitation to training
The CRISP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Looking for something else?
If you can't find what you're looking for, try checking CRSA's resources, including our Frequently Asked Questions.
Otherwise, feel free to get in touch with us via our Contact Us page.