A community-led refugee sponsorship scheme will be made permanent from 1 July 2026.
Associate Immigration Minister Casey Costello announced the Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship programme would transition from trial status to ongoing operation. The programme will have 50 places in its first year, growing to 200 people annually from 1 July 2027.
The Government covers core costs such as immigration processing, health checks and international travel, while approved community organisations deliver housing, connect refugees to services, and assist with employment and integration into community life. Organisations can apply for approval as community sponsors from 1 July 2026.
The scheme represents New Zealand's first permanent complementary resettlement pathway, working alongside the Refugee Quota Programme. New Zealand's overall refugee resettlement intake remains at 1,500 people per year, with CORS places gradually drawn from within that existing total. Any allocated CORS places not taken will return to the quota programme.
Costello said the trial phase demonstrated positive outcomes for refugees in employment, housing, education and community connection. "Making it permanent means we can build on the skills, partnerships and knowledge developed through the pilot. This is a positive step and provides a programme that we know works," she said. "That is the key to a successful refugee programme – it isn't just about providing refuge, it is about ensuring people can settle well and feel that they have a new home."
The complementary pathway model receives UNHCR support and mirrors approaches in Australia, Canada and the UK. New Zealand accepts the third highest number of UNHCR-mandated refugees globally, following Canada and Australia.