The scheme is supported by UK refugee charities and high-profile individuals such as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
The support is intended to increase the family's ability to integrate into their local community, rebuild their lives, and become independent quickly.
Community Sponsorship is currently open to refugees affected by the Syrian crisis living in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.
When the UK transitions to the UKRS, eligibility will still be determined according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s vulnerability criteria, but with a global scope.
Gaining formal support from a registered charity (who become a group's 'Lead Sponsor'), and securing local authority consent is also an essential part of an application.
Within Europe, 'The United Kingdom [...] has become a global leader in seeding the development of its model in other countries, including Germany.