Canada is one of the few countries in the world that funds a comprehensive national network of free settlement services for newcomers. These services are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and delivered by local organizations across the country. Most newcomers are not aware of how many free services are available to them, leaving thousands of dollars in support on the table.
Who Is Eligible for Settlement Services?
IRCC-funded settlement services are available to permanent residents, protected persons (refugees), and temporary residents authorized to work or study in Canada (in most cases). Canadian citizens are not eligible for most settlement services but may access some language programs.
Types of Settlement Services Available
Language Training (LINC and CLIC)
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) offers free English classes. Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC) offers free French classes. Classes are offered at multiple levels from beginner to advanced. Childcare is often available during class time. These programs are the most widely used settlement services in Canada.
Employment Services
Free employment counselling, resume writing workshops, job search skills training, mentorship programs, and job fairs specifically for newcomers. Organizations like ACCES Employment, TRIEC, and local immigrant services run these programs in most major cities.
Needs Assessment and Referrals
Settlement workers assess your individual needs and connect you with the right services. They can help you understand the Canadian system, find housing, access healthcare, navigate government programs, and connect with your community.
Information and Orientation
Free orientation sessions covering Canadian laws, rights and responsibilities, the healthcare system, education system, banking, housing, and employment. Many are available in multiple languages.
Community Connections
Programs that connect newcomers with established Canadians for friendship, mentorship, and cultural exchange. These programs help newcomers build Canadian social networks which are critical for employment and wellbeing.
Crisis and Emergency Support
Some settlement organizations offer emergency assistance including short-term housing referrals, food banks, crisis counselling, and domestic violence support specifically for newcomers.
How to Find Settlement Services Near You
Settlement.Org (Ontario)
An Ontario newcomer information resource that can be searched by city, service type, and language. Confirm service availability with the listed provider before visiting.
211 Canada
Call or visit 211.ca to find social and community services in your area including settlement services. Available across Canada.
IRCC Welcome to Canada Page
Canada.ca has a Welcome to Canada section with links to settlement service providers by province and city.
Your Local Newcomer Centre
Search for newcomer centre, immigrant services, or settlement agency in your city on Google. Most major cities have multiple organizations serving newcomers.
Major Settlement Organizations by City
Toronto
ACCES Employment, TRIEC, Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS), Newcomer Centre of Peel, WoodGreen Community Services, and over 100 other IRCC-funded organizations.
Vancouver
MOSAIC BC, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, SUCCESS, ISS of BC (Immigrant Services Society), Vancouver Association for the Deaf, and many others.
Calgary
Immigrant Services Calgary, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), Centre for Newcomers, YWCA Calgary, and the Calgary Immigrant Women Association.
Montreal
COSTI Montreal, CITIM, YMCA of Quebec, SANA (Services aux Nouveaux Arrivants), and Centre Social d Aide aux Immigrants (CSAI).
Free tip: Contact a settlement agency within your first week of arriving in Canada. They can help you navigate the entire settlement process from finding housing to applying for your health card to finding work. These services are completely free and you are paying for them through your future taxes. Use them.
Online Settlement Services
Many settlement services are now available online making them accessible regardless of where you live in Canada. IRCC funds online language training, virtual employment workshops, and telephone-based settlement counselling. This is especially valuable for newcomers in rural and northern communities where in-person services may be limited.
Written and reviewed by the GuideCAN Editorial Team
Editorially reviewed against IRCC guidance. This article is general information, not immigration or legal advice.
Official sources
Official rules, fees, deadlines and program availability can change. Confirm the current details before acting.