Canada Enhances Free Settlement Supports for Newcomers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has upgraded its suite of no‑cost services, reinforcing support for newcomers as they integrate into Canadian life.

Who Can Access These Services?

Eligible groups (excluding Quebec) include:

• All permanent residents, including resettled refugees
• Those with approval-in-principle for PR (e.g., COPR letter holders)
• Protected persons under IRB approval
• Temporary residents (and dependents) in select programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program or Rural & Northern Immigration Program
• Special streams including Palestinians from Gaza, Francophone student pilot participants, among others (IRCC.)

Pre‑Arrival Services

Even before landing, newcomers can access a range of pre‑arrival services—from webinars to virtual counseling—to help prepare them for life in Canada (IRCC).

Settlement and Employment Supports

Once in Canada, providers across all provinces and territories offer a range of services:

• Settlement plans and orientation to community resources
• Job search assistance, resume/CV preparation, and networking
• Aid with licensing/certification for regulated professions like nurses, teachers, etc.
• Housing and health system navigation
• Tax filing and benefit enrollment assistance (IRCC, Canada.ca)

Language Training

Newcomers can access extensive language programs:

• Federal-level: LINC (English) and CLIC (French) at beginner to advanced levels, including job-specific modules (IRCC)
• Provincial/territorial courses, potentially including childcare or transportation help (IRCC)
• Eligibility: adult permanent residents and protected persons may enroll free of cost (IRCC)

Enrolling involves visiting a language assessment centre, typically through a settlement provider (IRCC).

Specialized Supports for Targeted Groups

Tailored services exist for:

• Children, youth, women, seniors
• Francophones, refugees, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals
• Anyone affected by gender‑based violence (IRCC)

Connecting with Providers

Using IRCC’s online tool, newcomers can find local settlement organizations by entering postal code and service needs. These providers operate funded programs but may also offer other support (IRCC).

Why This Matters

Accessible supports like language training, job assistance, and community integration accelerate newcomers’ ability to contribute economically and socially. By proactively smoothing the adjustment, Canada nurtures self‑sufficiency, promotes inclusive communities, and strengthens ties between newcomers and Canadians.IRCC’s newcomer services form a comprehensive network—from pre-arrival prep to settlement, work readiness, language, and specialized supports. All are offered free of charge and tailored to diverse newcomer communities.

If you’re preparing to move—or just landed in Canada—start by visiting IRCC’s ‘Find Services Near You’ tool, make an appointment with a settlement provider, and sign up for the services that match your journey.