New to Canada? You may be eligible for government-funded settlement services

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Some newcomers to Canada may qualify for settlement services, which are designed to assist them in adjusting to life in the country.

These government-funded services aim to support newcomers as they settle in Canada, providing help with tasks such as securing housing, improving language proficiency, finding employment, and even building social connections.

Research has shown that newcomers who access settlement services experience considerable benefits. However, nearly one-third of immigrants arriving in Canada are not aware of these available services.

This article will cover:

  • Which newcomers are eligible for settlement services
  • The types of settlement services offered
  • How to find services in your area
  • The effectiveness of these settlement services

Who is eligible to receive settlement services?

Settlement services are designed to help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. These programs are delivered by a variety of immigrant support organizations throughout the country, with funding primarily provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with provincial and municipal governments.

These services support immigrants in many areas, including meeting daily needs, learning English or French, securing employment, and integrating into the local community.

Settlement services are available to permanent residents, protected persons, and some temporary residents. Eligibility may vary based on the source of funding. For example, most settlement services funded entirely by IRCC are generally available only to permanent residents.

In Quebec, settlement services are managed by the provincial government. Additionally, refugees are eligible for the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP), which is separate from general settlement services.

Eligibility for Settlement Services

The following groups are eligible for most settlement services in Canada:

GroupEligibility Criteria
Permanent residents of CanadaAll individuals who have been granted permanent resident status in Canada.
Protected persons (IRPA Section 95)Individuals recognized as protected persons under Section 95 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
Individuals pending permanent residency approvalIndividuals selected for permanent residency (pending verification) and notified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via a letter.
Convention refugees and protected persons abroadConvention refugees and protected persons outside Canada who have been selected by IRCC for resettlement.
Temporary foreign workers with work permits, initially approved for permanent residencyTemporary foreign workers with a work permit under Section 112 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) or those with initial approval for permanent residency under Section 113 of IRPR.
Ukrainian nationals and their dependentsUkrainian nationals granted a temporary resident visa under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, along with their dependents, and other eligible Ukrainian temporary residents in Canada, until March 31, 2025.
Palestinian authority passport holdersForeign nationals holding a passport from the Palestinian Authority who left Gaza after September 1, 2023, arrived in Canada by December 31, 2025, and have valid temporary resident status. Eligible until March 31, 2027, along with their family members.
Gaza/West Bank evacuees assisted by CanadaForeign nationals assisted by the Government of Canada in leaving Gaza or the West Bank between November 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, who hold valid temporary resident status in Canada, and their family members. Eligible until March 31, 2027.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) participantsTemporary residents and their dependents selected by employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program, eligible for needs assessments, referrals, and information services.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) applicantsTemporary residents (and dependents) who have received confirmation of a complete Application for Permanent Residence under the Atlantic Immigration Program, eligible for settlement services including needs assessments and community connections programs.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) applicantsTemporary residents (and dependents) who have received confirmation of a complete Application for Permanent Residence under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, eligible for settlement services, including needs assessments and community connection programs.

If newcomers are uncertain about their eligibility for a particular service, they can reach out to the service provider for clarification.

AIP candidates and applicants are eligible for settlement services as outlined in their settlement plan.

AIP and RNIP applicants may have access only to settlement services provided by organizations in their designated community or city of settlement.

What kinds of settlement services are available?

Canada provides a variety of settlement services to assist newcomers in adjusting to life in the country. These services cover several aspects of life in Canada, including but not limited to the following:

  • Pre-arrival services: Typically offered online, these services can be accessed before arriving in Canada and include employment assistance, information sessions about life in Canada, connecting with mentors, and more.
  • Help with daily life: Guidance on understanding Canadian culture, housing options, and navigating the healthcare system.
  • Job search assistance: Support in finding employment through job listings, resume workshops, networking events, and interview preparation.
  • Citizenship test preparation: Resources to help newcomers prepare for the Canadian citizenship test.
  • Mentorship programs: Connecting newcomers with mentors or friends to help ease their transition into Canadian society.
  • Language services: Language assessments and training to improve skills in English or French, including job-specific language training.
  • Targeted services for specific groups: Services designed to meet the unique needs of refugees, women, seniors, youth, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
  • Additional services: Other community-based programs to support integration, such as newcomer social events, assistance for victims of domestic abuse, help with creating a settlement plan, and more.

How can I find settlement services near me?

The IRCC offers an online tool that enables newcomers to search for IRCC-funded services by postal code, making it easier to find the nearest available programs. The tool also includes filters to help users find specific services.

For services funded at the municipal or provincial level, newcomers can explore various websites to locate immigrant-serving organizations and settlement services in their local area.

Do settlement services truly make a difference?

Research on the impact of settlement services in Canada shows promising outcomes, highlighting the significant benefits these services offer to newcomers.

Data from the 2020 and 2021 Newcomer Outcome Survey (NOS) by IRCC, which evaluates the results for newcomers who used settlement programs, reveals the following:

  • 85% of clients (newcomers eligible for settlement services) reported that they could easily access the services they required.
  • 95% of newcomers who utilized settlement services found them beneficial and valuable.
  • Among those who participated in language training, 89.5% experienced improvements in their English or French skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • 78% of individuals who took part in employment-related services felt that these programs helped them acquire the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to succeed in the Canadian job market.
  • 61% of newcomers who used community connection services developed meaningful friendships, with 92% agreeing that their community was welcoming, and 90% expressing a strong sense of belonging in Canada.

To read more articles: https://esseindia.in/

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