Settlement Agencies Directory: Finding Newcomer Services

What Are Settlement Agencies?

Settlement agencies are non-profit organizations funded primarily by the federal government (through IRCC) and provincial governments to help newcomers integrate into Canadian life. Their services are free for eligible newcomers — including permanent residents, refugees, and some temporary residents.

Settlement agencies are your first and most important resource after arriving in Canada. They provide help with everything from finding housing and registering for healthcare to language classes, employment support, and navigating the education system. Most have multilingual staff who understand the challenges you're facing because many of them are former newcomers themselves.

To find services near you, use the IRCC Services Near Me tool on the Government of Canada website.

Services Typically Offered

Most settlement agencies offer some or all of these services:

• Needs assessment and settlement planning: A counsellor helps you identify priorities and create a plan
• Information and orientation: Canadian life, rights and responsibilities, government services
• Language classes (LINC/CLIC): Free English or French language instruction
• Employment services: Resume writing, job search, interview prep, workplace culture training
• Housing support: Finding affordable rentals, understanding tenant rights
• Health navigation: Registering for provincial health insurance, finding a doctor
• Education support: School registration for children, post-secondary information
• Community connections: Social events, conversation circles, mentorship programs
• Translation and interpretation: Help with appointments and documents
• Tax filing assistance: Free tax preparation through CVITP
• Legal information: Immigration questions, tenant rights, workplace rights

Toronto and Greater Toronto Area

• ACCES Employment: Award-winning employment services with sector-specific programs. Multiple GTA locations. accesemployment.ca
• WoodGreen Community Services: Comprehensive settlement services including housing, employment, language, and youth programs. woodgreen.org
• COSTI Immigrant Services: Settlement services in over 60 languages. costi.org
• CultureLink: Settlement services with focus on cultural integration. culturelink.ca
• YMCA of Greater Toronto — Newcomer Services: Employment, language, and settlement for newcomers.
• Achēv (formerly ACCES Employment): Employment and language services in Peel, York, and Durham regions.
• South Asian Women's Centre: Services for South Asian women newcomers.
• Chinese Interagency Network: Services for Chinese-speaking newcomers.

Vancouver and Metro Vancouver

• ISSofBC (Immigrant Services Society of BC): BC's largest settlement agency. Language, employment, settlement, refugee services. Multiple locations. issbc.org
• MOSAIC: Multilingual services for newcomers. Employment, language, legal advocacy. mosaicbc.org
• SUCCESS: Settlement services with strong presence in the Chinese community but serving all newcomers. successbc.ca
• Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS): Programs for newcomer women and families.
• DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society: Settlement services in Surrey and South Fraser.
• Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC): Connecting newcomer professionals with employers and mentors.

Calgary

• Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS): Comprehensive settlement services for all newcomers (not just Catholic). ccisab.ca
• Centre for Newcomers: Settlement, employment, and community services. centrefornewcomers.ca
• Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA): Programs specifically for newcomer women.
• Immigrant Services Calgary: Settlement and integration services.
• Momentum: Financial empowerment and employment programs for newcomers.

Montreal

• ALPA (Association Latino-Américaine et Multiethnique de Côte-des-Neiges): Services in Spanish, French, and English.
• Centre social d'aide aux immigrants (CSAI): Settlement and integration services.
• PROMIS (Promotion, Intégration, Société nouvelle): Francization, employment, and social integration.
• YMCA du Québec — Services d'installation: Settlement services for newcomers to Quebec.
• Carrefour BLE (Bureau de liaison pour les nouveaux arrivants): Employment and integration services.

Note: Quebec has its own settlement services system, partially separate from the federal IRCC system. Many services are delivered in French.

Ottawa

• Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO): Comprehensive settlement services including counselling, employment, and youth programs. ociso.org
• Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI Ottawa): Settlement services for newcomers of all faiths.
• Hire Immigrants Ottawa: Connecting employers with skilled newcomers.
• Local Agencies Serving Immigrants (LASI): Coordination of 8 settlement agencies in Ottawa.
• World Skills Employment Centre: Employment-focused services for newcomers.

Edmonton

• Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA): Comprehensive settlement and integration.
• Catholic Social Services — Immigration and Settlement: Refugee and newcomer settlement.
• Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative: Health, social, and settlement services in multiple languages.
• Changing Together — A Centre for Immigrant Women: Programs for newcomer women.

Winnipeg

• Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM): Housing, settlement, and community programs. ircom.ca
• Manitoba Start: Employment and settlement services.
• Welcome Place (Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council): Refugee and newcomer services.
• Accueil francophone: Settlement services for French-speaking newcomers.

Halifax and Atlantic Canada

• Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS): The primary settlement agency in Nova Scotia. isans.ca
• Multicultural Association of Fredericton (MCAF): Settlement in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
• PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada: Settlement in PEI.
• Association for New Canadians (ANC): Settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador.

How to Access Settlement Services

1. Find your nearest agency: Use the IRCC Services Near Me tool, search online for "settlement agency [your city]," or ask at a public library.
2. Contact them: Call, email, or visit in person. Many agencies accept walk-ins, but booking an appointment ensures you see a counsellor.
3. Bring your documents: Immigration papers (COPR, PR card, work/study permit), passport, and any other settlement-related documents.
4. Needs assessment: A counsellor will meet with you, understand your situation, and create a settlement plan.
5. Access services: Based on your plan, you'll be connected to relevant programs (language, employment, housing, etc.).

Eligibility

Most settlement services are available to:

• Permanent residents
• Convention refugees and protected persons
• Individuals approved for permanent residence (have COPR but haven't yet landed)

Some services are also available to temporary residents (work permit holders, refugee claimants). Check with the specific agency about your eligibility.

Tips for Newcomers

1. Visit a settlement agency within your first week. The earlier you connect, the more support you'll receive.
2. Use multiple agencies. You're not limited to one. Different agencies have different strengths — use the employment services of one and the language classes of another.
3. Be honest about your needs. The more your counsellor understands your situation, the better they can help.
4. Follow through on referrals. When your counsellor connects you with a program or service, take advantage of it.
5. Give back. Once you're settled, consider volunteering at a settlement agency to help newer newcomers.

Final Thoughts

Settlement agencies are the backbone of Canada's newcomer support system. They exist to help you succeed — there's no reason not to use them. Connect early, access every service you're entitled to, and let them help you build your new life in Canada.

For more settlement guides, see our articles on first weeks in Canada, getting your SIN, and health card applications.

Making the Most of Your Settlement Agency Visits

Once you've identified and connected with a settlement agency, it's crucial to know how to maximize the support they offer. These agencies are invaluable, but your proactive engagement can significantly enhance your experience and outcomes. Before your first appointment, consider preparing a list of questions about your immediate needs, such as housing, employment, healthcare, or education. Gather any relevant documents like your immigration papers, educational certificates, or professional references, as these will help your caseworker understand your situation better and provide tailored advice.

During your meetings, be open and honest about your challenges and aspirations. Your caseworker is there to guide you, not to judge. Ask about the full range of services available, including workshops, language classes, and mentorship programs. Don't hesitate to request referrals to other specialized organizations if your needs extend beyond the agency's direct services. Remember, building a good relationship with your caseworker can lead to more personalized support. For a comprehensive overview of initial steps, you can always consult our Settlement Checklist to ensure you're covering all bases.

Beyond Agencies: Essential Government Resources & Programs

While settlement agencies are a primary point of contact, many essential services for newcomers are provided directly by the Canadian government or through government-funded programs. Understanding these resources is key to a smooth transition. For instance, obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is vital for working in Canada and accessing government benefits. You can apply for a SIN through Service Canada, and detailed information is available on the official Canada.ca website. Healthcare is another critical area; each province and territory has its own healthcare system, and settlement agencies can help you navigate the registration process to ensure you receive a health card.

Additionally, the government offers various programs to support newcomers in finding employment and integrating into Canadian society. The Job Bank, Canada's national employment service, is a valuable resource for job seekers, listing thousands of opportunities across the country. Explore it at Job Bank Canada. Many government-funded language training programs are also available to help you improve your English or French skills, which are crucial for employment and daily life. To understand what financial support or services you might be eligible for, our Benefits Finder can provide personalized insights, and if you have foreign credentials, our Credential Assessment Tool can help you understand how they compare to Canadian standards.

Harnessing Digital Tools for Your New Journey

In today's digital age, online tools and resources can significantly complement the in-person support you receive from settlement agencies. WelcomeAide offers a suite of digital solutions designed to empower newcomers with information and practical assistance at their fingertips. For instance, our AI Navigator can answer your questions instantly, providing reliable information on various settlement topics, from immigration queries to daily living advice.

Understanding your finances in a new country is paramount. Our Cost of Living Calculator helps you estimate expenses in different Canadian cities, aiding your budgeting and planning. When it comes to finding a place to live, the Housing Guide provides essential information on renting, tenancy laws, and finding suitable accommodation. By combining the personalized guidance from settlement agencies with the convenience and comprehensive information offered by digital platforms like WelcomeAide, you can navigate your new journey in Canada with greater confidence and efficiency.