Volunteering in Canada: A Complete Guide for Newcomers

Why Volunteering Is Essential for Newcomers

One of the most common challenges newcomers face when looking for work in Canada is the "Canadian experience" requirement. Many employers prefer candidates who have worked in a Canadian setting, understand Canadian workplace culture, and can provide Canadian references. Volunteering is one of the most effective ways to bridge this gap. By volunteering, you demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to your new community, all qualities that Canadian employers value highly.

Beyond career benefits, volunteering helps newcomers build social connections, practise English or French in real-world settings, learn about Canadian culture and institutions, and develop a sense of belonging. The IRCC page on volunteering encourages newcomers to volunteer as part of their settlement journey and provides guidance on getting started.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities in Canada span virtually every sector and interest area. You can volunteer at hospitals, food banks, community centres, schools, environmental organizations, animal shelters, festivals, sporting events, arts organizations, settlement agencies, and many other places. The type of volunteering you choose should ideally align with your career goals and skills, though any volunteer experience is valuable.

For example, if you are an accountant looking for work in finance, volunteering to help a non-profit with their bookkeeping gives you Canadian experience directly relevant to your field. If you are a teacher, volunteering as a tutor or classroom assistant provides transferable experience. If you are a healthcare professional, volunteering at a hospital or community health centre, even in a non-clinical role, familiarizes you with the Canadian healthcare environment. Our guide to finding your first job explains how volunteer experience fits into your job search strategy.

Skilled vs. General Volunteering

Skilled volunteering, sometimes called "pro bono" work, involves using your professional skills to help an organization. Examples include a graphic designer creating marketing materials for a charity, an IT professional setting up a database for a non-profit, or a lawyer providing free legal advice at a community clinic. Skilled volunteering is particularly valuable for newcomers because it demonstrates your professional abilities in a Canadian context and can lead to strong references and even job offers.

General volunteering includes tasks like sorting donations at a food bank, serving meals at a shelter, helping at community events, or cleaning up parks. While these roles may not directly relate to your professional background, they provide opportunities to practise language skills, meet people, and demonstrate your commitment to community involvement. Both types of volunteering are respected and valued in Canada.

Where to Find Volunteer Opportunities

Canada has a robust volunteer sector, and finding opportunities is easier than you might think. Volunteer Canada is the national organization that promotes and supports volunteering across the country. Their website provides resources, research, and links to local volunteer centres. Most cities have a local volunteer centre with a searchable database of opportunities. In Toronto, it is Volunteer Toronto. In Vancouver, it is Volunteer Vancouver (GoVolunteer). In Calgary, it is Propellus (formerly Volunteer Calgary).

Online platforms are also excellent resources. Websites like CharityVillage, Idealist, and GoVolunteer allow you to search for volunteer positions by location, interest area, and time commitment. Many settlement agencies, including ISSofBC, MOSAIC, and COSTI, also have volunteer programs specifically designed for newcomers. Check with your local settlement agency for opportunities. The IRCC new immigrants page can help you find settlement services near you.

Volunteering Through Settlement Agencies

Settlement agencies are among the best places for newcomers to start volunteering. These organizations understand the challenges newcomers face and often have structured volunteer programs that include orientation, training, and support. You might volunteer as a conversation circle facilitator, helping other newcomers practise English. You could assist with translation and interpretation services if you are bilingual. You might help organize newcomer welcome events or mentorship programs. These roles give you direct exposure to Canadian organizational culture and provide excellent references.

What Organizations Expect from Volunteers

When you volunteer in Canada, you are making a commitment, and organizations take that commitment seriously. Most volunteer positions require an application, which may include a form, an interview, and a reference check. Some positions, particularly those involving children, vulnerable adults, or sensitive information, require a police background check (also called a criminal record check or vulnerable sector check). This is standard practice and not a reflection of distrust.

Organizations expect volunteers to be reliable, punctual, and communicative. If you commit to a schedule, show up on time and complete your shifts. If you cannot make it, notify the volunteer coordinator in advance. Treat volunteer work with the same professionalism you would bring to a paid job. This is important because the references and reputation you build through volunteering can directly impact your job search. Visit our blog for more tips on professional development in Canada.

Networking Through Volunteering

One of the most valuable but often overlooked benefits of volunteering is the networking it provides. In Canada, a significant percentage of jobs are found through personal connections rather than online applications. When you volunteer, you work alongside Canadians who may be professionals in various fields. You interact with staff members, board members, and other volunteers who can introduce you to opportunities, write reference letters, or connect you with people in your industry.

Be genuine in your interactions. Networking is not about asking for favours; it is about building authentic relationships. Show interest in the people you work with, learn about their experiences, and share your own story. Many newcomers have found their first Canadian job through connections made while volunteering. According to the Job Bank of Canada, networking remains one of the most effective job search strategies in the country.

Getting Strong References

Canadian employers almost always ask for references, and for newcomers who have not yet worked in Canada, this can be a challenge. Volunteering solves this problem. After volunteering for a few months, you can ask your volunteer supervisor for a reference. A strong Canadian reference who can speak to your work ethic, skills, and reliability is incredibly valuable in the job market.

Before asking for a reference, make sure you have volunteered long enough and consistently enough for the person to speak meaningfully about your contributions. Typically, three to six months of regular volunteering is sufficient. When you ask, be specific: let the person know what kind of position you are applying for and what skills or qualities you would like them to highlight. Most volunteer coordinators and supervisors are happy to support newcomers in this way.

Liability and Insurance for Volunteers

An important consideration when volunteering is liability. In Canada, reputable organizations carry volunteer liability insurance that covers volunteers while they are performing their duties. This protects you in case of an accident or injury during your volunteer work. Before starting a volunteer position, it is reasonable to ask the organization whether they have volunteer insurance coverage.

As a volunteer, you are generally covered by the organization's insurance while performing your assigned tasks. However, if you act outside the scope of your volunteer role or engage in reckless behaviour, you may not be covered. Workplace health and safety laws also apply to volunteer settings in most provinces. You have the right to a safe working environment, proper training for your tasks, and the ability to refuse work that you believe is unsafe. These protections are outlined in provincial occupational health and safety legislation, and federal workplace safety standards provide a national framework.

Volunteering and Immigration

For newcomers on various immigration pathways, volunteering can support your settlement and potentially your immigration goals. While volunteer work does not directly count toward work experience requirements for most immigration programs, it demonstrates community integration, language ability, and professional commitment. For those applying for Canadian citizenship, volunteering shows your connection to and investment in Canadian society.

Some volunteer positions can lead to paid employment within the same organization. Many non-profits hire from their volunteer pool because they already know the person's work quality, reliability, and fit with the organizational culture. This is a common pathway for newcomers to transition from volunteer to employee. For more guidance on your immigration journey, explore our guide to banking in Canada and other settlement resources.

Getting Started with Volunteering

If you are ready to start volunteering, begin by identifying your goals. Do you want to gain Canadian experience in your professional field? Do you want to improve your language skills? Do you want to meet people and build a social network? Your goals will help you choose the right opportunity. Next, visit your local volunteer centre's website, browse online platforms, or contact settlement agencies to explore available positions.

Apply to two or three positions that interest you, just as you would for a job. Be prepared for an interview, and bring any relevant documents such as your resume or proof of qualifications. Once you are placed, commit to the schedule, be professional, and make the most of the experience. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a newcomer to Canada.

WelcomeAide supports newcomers in every stage of their settlement journey. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can help you find volunteer opportunities, prepare for interviews, and navigate Canadian workplace culture. Learn about our mission or see how to get involved in supporting newcomers across Canada.