newcomerkit.ca

Settlement Agencies: Free Help Most Newcomers Don't Know Exists

Canada funds hundreds of organizations whose entire job is helping newcomers settle — free language classes, job search support, housing help, and someone to answer "how does this work here?" Here's how to find yours.

What they do

Settlement agencies (also called immigrant-serving organizations) are non-profits funded largely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Their services are free for eligible newcomers. Typical offerings:

  • Language training — free English (LINC) and French (CLIC) classes, from beginner to advanced, including workplace-specific language.
  • Employment help — resume writing for the Canadian market, interview prep, job fairs, mentorship programs, and bridging programs for regulated professions.
  • Housing support — help finding rentals, understanding leases, and connecting with emergency housing if needed.
  • Information & orientation — workshops on banking, healthcare, taxes, schooling — basically a human version of this website.
  • Community connections — conversation circles, cultural events, and volunteer matching to help you build a social network.

Who's eligible?

Most IRCC-funded services are open to permanent residents, protected persons/refugees, and some temporary residents (rules vary by program and province). Canadian citizens generally aren't eligible for IRCC-funded settlement services — but many agencies offer community programs open to everyone. Bring your immigration documents to your first visit; they'll confirm eligibility on the spot.

It's always free. Legitimate settlement agencies never charge for IRCC-funded services. If someone asks you to pay for "settlement help" or "guaranteed job placement," walk away — that's a scam, not a service.

How to find one

  • IRCC's tool — find free newcomer services near you on canada.ca by postal code.
  • 211 — dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca for community and social services in your area, available in 150+ languages.
  • Ask at the library — public libraries are unofficial settlement hubs. Librarians know every local agency and many host settlement workers on-site weekly.

Well-known agencies by city

Toronto

COSTI, YMCA Newcomer Services, WoodGreen. costi.org →

Montreal

PROMIS, YMCA Montreal, Carrefour d'aide aux nouveaux arrivants. Services in French and English.

Ottawa

OCISO, YMCA-YWCA National Capital Region. Bilingual services.

Calgary / Edmonton

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers.

Your first visit

Walk in or book online — no referral needed. Bring your PR card/COPR or permit, plus ID. A settlement worker will assess your needs and build a personal settlement plan: language assessment, employment counselling, referrals. Most newcomers are surprised how much is available. Go in week one — don't wait until you have a problem.

You made it through the 14 days. Review the full checklist to confirm nothing slipped — then explore the rest of newcomerkit: money, connect, insurance, and our free tools.

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