Help for Immigrants and Refugees in Canada

What Are Settlement Services?

Settlement services are free programs funded by the Canadian government to help newcomers:

Find housing
Learn English or French (ESL/FSL)
Get a job or job training
Understand Canadian laws and rights
Register kids for school
Access health care and social services

🔹 Who Can Get These Services?

You may qualify if you are:

A permanent resident of Canada
A protected person/refugee
A Ukrainian temporary resident with CUAET
Some temporary residents and caregivers may also qualify

IRCC – Government Settlement Services

What It Offers :

Search local free services in any province

Click Here

YMCA Newcomer Services

IRCC – Government Settlement Services

What It Offers :

Job help, ESL, housing, family support

Click Here

Catholic Crosscultural Services (CCS)

What It Offers :

Housing, legal info, language classes

Click Here

MOSAIC (BC-based)

Catholic Crosscultural Services (CCS)

What It Offers :

Immigration support, language, youth programs

Click Here

🔹 Types of Housing Help Available

Temporary housing when you first arrive
Rental support and referrals for long-term housing
Help understanding leases, tenants' rights, and legal protection
Assistance applying for government-subsidized housing (if eligible)

🔹 Who Can Get Housing Help?

You may be eligible if you are:

A permanent resident
A refugee or protected person
A temporary resident with a special permit (such as CUAET for Ukrainians)
A government-assisted refugee (GAR) or privately sponsored refugee (PSR)

Do not pay anyone for a housing referral — if someone asks for money, it may be a scam.

🔹 Where to Find Help

IRCC Settlement Services Finder

Search housing help by city

Click Here

YMCA Newcomer Services

Temporary housing, rental help, support workers

Click Here

COSTI Immigrant Services (Toronto)

Short-term housing, housing workers

Click Here

MOSAIC (British Columbia)

Housing support for refugees and new immigrants

Click Here

ACSA (Toronto)

Rental search help, landlord mediation

Click Here

🏥 Health Insurance for Immigrants and Refugees in Canada

🔹 What Does OHIP Cover?

Visits to family doctors and walk-in clinics
Hospital stays and surgeries
Emergency room visits
Pregnancy and childbirth
Diagnostic tests (like bloodwork and X-rays)

🔹 Who Can Get OHIP?

You may be eligible for OHIP if you are:

A permanent resident
A refugee or protected person
A convention refugee or person with a work permit (minimum 6 months)
A Ukrainian national with a CUAET visa (temporary coverage available)

✅ You must live in Ontario for at least 153 days in a 12-month period

🔹 How to Apply for OHIP

Go to a ServiceOntario center
Bring:
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport)
- Immigration document (e.g., COPR, Refugee Protection Claimant Document)
- Proof of Ontario address (e.g., rental agreement or bill)

✅ Full application info: Click Here

🔹 If You’re Not Eligible Yet

If you’re waiting for OHIP approval or are in another province, you can still get care at:

Community Health Centres (CHCs)
Refugee health clinics
Free clinics and hospital emergency rooms

✅ Find a CHC near you: Click Here

📌 Note:

OHIP does not cover dental care or prescriptions — ask about free or low-cost programs
Immigration status can affect eligibility, but emergency care is always available

⚖️ Legal Aid for Immigrants and Refugees in Canada

🔹 What Legal Aid Can Help With

Refugee claims and asylum hearings
Immigration appeals and sponsorship issues
Detention and deportation cases
Family law (e.g., custody, domestic violence)
Tenant rights and housing issues
Employment law and basic legal questions

🔹 Who Can Get Legal Aid?

You may qualify for legal aid if:

You have low income
You are a refugee or protected person, or
You are an immigrant with an ongoing legal matter

In many cases, legal aid is available even if your immigration status is temporary or uncertain, especially for refugee claims and family law.

🔹 Where to Get Legal Aid

Ontario

British Columbia

Alberta

Quebec

Manitoba

You can also call 211 or visit to find free legal help in your city. Click Here

📌 Note:

Legal aid is usually free for eligible clients.
Do not pay someone who claims to be a legal expert without proper credentials. Always verify the lawyer or organization before signing documents.

💼 Job Programs for Immigrants and Refugees in Canada

🔹 What Job Programs Offer

Help with writing a Canadian-style resume and cover letter
Job search support and interview preparation
Free career workshops and training
Referrals to employers hiring newcomers
Credential recognition and licensing support for foreign-trained professionals

🔹 Who Can Join These Programs?

You may qualify if you are:

A permanent resident
A refugee or protected person
A new Canadian citizen
A temporary resident with a valid work permit

Most programs are free, and you do not need Canadian work experience to join.

🔹 Where to Find Job Programs

YMCA Newcomer Employment Services

Job search, resume help, training

Click Here

ACCES Employment (Ontario)

Specialized programs for immigrants and skilled workers

Click Here

MOSAIC (BC)

Job training, youth employment, employer referrals

Click Here

COSTI Immigrant Services

Job matching, workplace skills, language support

Click Here

Job Bank Canada

Government job listings and newcomer resources

Click Here

📌 Note:

Most employment programs are free, and many offer online workshops. Be cautious of anyone charging money to “guarantee” a job — legitimate programs do not ask for payment.

⚠️ Note: We are not a government agency. All services listed are free to access. Always confirm details with official sources and never pay anyone for help — it may be a scam.