Today, we have some good news for temporary foreign workers in Canada. We will talk about five free settlement resources that can make your life easier in Canada.
Life as a temporary foreign worker can be tough without the right help. But don’t worry! There are many free resources to help you. These resources include language classes and legal advice. They help you integrate and get the services you need.
In this article, we will look at five free settlement resources that are very helpful for temporary foreign workers in Canada.
Please read to the end.
Settlement Services for Temporary Foreign Workers
Although most Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) settlement services are reserved for permanent residents and protected persons, temporary foreign workers can access some settlement services from provincial and territorial governments across Canada. These services are offered by various providers in all Canadian provinces and territories, each with its own policies, eligibility criteria, and offerings.
Eligibility for IRCC Settlement Services
Eligibility for settlement services often depends on the criteria outlined by a particular service provider. According to IRCC, some temporary residents in Canada are eligible for federal settlement services. The department clarifies that IRCC-funded settlement services for temporary foreign workers are provided by privately funded organizations, nonprofits, and provincially or municipally funded service providers.
Five Organizations Providing Settlement Services
Temporary foreign workers in Canada can access helpful settlement services and resources addressing several areas of concern. These focus areas include language training, obtaining a license or certification for employment, finding a job, and connecting with one’s local community. The following five organizations have resources that temporary foreign workers can access to help with their settlement in Canada
1. Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW)
Location: Toronto, Ontario
NEW is a newcomer services organization specializing in assisting women. With its head office in Toronto and three other locations across Toronto and North York, NEW offers several different services in eight different languages: Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Bengali, Bangla, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Spanish. NEW can help Ontario-based temporary foreign workers in various ways, including:
- Assistance with government services
- English language classes
- Citizenship test preparation
- Support with accessing healthcare, education, housing, and employment
2. CCI Ottawa
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
CCI Ottawa provides temporary foreign workers with a variety of settlement services ranging from help with obtaining required documents and applications (such as health cards and work permits) to citizenship test preparation workshops and advice on life in Ottawa. CCI Ottawa services include:
- Help with obtaining required documents and applications
- Monthly citizenship test preparation workshops
- Tools to help find housing and information about tenant rights
- Counseling workshops and activities for youth between the ages of 15 and 25
- Advice and information on life in Ottawa
3. Mosaic British Columbia
Locations: Vancouver and Burnaby, British Columbia
Operating through the British Columbia Settlement and Integration Services Program, Mosaic British Columbia helps temporary foreign workers access essential support and information in various areas. Under the umbrella of immigration and settlement services, Mosaic provides:
- One-on-one settlement support
- Support with reporting workplace issues
- Educational workshops
- English conversation circles
- Workshops on computer literacy, renters’ rights, and accessing resources including healthcare and community programs
- Social connection events
- Emergency support accessing food, hygiene products, toys, and more
4. Richmond Multicultural Community Services (RMCS)
Location: Richmond, British Columbia
RMCS offers their settlement services in 15 different languages. RMCS can help temporary foreign workers by providing important and actionable information on various topics. RMCS services include:
- Assistance with government services
- Help with resumes and cover letters
- Information about employment and job trends
- Information on healthcare services
- English conversation classes
- Information on housing and education
- Help with permanent residence applications and renewals
- Information about sponsoring family members
- Assistance with income tax and employment insurance applications
5. CSS Alberta
Locations: Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta
CSS Alberta can help temporary foreign workers through their one-on-one services offered in multiple languages. CSS Alberta services include:
- Information to help with healthcare, housing, and education for children
- Assistance with clarification of different forms and applications
- Connecting newcomers with cultural or faith-based communities
- Help with understanding permanent residence options
Importance of Settlement Resources
Access to settlement resources is pivotal for temporary foreign workers in Canada. These resources facilitate integration into local communities and support well-being. Whether it’s language training, employment assistance, or legal advice, these resources are designed to address a wide range of needs and challenges faced by newcomers. By utilizing these free services, temporary foreign workers can navigate their Canadian experience with greater confidence and support, ensuring a more positive and successful stay in the country.
Important Information in Table
Below is a summary of the important data in table format for easy reference.
| Organization | Location(s) | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW) | Toronto, Ontario | Government services, English classes, citizenship test prep, healthcare, education, housing, employment |
| CCI Ottawa | Ottawa, Ontario | Document help, citizenship test prep, housing tools, youth activities, life advice |
| Mosaic British Columbia | Vancouver and Burnaby, British Columbia | Settlement support, workplace issue support, workshops, English circles, computer literacy, renters’ rights, healthcare, community programs, social events, emergency support |
| Richmond Multicultural Community Services (RMCS) | Richmond, British Columbia | Government services, resumes and cover letters, employment info, healthcare, English classes, housing, education, permanent residence applications, sponsorship info, income tax, employment insurance |
| CSS Alberta | Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta | Healthcare, housing, education for children, form clarification, cultural/faith connections, permanent residence options |