Key takeaways
- Services are free and funded by the Government of Canada (and by Quebec, in Quebec)
- Permanent residents and protected persons qualify, plus a few groups of temporary residents
- New in 2026: economic-class PRs can use services for up to 6 years after becoming PR (5 years from April 2027)
- Help includes language classes, job search, housing, forms and community connections
- Some services start online before you arrive
- Find agencies with IRCC’s online finder or by calling 2-1-1
What do settlement agencies offer?
A settlement agency is a non-profit organization that helps newcomers. Services funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are free for eligible clients. Most agencies offer:
- Needs assessment. A settlement worker meets you, learns your situation and makes a plan for your first steps.
- Information and orientation. How health care, schools, banking, taxes, renting and transit work.
- Language classes. Free English classes (LINC, Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) or French classes (CLIC, Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada). Many offer free childcare during class, and online classes.
- Employment help. Resume and cover letter help, interview practice, mentoring, job fairs and connections to employers. Some agencies run bridging programs for nurses, engineers, accountants and other professions.
- Housing and forms. Help to search for a place, understand a lease, and fill out applications for health cards, benefits and school.
- Community connections. Conversation circles, mentoring, youth programs, women’s groups, seniors’ programs and social events.
- Support in schools and libraries. Settlement workers in some schools and public libraries help families.
Many agencies offer services in several languages. Ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Who qualifies for free settlement services?
As of October 2026, IRCC lists these groups as eligible:
| Group | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Permanent residents from economic programs (Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic, pilots) | Yes, for up to 6 years after becoming PR from April 1, 2026; up to 5 years from April 1, 2027 |
| Permanent residents from family sponsorship and humanitarian programs | Yes, no time limit |
| Resettled refugees | Yes, no time limit |
| Protected persons (approved refugee claim) | Yes |
| Temporary residents in the Atlantic Immigration Program, Francophone Community Immigration Pilot or Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot | Yes |
| Palestinians who left Gaza on or after September 1, 2023 | Yes, until March 31, 2027 |
| Most work permit holders, students and visitors | No (see below for other options) |
| Canadian citizens | No |
The time limit for economic-class PRs applies to everyone, including people who became PR before April 1, 2026. If you came through Express Entry years ago and never used services, use them soon.
Not eligible? You still have options
Many agencies also run programs paid for by provinces, cities or charities, and these are often open to temporary residents. Provincial employment centres, public libraries, 211 and food banks serve almost everyone. International students can use their school’s international student office.
Services before you arrive (pre-arrival)
If you have been approved for permanent residence, you can often start before you leave home. Free online pre-arrival services offer job search help, advice on getting your credentials recognized, and orientation about life in Canada.
This is useful because credential recognition and job searching take time. Starting early means you can arrive with a resume in Canadian format and a plan.
Tip: register for pre-arrival services as soon as you get your approval. They are free and spaces can fill up. In the IRCC finder, filter for online services.
See also what to do before you land and credential recognition.
How to find a settlement agency near you
- Use IRCC’s finder. Go to Find free newcomer services near you. Enter your postal code or city. You can filter by service type (language, jobs, community connections), language of service, and online or in-person.
- Call or text 2-1-1. 211 can name agencies near you, including those for specific languages or communities.
- Ask your library or school board. Many public libraries and school boards have settlement workers on site.
- In Quebec, the provincial government runs newcomer services. Use Quebec.ca for Accompagnement Québec and Francisation Québec (free French classes). The IRCC finder does not cover Quebec.
Or try our newcomer support finder, which lists the main free programs by city and need.
When you call an agency, say that you are a newcomer and ask for a needs assessment. Tell them your immigration status, the date you became a permanent resident (if you are one), your language and what you need most. Some agencies have waiting lists for popular programs such as language classes and mentoring, so ask to be put on the list right away.
What to bring to your first appointment
- Your passport
- Proof of status: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), PR card, or your protected person document
- Your Social Insurance Number, if you have it
- Education and work documents, if you want job or credential help
- A list of questions, for example about housing, school for your children, or your profession
For language classes, you will first take a free language assessment to place you at the right level. The result uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Learn more about CLB levels in our CLB converter.
Extra support for refugees
Resettled refugees receive extra help. Government-assisted refugees get the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP): help at the airport, temporary housing, help to find permanent housing, orientation and monthly income support for up to one year. Privately sponsored refugees get support from their sponsor group for the sponsorship period.
Protected persons (people whose refugee claim was approved in Canada) can use all IRCC-funded settlement services with no time limit. Refugee claimants who are still waiting for a decision are not eligible for IRCC settlement services, but provinces, cities and charities fund many programs for them. Call 2-1-1 for programs near you.
Tips to get the most from settlement services
- Go early. The first months are when you need the most help, and economic-class PRs now have a time limit.
- Use more than one agency. Different agencies have different specialties, such as a bridging program for your field.
- Keep going to language class even after you find a job. Many agencies offer evening, weekend and online classes. Better English or French helps with promotions and citizenship.
- Ask about mentoring. Mentoring programs match you with a professional in your field. They are one of the best ways to build a network.
- Be careful with paid “agents.” You never need to pay someone to access free settlement services.