Free help for newcomers in Canada: the complete directory

Where do newcomers get free help in Canada?

Most free help for newcomers comes from four places:

1. Settlement agencies. These are non-profit organizations paid by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help newcomers. In Quebec, the Quebec government runs its own services.
2. 2-1-1. A free phone, text and web service that knows the local programs in your area. It is the fastest way to find food, shelter, legal or health help near you.
3. Governments. The federal government runs Service Canada (Social Insurance Number, Employment Insurance, pensions) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (taxes and benefits). Provinces run health cards, driver’s licences, schools and job programs.
4. Community organizations. Food banks, public libraries, community health centres, legal clinics, faith groups and cultural associations.

You do not need to pay anyone to access these services. If someone asks for money to “register” you for a free government program, it is likely a scam. See our guide to immigration scams.

The directory: what to use for each need

Who can use free newcomer services?

It depends on who pays for the service.

IRCC-funded settlement services

As of October 2026, IRCC says these groups are eligible:

• Permanent residents (PRs). PRs from family sponsorship, refugee resettlement and other non-economic programs have no time limit. PRs from economic programs (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program and others) can use services for up to 6 years after becoming a PR, starting April 1, 2026. From April 1, 2027, the limit becomes 5 years. This applies to people who became PRs before 2026 too.
• Protected persons with an approved refugee claim.
• Some temporary residents, for example people in the Atlantic Immigration Program and two francophone pilots, and Palestinians who left Gaza on or after September 1, 2023 (until March 31, 2027).

Canadian citizens are not eligible. Most temporary workers and international students are not eligible for IRCC-funded services either.

Services open to everyone

Many supports do not ask about immigration status: 211, food banks, public libraries, most shelters, crisis lines, community health centres, legal clinics, and job help paid for by provinces. Provincial employment programs often serve work permit holders too. Agencies also run programs with other funding, so ask even if you are not eligible for IRCC services.

Provincial newcomer portals

Each province has its own information site for newcomers. These are good for local rules (health cards, licences, tenants’ rights, schools).

• Ontario: Settlement.Org (run by a non-profit, funded by government)
• British Columbia: WelcomeBC
• Alberta: Alberta.ca and ALIS (careers and training)
• Quebec: Quebec.ca immigration. Quebec has its own settlement program, Accompagnement Québec, and free French classes through Francisation Québec
• Manitoba: Immigrate Manitoba
• Other provinces and territories: start with 211 and the IRCC finder

What order should I do things in?

In your first weeks, these steps unlock most other services:

1. Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN). You need it to work and to get benefits.
2. Apply for your provincial health card. Some provinces have a waiting period, so apply early.
3. Open a bank account so benefits and pay can be deposited.
4. Book a needs assessment with a settlement agency. A settlement worker makes a plan with you and refers you to classes and job programs.
5. Apply for benefits you can get as a new resident, such as the Canada Child Benefit.

Our first 7 days planner turns this into a day-by-day plan, and the province checklist covers the first 90 days.

Help for specific groups

• Refugee claimants. While your claim is open, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) covers basic health care. Provinces may also give you social assistance and emergency shelter. 211 and refugee-serving agencies can help, and legal aid offices in most provinces help with refugee claims.
• International students. Your school’s international student office, student union food bank, counselling service and health plan are your first stop. See the study hub.
• Temporary foreign workers. Provincial employment standards offices protect all workers, including work permit holders. If your employer takes your passport, does not pay you, or makes you work unsafely, call 2-1-1 or your provincial labour office.
• Families with children. Schools have settlement workers in many cities. The Canada Child Benefit can start soon after you arrive. See schools and kids.
• Seniors. Many agencies run programs for older newcomers. Old Age Security has a residence requirement, so ask a settlement worker what you can get.
• People leaving violence. Call 911 if you are in danger. Shelters and crisis lines help anyone, whatever their status. See emergency help.

How to tell if a service is real and free

• Government websites end in canada.ca or a provincial domain such as ontario.ca or gov.bc.ca.
• Settlement agencies listed in the IRCC finder are funded by IRCC. Their core services are free.
• The Canadian government will never threaten you with arrest by phone, or ask you to pay in gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Only licensed lawyers, Quebec notaries, paralegals in Ontario and licensed consultants can charge you for immigration advice. Check a consultant’s licence.

We review this directory regularly. Programs change, so always confirm hours and eligibility with the organization.

Common questions

Sources

• IRCC: Who is eligible for newcomer services
• IRCC: Find free newcomer services near you
• 211 Ontario: How to reach 211
• Canada Revenue Agency: Canada Child Benefit eligibility
• Government of Canada: Social Insurance Number

Checked against these sources on October 5, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.