How Students Can Get Free Help for Settlement in Canada?

Last Updated On : July 11 , 2024

International students in Canada on student visas can access various Canada Settlement Services to ease their transition as these services offered by organizations across all provinces and territories assist with language training jobs, searching for Healthcare access and Community.

Resource	Description	Services Offered
Government of Canada Website	Official online resource for immigration information	- Study permit details - Immigration pathways - Settlement services info - Healthcare and housing guidance
Settlement Agencies	Non-profit organizations across Canada	- Language classes - Job search assistance - Housing information - Cultural orientation
University International Student Offices	Dedicated support centers at Canadian universities	- Immigration advice - Cultural adaptation programs - Academic support - Social events
Online Communities and Forums	Platforms for peer-to-peer support	- First-hand advice from other students - Roommate finding - Local events and activities information
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)	Provincial immigration programs for international students	- Fast-track permanent residence applications - Pathways for in-demand occupations
Public Libraries	Local community resources	- Free internet access - Language learning materials - Community information - Workshop and events
Canadian Immigration Consultants	Free initial consultations (some offer this service)	- Personalized immigration advice - Pathway suggestions - Document checklist

Designated Learning Institutions

The following table describes how their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can provide settlement services to international students before and after they settle in Canada:

Service Type	Description	How to Access	Benefits
International Student Offices	Dedicated support centers for international students	Visit in person - Check university website - Email or call for appointments	- One-stop shop for various services - Personalized assistance
Orientation Workshops	Sessions to familiarize students with campus life and local culture	Attend pre-arrival online sessions - Participate in on-campus orientation week	- Learn about academic expectations - Get tips on cultural adjustment
Social Events	Organized activities to help students integrate and make friends	- Check university event calendars - Join international student groups on social media	- Network with peers - Experience Canadian culture
Immigration Services	Guidance on study permits, work permits, and immigration pathways	- Book appointments with international student advisors - Attend immigration information sessions	- Stay compliant with visa requirements - Understand post-graduation options
Academic Support	Services to help students succeed in their studies	- Visit writing centers - Attend study skills workshops - Use tutoring services	- Improve academic performance - Adapt to Canadian education system
Cultural Adaptation Programs	Initiatives to help students adjust to Canadian life	- Participate in buddy or mentor programs - Join cultural exchange events	- Overcome culture shock - Build a support network
Career Services	Support for job search and professional development	- Attend career fairs - Use resume review services - Participate in networking events	- Prepare for Canadian job market - Develop professional skills
Health and Wellness Support	Services to maintain physical and mental well-being	- Visit on-campus health clinics - Use counseling services - Join wellness workshops	- Access healthcare information - Manage stress and mental health

Organizations Offering Settlement Services

For international students and newcomers in their particular areas, each of these organizations provides a special set of services and offer invaluable tools for community integration, language learning, job support, and settlement.

Organization	Location	Services Offered	Special Features
WoodGreen	Toronto, Ontario	- Employment services - Housing support - Language training - Mental health services - Youth programs	- Specialized programs for newcomer youth - Financial empowerment services - Childcare services
British Columbia Settlement and Integration Services (BCSIS)	British Columbia	- Needs assessment - Information and orientation - Language training referrals - Employment-related services - Community connections	- Province-wide service - Online and in-person support - Customized settlement plans
Mosaic British Columbia	Vancouver, BC	- Language classes - Employment programs - Settlement services - Family programs - Interpretation services	- Specialized services for refugees - Legal advocacy for immigrants - Multicultural victim services
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL)	Columbia Basin region, BC	- Adult literacy programs - English language learning - Family literacy programs - Computer skills training	- Focus on rural and small communities - Community-based learning initiatives - Volunteer tutor programs
Alberta Council for the Humanities and Culture (A4HC)	Alberta	- Cultural orientation programs - Language conversation circles - Community integration events - Mentorship programs	- Emphasis on cultural exchange - Arts and humanities-focused programs - Cross-cultural dialogue initiatives

Service Offerings By Organizations

Organization	Immigration Info	Accommodation	Education	Healthcare	Legal Aid	Other Services
WoodGreen	✓	✓	✓	✓	Limited	Employment services, financial counseling
BCSIS	✓	✓	✓	✓	Referrals	Language training, community connections
Mosaic BC	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	Interpretation services, family programs
CBAL	Limited	Limited	✓	Limited	No	Literacy programs, computer skills training
A4HC	Limited	No	✓	No	No	Cultural programs, mentorship

Eligibility Criteria and Service Variations

Organization	Eligibility Criteria	Provincial/Territorial Variations	Notable Policy Differences
WoodGreen	- Newcomers to Canada - Residents of Toronto	Ontario-specific services	Focus on local community integration
BCSIS	- Permanent residents- Refugees - Some temporary residents	BC-wide, services may vary by region	Emphasis on customized settlement plans
Mosaic BC	- Immigrants - Refugees - Temporary foreign workers	Primarily Vancouver and Lower Mainland	Specialized services for refugees
CBAL	- Open to all residents - Focus on adult learners	Serves Columbia Basin region in BC	Emphasis on rural and small communities
A4HC	- Open to all residents - Focus on cultural integration	Alberta-specific programs	Arts and humanities-focused approach

Conclusion

International students settling in Canada can access a variety of free settlement services to help them adjust to their new home. These services cover everything from navigating Canadian immigration pathways and understanding early settlement in Canada, to accessing resources for first settlement and French settlement.

While the history of Canada includes diverse waves of settlement, from the first settlement in Canada by Indigenous peoples to the French settlement in Canada, today's newcomers benefit from modern immigration services designed to ease their transition.

Organizations across the country offer support with language training, job search assistance, community integration, and more to help international students successfully settle to Canada. By taking advantage of these free immigration services, students can smoothly transition into their new lives in Canada.