Settlement services for newcomers in Ontario
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Canadian government has authorized many organizations to help new immigrants with their transition to Canada. These agencies are called “Settlement Agency” which could help you with various tasks. In this post I will discuss settlement services for newcomers in Ontario and how we as immigrants can make best use of them.
What is a Settlement Agency?
Settlement agencies help newcomers and refugees find the services they need to settle in Canada. Their services may include :
- get settled in your community
- find housing, a job or childcare
- register your children in school
- access programs (such as English or French classes, employment services, skills training and foreign credential assessment)
- get information about healthcare and social services
- find an interpreter or translator
- Maintaining legal status and applying for citizenship
Reference : https://www.ontario.ca/page/getting-settled-ontario
Services provided by Settlement services in details (Ontario)
Settlement agencies provide many types of services. Based on personal research, will discuss most important one in this post.
Get settled in your community
Settlement agencies could help you to open a bank account in Canada. They are can share information about government taxes and also recommend government benefits (depending on your eligibility) such as :
– Canada Child Benefit
– GST/HST credit, and
– Child Care Subsidy.
Most of the settlement agencies host free webinars/clinics regularly to give you insights on the tax system and how to file your taxes. Some settlement agencies have volunteers who will file your taxes for the first year free of charge.
Find housing, a job or childcare
Most of us come to Canada with enough funds but without a job those funds won’t last long. Getting a job or studying about the job market would be beneficial. Settlement agencies helps to cover the cover and help immigrants with job hunting. It is the most important service that settlement agencies provide. Alongwith with job hunting, they also assist in finding a house/apartment and a childcare facility as well.
They could also help in following services as well :
– write a cover letter
– prepare a Canadian style resume, and
– create a portfolio of your work.
– job search tips, and more.
Related post: 10 tips on writing Canadian style resume
Register your children in school
Before your children can go to school, they would need an assessment. My daughter had an assessment done by the “Welcome Centres”. As per peel district school website “If your family is new to the Peel region, your child may need an assessment before starting school. The welcome centre is the best place to start.”
Language training, employment services, skills training and foreign credential assessment services
Canada has two official languages – English and French. If you or your family members need help to learn these languages at conversational level then settlement agencies could provide you resources or training. Moreover, they can also recommend bridging courses that help you gain information and skills required for Canadian job market.
At last, if you need to enroll yourself for post-graduate studies then college or university would request your for Educational credential assessment. Settlement might help your or refer to agencies that deals in foreign credential assessment
Every province in Canada has different healthcare services and coverage. Settlement services could help you to learn more about healthcare of the province where you intend to settle. Some of the agencies could help you to fill forms in order to apply for a health card as well.
Find an interpreter or translator
There might be a possibility that you/your family needs an interpreter while applying for utilities. If your first language is not English, there are free interpreter services available. Check with the agency if you need help with translation.
Maintaining legal status and applying for citizenship
Settlement services in Canada organize free sessions on your rights and responsibilities as permanent residents in Canada. They cover topics like:
– maintaining your permanent residence
– applying for citizenship
– understanding your tenant rights
– knowing your rights as an employee in Canada.
How to find a settlement service ?
In your destination is Ontario province then open https://settlement.org in your preferred browser.
Click on Find Service Near Me
Choose closest city or search by service type and location
Conclusion
Settlement services in Canada provide many important services that help you for smooth transition and adapt to life in Canada. I would highly recommend you contact these settlement agencies (in Ontario) who provide high quality free services both before and after you arrive in Canada for your whole family.
