If you plan to immigrate to Canada, you should know you can be eligible for government-funded settlement services as a newcomer. Newcomers in Canada can take advantage of these government-funded services which intend to help newcomers in adapting to a new life in Canada. 

Through these services, newcomers can easily navigate housing facilities, improve their language proficiency levels, find employment opportunities, and other related tasks. 

Recent data also shows that newcomers in Canada get significant benefits from using these ministry-funded services. However, various newcomers are not aware that Canada offers these services. 

If you are also a newcomer planning to migrate to Canada. But, unaware of these funded settlement services, this article is for you. Here, you will get each detail about the services offered by the Canadian Federal Government.

What are Government-Funded Settlement Services in Canada? 

Numerous programs are funded by the Canadian Federal Government to assist immigrants in settling in, adjusting to, and starting a new life in Canada. Through this, the Canadian Government offers various services such as: 

1. Information and Referrals
2. Assistance with finding employment in Canada 
3. Language training 
4. Helping Candidates with integrating into the Canadian Society 

Who is Eligible for These Services? 

The primary source of funding for settlement services in Canada is Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In addition, certain groups of newcomers are eligible. Eligibility may vary according to the source of funding and nature of services, but in general, the following groups are eligible: 

• Permanent Residents: As granted permanent resident status. 
• Protected Persons: As defined under Section 95 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). 
• Individuals Whose Permanent Residency Approval is Pending: Those selected to become permanent residents, pending verifications, and notified by IRCC.
• Convention Refugees and Protected Persons Abroad: Chosen by IRCC(Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) for resettlement in Canada.
• Temporary Foreign Workers with Initial Permanent Residency Approval: Those holding or approved for a work permit under specific sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
• Ukrainian Nationals and Dependents: Granted a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel temporary residence visa, valid until March 31, 2025.
• Palestinian Authority Passport Holders: Who departed Gaza on or after September 1, 2023, entered Canada by December 31, 2025, and hold valid temporary resident status, eligible until March 31, 2027.
• Gaza/West Bank Evacuees Assisted by Canada: Who left between November 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, holding valid temporary resident status, eligible until March 31, 2027.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Participants: Temporary residents and their dependents selected by employers under the AIP, eligible for specific services.
• Settling in: Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Applicants: Temporary residents with a complete application for permanent residence under the rural and northern immigration pilot, are eligible for select settlement services;
• Quebec runs its settlement services. In contrast to general settlement services, refugees get the Resettlement Assistance Program.

Types of Settlement Services Available

Canada offers various types of settlement services which are designed to meet all needs of integration: 

• Pre-Arrival Services: Online access is available even before entering Canada, which includes employment assistance, information sessions, and mentorship connections.
• Support in Daily Life: The culture, housing, and health care system of Canada can be understood through the support of settlement services.
• Employment Services: Employment searching, resume building, networking events, and interview preparation.
• Language Services: Assessments and training in the English or French language for a better life and also for a specific job.
• Community Connections: Programs to assist newcomers in building their social networks and integrating into the community.
• Specialized Services: Programs tailored for particular groups including refugees, women, seniors, youth, and 2SLGBTQi+.
• Citizenship Preparation: Resources to assist newcomers in preparing for the Canadian citizenship test.

All these services are set to prepare the newcomer with all the tools and knowledge to excel in Canada.

What is the Impact of these Settlement Services? 

The settlement services in Canada had a promising impact. The Canadian Immigration Authority, IRCC has also reported the results via the Newcomer Outcome Survey (2020-21) which explains the outcomes of newcomers who have used the settlement programs. This report explains: 

1. Accessibility: 85% of the clients said they could access services without difficulty.
2. Usefulness: 95% of the newcomers who received settlement services found them useful.
3. Language Improvement: 89.5% of respondents said their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in English or French had improved.
4. Employment Readiness: 78% believed that employment-related services had assisted them in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and connections required to access the Canadian job market.
5. Community Integration: 61% of newcomers who used community connection programs met people they now consider close friends. Furthermore, 90% of respondents felt a strong sense of belonging to Canada, and 90% felt a strong sense of belonging to Canada.

Conclusion 

Canada's government-funded settlement services help newcomers adapt to their new life, including information, employment assistance, language training, and integration assistance. Eligible groups include permanent residents, protected persons, and temporary foreign workers. 

Services include pre-arrival support, daily life support, employment services, language training, community connections, and citizenship preparation. The impact of these services is promising, with 85% of clients finding them useful, 89.5% improving their English or French skills, and 61% forming close friendships.

For more details about Canada Immigration or policy updates, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or [email protected].