International students across Canada are eligible to access some settlement services from organizations that operate inside their destination province or territory.
These services, which are offered by a variety of providers across all Canadian provinces and territories, each have their own policies, eligibility criteria, and service offerings.
It is also worth noting that the details of each organization’s services, such as its eligibility criteria, are often outlined at the discretion of the individual service provider rather than the federal government.
Five places to find settlement services for international students in Canada
International students in Canada can access a variety of helpful settlement services and resources, which can aid them in areas such as language training, accessing government services like healthcare, finding a job and connecting with their local community.
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The following five organizations are examples of where international students can obtain these different settlement services.
For clarity, the following organizations are not funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The student’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
From workshops to organized social events, all international students will be able to access support and settlement services through their DLI. It is worth noting that not every DLI in Canada will offer the same settlement and support services.
Note: A DLI is the only type of post-secondary institution in Canada authorized to accept international students. All prospective and incoming international students should ensure that the school where they are studying has valid status as a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
Example services offered by a DLI
Support with learning about banking in Canada: banks and credit unions, the difference between a credit and debit card, what to be cautious of
Information about future immigration pathways
Information about the legal rights of an international student
Help with ways to get involved in the community
WoodGreen
Location: Five locations across Toronto, Ontario
WoodGreen provides international students with a variety of settlement services, ranging from help with accessing other services* to assistance with immigration questions and connecting to community programs.
*Some of the services WoodGreen can help newcomers access include housing, healthcare, education and legal aid
WoodGreen services
Help with accessing services
Employment
Healthcare
Housing
Education
Training
Legal Aid
Assistance with answering immigration questions
Citizenship
Permanent residency
Work permits
Support with applying for government benefits
Help with connecting international students to community programs
Language training
Recreational activities
Mosaic British Columbia
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia and Burnaby, British Columbia
Operating through the British Columbia Settlement and Integration Services (BCSIS) program, Mosaic British Columbia helps international students by offering the following services.
Mosaic services
Referrals for services and support, including visa status inquiries
Coaching and support for employment (job searching, online job applications, resumes and cover letters, job interviews etc.)
Facilitating social activities
Workshops to help with understanding and exploring permanent residence pathways
Access to a series of seminars given by “guest speakers from various fields of work”
Help with accessing government services, such as healthcare
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL)
Location*: Invermere, British Columbia (B.C.)
*CBAL operates in 16 communities across British Columbia
Offering services “primarily” in English but also some in French, CBAL offers a variety of settlement services to international students in B.C.
Note: CBAL notes that “some one-to-one services are available in French, [either] locally or virtually if requested.” However, CBAL also offers the ability to provide a referral “to a nearby agency” for clients who would prefer French-language services.
CBAL services
Individualized support with navigating local services and accessing information
Needs assessments, goal setting and referrals (individually or as a family)
Help with banking, housing, accessing healthcare, registering a child for school, accessing legal services and more
Assistance with employment and understanding/transitioning to Canadian workplace culture
Help with completing forms and applications
Connecting clients to social and cultural groups as well as community programs
Conducting English language assessments
Providing both formal and informal English-language training (both online and in-person)
Action for Healthy Communities (A4HC)
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
A4HC, which offers its services in both English and French, can assist international students through a variety of one-on-one sessions or group activities and programs.
A4HC services
A4HC offers a number of services under eight general support categories. Please visit the webpage at the hyperlink above for more details on the specific service offerings under each category.
Knowledge about life in Canada
Health and wellbeing
Housing
Income supports
Banking
Personal growth/capacity development
English language training
Computer training
Financial literacy
Employment, self-employment and starting a business
The educational system, programs and skill development
Community involvement, resource fairs and events
Opportunities for social and cultural networking
Volunteering
Community field trips
Family dynamics
Specialized projects
Regional supports
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