Searching for Immigration / Sponsorship

Constituency Office able to assist with;

• applications for passports
• Federal Government Program Assistance (CPP, EI, Citizenship and Immigration and other programs)
• Certificates and Mementos for Milestone Events
• attendance at special occasions or school functions
• postal service complaints
• Commissioner of Oath for federal government documents (please call in advance) Certify True Copies for the purposes of applications to government services (originals must be brought to the office)

Helping newcomers build a strong and vibrant community through settlement services

• one-on-one settlement services with an assigned settlement worker
• group programs: information and orientation to life in Canada, mental health and well-being, informal language learning for children and adults
• translation and interpretation; notary public services
• refugee sponsorship

JumpStart -- vocational counseling; connecting skilled or internationally trained professional newcomers to employment with job placements, mentorship opportunities, volunteering and networking connections in their preferred fields

Community Connections -- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks

COVID19 -- in-person or phone registration

• delivery to elderly or homebound clients possible, call for details

Offering groceries of non-perishable food items to those who are sick, elderly or are self isolated with no one else to care for them

• volunteers available to assist with shopping for the vulnerable population

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Food Bank

• monthly food hampers
• ree home delivery service may be available

Also international disaster response, refugee sponsorship and resettlement services

Multi-service agency

• settlement services including permanent residency and citizenship assistance, government housing services
• ESL Classes
• family and individual counselling
• employment services
• recreation and social activities including trips, festivals, Farsi classes, Seniors day for Farsi-speaking seniors, music lessons, computer classes, cultural events

Helping all newcomers build a strong and vibrant community through settlement services

• one-on-one settlement services with an assigned settlement worker
• group programs: information and orientation to life in Canada, mental health and well-being
• informal language learning for children and adults
• interpretation and translation; notary public services

JumpStart --- vocational counseling; connecting skilled or internationally trained professional newcomers to employment with job placements, mentorship opportunities, volunteering and networking connections in their preferred fields

Community Connections -- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks

All offices are open and all settlement workers are available 4 days in person and 1 day online; call at 416-588-3585

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Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees

• needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
• sponsorship of refugees
• health workshops, mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
• heritage language classes
• skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
• seniors program for mutual support and education
• youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events

Employment Related Services - for new immigrants and Convention refugees, legally entitled to work in Canada

• 3 or 4 day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking
• extensive individual assistance

Community Connections Mentorship Program

• group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
• trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

Childminding available for clients attending sessions

Community Development

• Afghan Women's Catering Group, Afghan Sewing Circle, media and overseas projects

Settlement Services

• orientation to life in Ontario; information on immigration issues
• accessing government resources including social assistance, income security, child tax benefits
• assistance with search for housing and social housing
• emotional support

Helping Our Newcomers Prepare for Employment/Entrepreneurial Success (HOPES) Program: resettlement stress support, education, skills and experience support

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada): provides basic English skills in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto --see separate entry

Language Instruction Giving Hope to Trauma Survivors (LIGHTS) Program: alternative language program that provides functional English as a second or additional language (ESL/EAL) instruction to vulnerable newcomers who experience emotional, cognitive, or academic barriers to learning in traditional English classes

COVID19 -- How the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services here:
www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19.html



Information, application forms and assistance on citizenship and immigration programs, including Permanent Resident Card

Administers Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) -- ensures health services for refugees, protected persons and refugee claimants not yet covered by provincial health care

• information for clients, information for health care providers can be found here: www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre

Medical service providers that already accept IFHP: ifhp-pfsi.medavie.bluecross.ca/en/search-ifhp-providers

Report suspected citizenship fraud -- call the Client Support Centre and follow the options, or email IRCC.CitizenshipFraudTips-Fraudedecitoyennete.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

Report suspicious immigration activity -- call the Canada Border Services Agency Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060

Refugee claims -- forms available on website and may be submitted online

For any application, appointments may be offered at

• 325 Milner Ave, Suite 200, Scarborough,
• 3085 Glen Erin Drive, Mississauga, or at
• 5343 Dundas St W, Ste 105, Etobicoke

Dorset Park Hub - Multiservice neighbourhood centre

• centre community engagement projects
• seniors yoga
• women's English Circle
• financial literacy workshops
• public computer access

Newcomer Centre

• information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops on financial literacy and other topics to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Citizenship Preparation -- offers courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada -- provides basic language skills in English upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry, online learning option

Mentorship and Skills Building

• offers permanent residents and convention refugees resume and job readiness help, employment counselling
• skills and career development in specific fields including food service, customer service, cashier training to help newcomers get entry level jobs

Lead agency for Dorset Park Hub
other services provided by partner agencies including, Reconnect Community Health Service, John Howard Society of Toronto, VHA Home HealthCare, Chinese Canadian Council, Madison Community Services, Black Youth Jobs and Dorset Park Neighbourhood Association

COVID19 -- contact organization for current COVID policies


Settlement services for immigrants and refugees

• individual, family and youth counselling
• information and referral, housing search assistance
• assistance with government forms, translation and intrepretation
• refugee settlement information and assistance
• youth outreach, volunteer opportunities
• employment consulting, assistance with resumes and interview skills, employment mentoring, employment workshops

COVID19 -- services provided by phone or online, as well as in-person services

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Information and training support services

• online applications and forms, serves Canada (except Quebec)

COVID19 -- in-person and virtual services available; all group sessions offered online

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Settlement Services

Assessment and action planning, information and referral, supportive counselling, community outreach, education and workshops

• support with finding housing, accessing child care, health care and other community and social services
• help completing government forms and applications
• seasonal income tax clinic
• connection with community and volunteer opportunities
• monthly Service Canada clinics to assist with OAS, GIS, CPP, CPP disability and survival benefits
• weekly virtual English conversation circle
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- (see separate entry), day and evening classes available in various locations

Employment Support -- orientation to the job market

• workshops covering job search preparation and strategies, labour market information, workplace culture, resume, cover letter and interview preparation, career information and networking opportunities

Women Support Services -- confidential counselling services for newcomer women and their children who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse

• individual or group sessions
• short-term, goal focused counselling including the development of transition and safety strategies and information on rights and options
• crisis and support counselling to assist individuals seeking immediate assistance
• linking women to appropriate services in the community that address legal, housing, financial and long term counselling needs

Newcomer Mental Health Program -- culturally appropriate counselling in Hindi, Arabic, English for newcomer individuals, couples and families

• support and tools to manage the challenges of stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, parenting, family conflict, trauma and other life transitions through individual counselling and educational workshops

Family Literacy Program -- language and age appropriate family reading resources through a lending library

• activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning

Settlement Services

• immigration and sponsorship issues
• job training; business and community economic development
• anti-racism program
• health and nutrition information
• accompaniment to services; translation and interpretation
• housing referrals; legal information
• newcomer mental health advice, support and referrals
• culturally appropriate family counselling

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto (see separate listing); childminding available

Program Without Walls - Saturday nutrition/cooking program at various locations; volunteer opportunities

Seniors Program - nutrition, health awareness, workshops, recreation

Members include international unions, provincial organizations, provincial federations of labour, chartered unions, labour councils

• assists in organizing new unions
• information and referral

Permanent Residence for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area -- help out-of-status construction workers find a pathway to permanent residence

Community drop-in program

• advice on eviction, immigration, social assistance appeals
• free breakfast and lunch Monday to Sunday and holidays, dine-in or take-away
• health information and referral
• clothing, condoms, needle exchange
• Wednesday movie and dinner
• Monday women's group, Tuesday men's group, each 3:30 pm-7 pm
• access to computer, telephone
• workshops
• income tax clinic

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

COVID19 - Services are available in person, by phone, email or video conferencing * for settlement services call the Welcome Centre Communication Centre at ­1-877-761-1155


Assists newcomers to Canada

• supports newly arrived immigrants in Canada
• information and referral for immigrants - immigration documentation, economic, social, health, cultural, educational, income supports, housing supports, and recreational services in Durham Region
• assist with government application
• help with information on banking, shopping, everyday tasks
• employment supports, learn job search skills
• non-therapeutic counselling
• services are free, confidential and culturally sensitive

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, phone, email and virtual services

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services, including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support
Confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services

• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
Specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning

• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training
Includes English as a Second Language (ESL), computer classes, citizenship preparation classes

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

Office open to the public 5 days a week; for more information call 416-422-2225

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Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees

• needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
• sponsorship of refugees
• health workshops, mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
• heritage language classes
• skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
• seniors program for mutual support and education
• youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events
• Homework Club with individual assistance and group work
• citizenship test preparation classes

English as a Second Language / LINC -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

• day or evening classes

Community Connections Mentorship Program

• group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
• trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

Financial Literacy Project -- one month certificate course

• individual counselling and orientation sessions

Family Support and Mental Health Services -- parenting sessions

• mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
• Women's Circle
• Make the First Move -- yoga and zumba fitness classes for women

Community Development

• Afghan Women's Catering Group, Afghan Sewing Circle, media and overseas projects

Childminding available for clients attending sessions

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, phone, email and virtual services

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services, including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support
Confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services

• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
Specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning

• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training
Includes English as a Second Language (ESL), computer classes, citizenship preparation classes

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

Office open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; for information, call 416-266-1777

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Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees

• needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
• sponsorship of refugees
• health workshops, mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
• heritage language classes
• skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
• seniors program for mutual support and education
• youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events
• Homework Club with individual assistance and group work
• citizenship test preparation classes

English as a Second Language / LINC -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

• day or evening, full-time and part-time classes

Community Connections Mentorship Program

• group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
• trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

Financial Literacy Project -- one month certificate course

• individual counselling and orientation sessions

Family Support and Mental Health Services -- Parenting Sessions

• mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
• Women's Circle

Food Security Program

• food package distribution to seniors, families on Mondays and Wednesdays 11 am-3 pm

Community Development

• Afghan Women's Catering Group, Afghan Sewing Circle, media and overseas projects

Childminding available for clients attending sessions

COVID19 -- virtual support over the phone, call main office or email; will reply in an hour; in-person support also available; masks provided
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Migration

• legal information and support on immigration and refugee issues, work permits, student permits, permanent resident applications, and other issues
• new clients may drop in Mondays 9:30 am-4 pm

Refugee Hearing and Appeal Preparation (Ready Tour) - helping claimants through every step of the process

Settlement Shelter

• transitional housing for refugee claimant women and children, capacity 30 for stays up to 12 months
• help with the refugee process, including legal, mental health, social services and other referrals
• support and accompaniment to appointments

Food Distribution and Income Security Program - food hampers for households in the Greater Toronto area

Primary Health Care Clinic - by appointment; no Ontario Health Insurance required

Support Groups and Activities for Women

English Language Learning (ELL)

Youth Program -- for newcomer youth regardless of immigration status offering mutual support, volunteering and skills development, social and sports activities, Wednesdays 4 pm-6 pm

Services for Victims/Survivors of Human Trafficking -- holistic support and a full range of services through the process including orientation, legal information, immigration options, housing, employment support, and counselling

Migrant Protection Clinic Program

• travelling clinic where FCJ staff help local agency staff to conduct a clinic
• help for migrants needing support
• coaching for local staff to understand immigration processes

Migrants Workers Program -- 647-971-2153, call or through WhatsApp

• mobile service to support migrant workers by informing them about labour and immigration laws, human rights, and community supports

Public Education -- workshops for service providers and others on legal information needs of refugee claimants and non-status people and on immigration and refugee procedures, publications, public speakers

COVID19 -- in-person appointments now available, services available via phone and email, email info@vwat.org for further information, in-person

Settlement Services, email newcomers@vwat.org or employment@vwat.org

• information and help filling out forms and documents including applications for citizenship or permanent resident card, child tax benefit
• translation and interpretation
• seasonal income tax clinic
• Job search preparation and training -- developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills, with an online or in-class option
• Employment counselling -- resume help, job readiness clinic, employment counselling, skills and career development and help in establishing social and professional networks

Seniors Services, email seniors@vwat.org

• health information workshops
• information and form filling for seniors' benefits
• exercise and fitness programs, field trips

VWAT Youth Leadership Program, email youth@vwat.org

• leadership training, skill building workshops
• sports programs, field trips
• youth led workshops or events
• volunteer opportunities

Tutoring Program -- for students in grades 1-12 following the Ontario curriculum, Sundays 12 noon- 4 pm

Cultural Events -- Two Sisters Commemoration, Lanterns Festival, Lunar New Year Celebration

Settlement services for newcomers

• information, referral and counselling - social assistance, immigration including refugee claims
• orientation, form filling
• translation and interpretation
• also every Thursday offers services at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Immigration Holding Centre

COVID19 -- Call ahead or visit website for updates


Settlement services including orientation, information and referral, counselling and support

Newcomer Settlement Services (NSP)

• employment support services
• one-to-one settlement counselling and referrals
• newcomer mental health program -- supportive counselling, referrals, group sessions based on coping strategies, skill building and self help
• form filling including applications for asylum
• orientation sessions
• culturally sensitive services for the Roma community
• programs focused on Syrian or Arabic-speaking refugees include settlement assistance, mentorship, help with job search

Library Settlement Partnership (LSP) and Settlement Workers in Community Spaces (SWCS)

• newcomer outreach at libraries and other community spacies
• workshops, one-to-one settlement services, community referrals

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

• outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June, and social service agencies from July to mid-August
• individualized action plan, settlement information and referral, group activities

Mentorship Programs

• career mentorship
• citizenship education circles
• Settlement Online Connects - English conversation circles and Computer Basics Training for Newcomers to Canada
• Canada Connect -- newcomers paired with Canadian mentor for English conversation, navigating Canadian culture and expanding network
• Newcomers Explore and Appreciate Toronto (NEAT) -- newcomers gain Canadian volunteer experience in event planning, social media marketing and project management; participate in guided walks/outdoor activities including Wintegration - special winter outdoor activities
• Newcomers Speak Up for Success -- 10 week public speaking program for newcomers; held online during COVID
• Interview Squad -- program led by human resource professionals to prepare newcomers for job search, especially interviews
• Artegration -- cultural experiences and/or volunteering for newcomers available through community partners such as Luminato Festival, Soulpepper Theatre, Aga Khan Museum, Arts in the Park, Koeffler Centre for the Arts

Cybersecurity Training - IT Security Bridge Training

• for internationally trained professionals with IT backgrounds to prepare for jobs in cybersecurity - training for a Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
• training, mentoring, networking, and help with resumes and interview preparation

Labour Market Assistance Program

• for newcomers and internationally trained professionals
• personalized job search plan, labour market information, resume preparation, networking, interview preparation

Occupation-specific Language Training (OSLT) -- provides workplace communication training in the field of Hospitality

Bike Host

• matches volunteer mentors with newcomers to encourage cycling
• Fun and safe Bike to School

Active and Connected Seniors (ACS)

• programming for persons 55 years or older from low income, newcomer or racialized communities
• recreational activities and wellness workshops, settlement, information & referral, English classes
• Global Roots Garden - intergenerational program, see separate listing

COVID19 -- Follows all current public health restrictions


Provides support and expertise to groups involved in refugee sponsorship and resettlement

• refugee sponsorship training, toolkit and online resource centre
• public awareness of refugee needs

Represents the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and supports the Toronto Conference of the United Church of Canada as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH)