Searching for Immigration / Sponsorship

Offers professional advice to individuals who require assistance with their Canadian immigration applications.

Services:

• Family Sponsorship Applications
• Parent and Grandparent Supervisas
• Permanent Residence Applications
• International Adoptions
• Canadian Citizenship Applications
• Work Permits
• Study Permits

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 -- 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

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)

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 -- settlement workers available by phone or online, to connect with a settlement worker in North York, Toronto, or Scarborough; leave a message at 416-588-3585, or to connect with a settlement worker in Mississauga leave a message at 905-279-3679


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

Community Development

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

Childminding available for clients attending sessions

Food Security Program

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

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

COVID19 -- settlement workers available by phone or online, to connect with a settlement worker in North York, Toronto, or Scarborough leave a message at 416-588-3585, or to connect with a settlement worker in Mississauga leave a message at 905-279-3679

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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

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

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

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

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 -- Food Bank Mon-Fri 11 am-4 pm, home delivery for seniors, text or call 416-388-8323 to book an appointment, limited variety and quantities


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

Limited in-person appointments available in Keele and Finch offices; services also continue to be offered via telephone, email or online


Settlement Services

• immigration counselling
• assistance with sponsorship applications, legal referral
• seniors group
• Newcomer Skills at Work -- training in leadership and civic engagement
• Emotional Integration and Support Program -- individual counselling

Aurora House Transitional Residence -- mental health and trauma counselling and long-term clinical case management for residents -- see separate entry

Services may be provided at other locations

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

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

COVID-19 (November 10, 2021): Provincial and legal aid offices closed to the public. Services still offered by phone. Visit the website for latest service updates.

Provides eligible clients with a certificate that covers the cost of hiring a lawyer to deal with serious types of civil or criminal cases

• helps with separation and child custody, but not divorce
• lawyers may or may not accept Legal Aid certificates

Services

• criminal legal issues
• domestic violence
• family legal issues
• mental health issues
• refugee and immigration legal issues
• legal clinics

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)

Social, education and recreation programs for all ages ; information and referral

Health

• first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, nutrition programs
• community based health promotion and disease prevention initiative
• screening for specific health conditions
• one on one support addressing diabetes
• certain cancers and cardiovascular disease among newcomers

Employment Services -- career counselling, job club, one on one support

• advocacy
• child minding
• citizenship test preparation
• conflict resolution
• human service worker
• public speaking
• computer access and training
• food handling
• English language basics

Seniors Services

• escort to medical appointments, friendly visiting, telephone reassurance
• health education
• home support
  • food preparation
  • grocery shopping
  • light housework and repairs
  • referral services
  • seniors club

Recreation -- sports and physical activities including swimming and other fitness

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

• National Trauma Informed Care Program

COVID19 -- all appointments by phone or video chat, no in-person services; call for appointment

Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Services

• assistance with applications for citizenship, passports and protected person travel documents
• help with spouse, common-law partner and child sponsorship applications
• refugee system navigation and related procedures such as work/study permits, permanent resident applications as protected person/Convention refugee
• assistance with applications to become permanent resident based on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds
• help with permanent resident card and other Canadian identification forms
• assistance with study permit renewal and work permit applications for international students; information about pathway to become permanent residents
• help for migrant workers such as work permit assistance for vulnerable people

Online English classes and conversation circles

Community Resources

• assessment, information and referral to food programs, clothing and furniture banks, employment centres, schools and education resources, health centres
• assistance with applications for government programs such as Ontario Works, Employment Insurance, Legal Aid, transitional and subsidized housing

Spiritual Care

• provided through chaplain - referral and resources for religious communities, one-on-one spiritual counselling, and for ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and blessings

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

COVID-19 -- operating by phone only, Toronto 416-977-8111, Toll-free 1-855-854-8111

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Represents refugee claimants at hearings before the Immigration and Refugee Board, and on applications to the Federal Court

• claimants must obtain Legal Aid certificate
• lawyer and paralegal assigned to each case

Also represents immigration detainees at Toronto West Detention Centre, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Immigration Holding Centre, Vanier Centre for Women (Milton), Maplehurst Correctional Complex (Milton) and Central East Correctional Centre (Lindsay) at detention reviews on a duty counsel basis, detainees must be financially eligible for legal aid but need not obtain a certificate

COVID19 -- call or visit website for current information irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/stay-connected/Pages/covid-19-irb-operations.aspx


Refugee Protection Division: panel determines refugee claims

• if determined eligible by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or Canada Border Services Agency, the claim is referred to a Refugee Determination hearing
• claimants may be represented by legal counsel
• upon positive evaluation of claim, refugee status will be confirmed and application for landed immigrant status may proceed
• appeals of negative decisions may be heard at Refugee Appeal Board or other bodies, for more information, Refugee Claim Information Sheet

Immigration Appeal Division: hears appeals on immigration-related matters including sponsorships, removal orders, and residency obligations

Immigration Division: conducts detention reviews and admissibility hearings for persons believed to be inadmissible or removable from Canada; located at 385 Rexdale Blvd, 1-833-222-0408, fax 416-744-4274