Searching for Immigration / Sponsorship
Located near St Thomas
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
Enforcement and Violations - Investigates offenses and enforces the Immigration Act and Regulations * regulates and facilitates the entry of visitors or immigrants to Canada at port of entry * application kits available for mail-in service
Immigration Recruitment and Selection - Accepts and processes applications from groups for the sponsoring of refugees * all other applications must be mailed to the address provided in the application kit
Processes refugee claimants, clients finalized for permanent residence, permanent residence cards, and citizenship tests, interviews and ceremonies. In-person help by appointment only. Once application has been received, IRCC will contact you to schedule an appointment if deemed necessary by the processing office.
Services include:
- Training for community groups, service providers, and legal workers
- Public legal education that is culturally sensitive and delivered with accessibility in mind
- Legal support and services for disadvantaged queer clients
Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
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The program offers assistance in accessing a wide range of settlement services including:
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs assessments along with information and referral to community services
- short term adjustment counselling
- assistance with education, health care, housing
- assistance with citizenship applications and citizenship test preparation
- job search and employment counselling as well as assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
- interpretation and translation
- cultural competency training available for local agencies to ensure they have the tools and training to work with a variety of cultures
Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
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The program offers assistance in accessing a wide range of settlement services including:
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs assessments along with information and referral to community services
- short term adjustment counselling
- assistance with education, health care, housing
- assistance with citizenship applications and citizenship test preparation
- job search and employment counselling as well as assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
- interpretation and translation
- cultural competency training available for local agencies to ensure they have the tools and training to work with a variety of cultures
Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
The program offers assistance in accessing a wide range of settlement services including:
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs assessments along with information and referral to community services
- short term adjustment counselling
- assistance with education, health care, housing
- assistance with citizenship applications and citizenship test preparation
- job search and employment counselling as well as assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
- interpretation and translation
- cultural competency training available for local agencies to ensure they have the tools and training to work with a variety of cultures
Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
The program offers assistance in accessing a wide range of settlement services including:
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs assessments along with information and referral to community services
- short term adjustment counselling
- assistance with education, health care, housing
- assistance with citizenship applications and citizenship test preparation
- job search and employment counselling as well as assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
- interpretation and translation
- cultural competency training available for local agencies to ensure they have the tools and training to work with a variety of cultures
Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
The program offers assistance in accessing a wide range of settlement services including:
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs assessments along with information and referral to community services
- short term adjustment counselling
- assistance with education, health care, housing
- assistance with citizenship applications and citizenship test preparation
- job search and employment counselling as well as assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
- interpretation and translation
- cultural competency training available for local agencies to ensure they have the tools and training to work with a variety of cultures
Visit Website
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
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
- assistance with refugee claim process, CBSA, IRCC
- connection to community services and supports like Legal Aid, Social Assistance and Housing
- referrals to experienced refugee claimant lawyers
- transitional housing
- help with translation and interpretation
- orientation to Canadian life
- connection to established Canadians who can help individual or family settle
- help finding permanent housing, furnishings, dishes, and other household items
- assistance locating volunteer and employment opportunities
- operates as an emergency shelter for anyone when space permits
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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
- 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
- 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
- activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning
Visit Website
- orientation and information workshops
- translation and interpretation services
- housing
- referrals regarding government services, including social assistance
- assistance in filing forms for social insurance numbers, driver's licensing, child tax benefit
- referral assistance in accessing health services and related referrals
- assistance in completing Citizenship and Immigration forms, sponsorship applications
- referral to lawyers, legal aid, doctors
- basic language skills in English upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
- offers morning and evening classes
- bus fare for eligible attendees
- employment sector specific information sessions
- referral to Para-professional counseling services to individuals, families and youth
- referral to Youth at risk para-professional counseling
- English language classes referrals
- accessing education, whether grade schools or higher education
- supply chain management
Office: 905-949-0049 ext 1266
Visit Website
Mississauga, ON, L5B 3C2 (155km)
- information sessions requiring registration on a variety of topics introducing newcomers to life in Canada
- Commissioner of Oaths by appointment to take affidavits, certify true copies of original documents
- resource centre access to printed resources, telephone, computers, fax, printer, scanners and Internet
- settlement workers can help individually with filling forms or documents, preparing for citizenship tests or applications
For information on the Accelerating Career Advancement Program for internationally trained individuals CLICK HERE
Services provided at itinerant sites in partner agencies and libraries across Peel Region
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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
- heritage language classes
- skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
- seniors program including support groups and health 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
- 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
- day or evening classes
Visit Website
- services provided by phone, online or in-person; walk-ins welcome
- group sessions offered in-person and online
- LINC classes offered in-person and online
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Settlement Services -- needs 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, including citizenship applications
- connection with community and volunteer opportunities
- seasonal income tax clinic
- monthly Service Canada clinics OAS, GIS, CPP, CPP disability and survival benefits
- weekly English conversation circle
Financial Literacy Services-- Newcomers are assisted to build skills and tools they need to take control of their financial lives. Through weekly guided sessions newcomers understand financial literacy concepts in addition to the connection between income and careers, and how student loans work.
Refugee Settlement Services -- a full range of settlement services tailored to the needs of newcomers in Arabic, Dari, Farsi, and Ukrainian languages.
Women's Wellness Services- wellness support services available in women-only setting to support newcomer women in enhancing their wellness literacy. Women participate in weekly wellness-related sessions to overcome their day-to-day challenges through guided wellness-focused activities
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 support for newcomer individuals, couples and families
- Crisis Intervention Services - additional support for clients who encounter problems and crisis adjusting to life in Canada
- 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
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
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada. It also:
- grants citizenship,
- issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians
- promotes multiculturalism
- Dual Citizenship and Refugee Claims information
Canadian Citizenship Application Centre
- Federal service handling applications for the grant of Canadian citizenship
- Apply to visit, study, work or immigrate to Canada, apply for citizenship or a permanent resident card, check the status of your application or find a form.
Immigrate:
- Includes applications for federal skilled workers, family sponsorship, start-up visas, refugees, and tips on fraud and using a representative
Visit:
- Includes visitor visas and extensions for tourists, parents and grandparents and business travellers, transit visas and necessary travel identification documents
Work:
- Includes work permit applications and extensions, live-in caregiver applications, getting credentials recognized and hiring temporary foreign workers
Study:
- Includes study or student work permit applications and extensions
Citizenship:
- Includes how to apply, resume or give up Canadian citizenship, prepare for the citizenship test and get proof of citizenship
New Immigrants:
- Permanent Resident Cards, immigrant services in your area, and citizenship applications
Passports/Sponsorships: Canadians:
- Includes family sponsorship, proof of citizenship, passports, adoption, refugee sponsorship and citizenship celebrations
My Application:
- Includes application status, processing times, online applications and paper forms, fee payments, medical and police checks. Click Here for Details
Find an Office:
- Includes where to send your application, visa application centres, visa offices outside and in Canada. Click Here for Details
Court of Canadian Citizenship:
- Information and advice to the public on citizenship
- conducts hearings and court ceremonies
- application kits for acquiring or proving Canadian citizenship available on website or by telephone
Enforcement and Control:
- Investigates offences and enforces the Immigration Act and Regulations
- regulates and facilitates the entry of visitors or immigrants to Canada at port of entry
- various application kits available for mail-in service
Immigration Recruitment and Selection:
- Accepts and processes applications from groups for the sponsoring of refugees
- all other applications must be mailed to the address provided in the application kit
InMyLanguage.org Website
- InMyLanguage.org provides multilingual information for newcomers to Ontario, Canada
- All translations have been completed by certified translators
- InMyLanguage.org is managed by OCASI (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants) and funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- Advocacy for refugee claimants in Canada
- Advocacy for refugees overseas
- Assistance with refugee claims in Canada
- Private Sponsorship for refugees overseas
- Oversees Protection for Refugees Ministry
- Inland Protection for Refugees Ministry
Visit Website
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
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
- 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
Program Without Walls - Saturday nutrition/cooking program at various locations; volunteer opportunities
Seniors Program - nutrition, health awareness, workshops, recreation
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
- newcomer outreach at libraries and other community spacies
- workshops, one-to-one settlement services, community referrals
- 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
- 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
- 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
- for newcomers and internationally trained professionals
- personalized job search plan, labour market information, resume preparation, networking, interview preparation
Bike Host
- matches volunteer mentors with newcomers to encourage cycling
- Fun and safe Bike to School
- 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
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
- health information workshops
- information and form filling for seniors' benefits
- exercise and fitness programs, field trips
- leadership training, skill building workshops
- sports programs, field trips
- youth led workshops or events
- volunteer opportunities
Cultural Events -- Two Sisters Commemoration, Lanterns Festival, Lunar New Year Celebration
Afghan Women's Support Program -- provides short-term counselling to clients who encounter difficulties in adjusting to life in Canada and assistance in overcoming these challenges
Community Services
- needs assessment and 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
- professionally trained interpreters with expertise in health, community and social services
- translation and revision
- immediate over the phone interpretation
- counselling and referral
- seniors helping seniors
Youth Empowerment Program
- monthly discussion group on issues such as employment, school problems
- community collaboration with police and others
- information about school choices, postsecondary education, employment
- mentorship 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