Searching for Immigration / Sponsorship

Support to refugee claimants in Canada and abroad

• legal, crisis intervention and emotional support
• weekly support group
• Network of Iranian Queer HIV/AIDS Program, info@niqha.net -- education and support to people with HIV/AIDS and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
• SHER Fund, Safe House and Emergency Relief for LGBT refugees residing in Turkey to pay living expenses
• Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Iran Program -- support to parents and families of LGBT individuals
• information and referral
• newsletter, magazine

Free telephone hotline providing legal assistance to Ukrainians arriving in Canada affected by the war in Ukraine, with focus on immigration related issues, and also provides assistance and referrals for other legal issues related to resettlement, such as housing, employment

• assistance identifying nature of legal issue, advice and assistance on steps to take
• help drafting basic legal document for use in Canadian justice system
• where appropriate, referrals to pro bono and other lawyers for ongoing services
• referrals to support services

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

COVID19 -- Contact for details on in-person service changes and enhanced safety measures; call Muhaari A. Director of Programs & Services at 416-831-9729 or email a.muhaari@black-cap.com for support and information.


HIV/AIDS education, prevention and support, including information on HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infections) risk, sexual health and healthy relationships, and harm reduction

• community-based prevention programs for youth, women, and gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, trans and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
• community workshops, forums, outreach, training for professionals and organizations, and culturally specific materials
• volunteer opportunities

Support Programs
Counselling and support for Black people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, including referrals and follow-up, as well as child care and emergency financial assistance for eligible clients

• practical assistance
• home and hospital visits
• treatment, support groups
• housing and employment support
• youth program

Settlement Program
Counselling and support, needs assessment, outreach and prevention for Black, African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees, including LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) individuals

• orientation
• information and referrals to community services
• assistance in accessing services
• assistance in finding a doctor and living with treatment
• assistance with immigration system
• form and documentation completion
• housing and employment help
• interpretation and translation
• social opportunities and networking

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

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

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

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 -- offering services by phone and email

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Community legal clinic

• provides summary legal advice in income maintenance (CPP, OAS, EI, GAINS) workers rights, tenant rights, immigration, social assistance (OW, ODSP), tenant issues, general administration (notary, commissioner for taking oaths)
• may provide representation
• summary advice/referral in domestic violence cases
• community organizing
• community education
• law reform
• referrals
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

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)

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 -- Contact organization for information

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

Translation and Interpretation Services

• professionally trained interpreters with expertise in health, community and social services
• translation and revision
• immediate over the phone interpretation

Seniors Program

• counselling and referral
• seniors helping seniors

Volunteer and TV Broadcasting Program Assistance-- television broadcasts Friday nights and Saturdays

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

Temporary accommodation, average stay 4 months

• capacity 20
• information and referral (legal aid, immigration, social assistance)
• settlement services, reception
• Christian environment

Transitional housing for residents ready to move into the community

• capacity 20
• shared kitchen and bathrooms
• various locations in North York and East York

Non-residents immigration consultation and referral

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 -- 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

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

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

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

COVID19 -- Breakfast and lunch served on a take-away system

• drop-in open
• harm reduction program supply pick-up
• other programs suspended until further notice

Community drop-in program

• advice on eviction, immigration, social assistance appeals
• free breakfast weekdays and lunch Monday to Sunday and holidays
• 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)

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

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

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

• immigration counselling
• assistance with sponsorship applications
• escort, translation and interpretation, legal referral

Newcomer Skills at Work

• employment mentoring, training in leadership and civic engagement

Community Mental Health Program

• individual counselling, parenting support group, group workshops

Services for Refugees

• mental health counselling or group workshops
• individual counselling on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grieving and the refugee process, stress management, anxiety or depression, family intervention
• peer support and social engagement through workshops on life skills, emotional intelligence or parenting skills
• sponsorships -- counsellors support people sponsoring refugees under the Group of 5 category and, post-arrival assist with settlement counselling, action plans and form-filling
• volunteer interpreters available

Services may be provided at other locations

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

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 -- How the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration and refugees:
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