Searching for Immigration / Sponsorship
Located near Welland
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
Information, application forms and assistance on citizenship and immigration programs, including Permanent Resident Card and Interim Federal Health Program, immigration interviews, and citizenship.
Refugee claims can be made at this office during designated hours. Application form available from website must be completed.
Permanent Resident (PR) Card are mailed, in some cases may be asked to pick up a card at a local office.
To report suspected citizenship fraud, call or email Citizenship-fraud-tips@cic.gc.ca.
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
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 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
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
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
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
Visit Website
- services provided by phone, online or in-person; walk-ins welcome
- all group sessions offered 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
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
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
- 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
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)
Office: 416-954-1000
Visit Website
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 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
- 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
- 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
- online Find a Sponsorship Group map, including those seeking members
- sponsorship information, videos and public information meetings
- Practical Guide for Sponsors
- resource links including participating organizations and government services
- donation information
Settlement and ESL: 416-807-1983
Spiritual Support: 416-682-2510
Visit Website
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
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
- provided through chaplain - referral and resources for religious communities, one-on-one spiritual counselling, and for ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and blessings
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
Office: 416-363-1066
Visit Website
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
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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
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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
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
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
- 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