A Newcomer To Canada? Get Free Services You Need!

Each year, around 300,000 immigrants come to Canada for work, academic, and residential opportunities. And indeed, this can be very stressful— adjusting to a new culture, climate, and way of life!

Looking for a job is another hassle. You have to get familiar with the requirements, not to mention that building a network is essential to surviving in a new country.

Fortunately, the Canadian government has always been generous to its immigrants. Unknown to many newcomers is that Canada offers many free benefits and services to lessen the burden of adjusting to life in the country.

Settlement assistance

Many settlement services are offered to newcomers in Canada, especially to permanent residents. For one, some agencies go beyond the extra mile in helping immigrants find a job, take language classes, and equip people with the necessary skills to land a position in the city.

For starters, immigrants can avail of settlement services before or after they arrive in the country. Pre-arrival services aim to ease the burden of moving out by letting newcomers settle the basic things they’ll need before going to Canada.

With pre-arrival services, you can sort everything out, from education to work experiences and credential recognition. These services are free, so you don’t need to worry about extra expenses.

Furthermore, if you’re a newcomer in Quebec, you may avail of local services offered to investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed workers. The Quebec ministry for immigration is known to provide great deals for people who give job opportunities to the locals.

Acces Employment is a governmental agency with offices in Alberta, Toronto, and Mississauga. They help people find a job and enroll in language training cases, plus the office in Mississauga offers services to the youth.

In addition, older adults are not left behind, as A&O offers services for seniors and helps them prepare for the internship test.

Employment opportunities

Many job opportunities are offered in highly urbanized cities all around Canada. But you may also meet some difficulties when it comes to finding a job that fits your abilities.

Fortunately, Acces Employment is there to ensure that immigrants in the country are given job opportunities and equipped with the necessary skills to be qualified for one. You may join workshops, sign up online, or be a walk-in applicant. Acces Employment also helps newcomers start a business.

On the other hand, if you feel like you’re not yet ready for a full-time job, you may apply for an internship to gain experience. Just contact the Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) to help you get a glimpse of what it’s like to work in Canada.

But how about the newcomers who already need to earn money to sustain their life in Canada? Well, paid internships are offered at Career Edge. Who knows? Your internship may be your first job in Canada, too.

Language classes

It’s imperative for people who are going to migrate to Canada to learn English, French, or— even better— both.

And mind you, it’s more than just being able to speak the language. Usually, employers look for proof— a certificate— to ensure you’re fluent enough to handle the job and effectively communicate in the workplace.

The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a free service the government offers to immigrants. LINC gives free language classes, in which, depending on the area, newcomers may take English or French classes. There are many inclusions, such as child care services, employment references, and parking benefits.

Before signing up for classes, an initial language assessment must be taken first to let the institution know where to start. From there, you may choose a schedule that is convenient for you— part-time or full-time.

Banking services

Moving to a new place means opening a bank account you can use for your daily financial activities. Getting your credit card may also come in handy as you establish a credit score in your new home. And, of course, that comes with a fee.

Although it’s not that high, the major banks in the country actually attract newcomers with promotional programs. Some banks you might want to check out include:

• RBC
• BMO
• TD
• Scotiabank
• CIBC

In addition, some banks also waive newcomers any charge for a certain period, with some usually extending free services for up to six months.

Discounts

As a newcomer, you’re also entitled to discounts from stores and brands. Getting lost on the way to your first job? Get an Uber and avail transportation services at a lower price.

Other companies that offer good deals include Adidas, HelloFresh, and H&M. Furthermore; you may further reduce the prices you pay with loyalty programs.

Take a tour

Of course, there’s more to adjusting to new cultures than simply spending time in the four corners of your apartment or condo unit in the city. Having a tour and visiting historic sites in Canada is a great way to immerse yourself in Canadian culture.

Canoo is an app created by Institute for Canadian Citizenship to promote the 1,400 exciting destinations to newcomers to the country. With Canoo, you may take a tour of historical parks, museums, art galleries, and other attractions for free.

Here are the eligibility requirements if you’re interested in availing of the service:

• A Canadian who received citizenship within the last 365 days
• A permanent resident who earned permanent residence within the last five years

Now, as a new immigrant, you can explore and emerge yourself in your new home without worrying about wrecking your still-budgeted pennies!