Five Free Settlement Resources for International Students in Canada

July 2, 2024

International students across Canada can access various settlement services provided by organizations within their destination province or territory.

These services, offered by multiple providers across Canadian provinces and territories, each come with their own policies, eligibility criteria, and service offerings.

It is essential to note that the details of each organization’s services, such as eligibility criteria, are determined at the discretion of the individual service provider rather than the federal government.

Five Places to Find Settlement Services for International Students in Canada

International students in Canada have access to a range of helpful settlement services and resources, assisting them in areas such as language training, accessing government services like healthcare, finding employment, and connecting with their local community.

Discover Your Options to Study in Canada

The following five organizations exemplify where international students can obtain these various settlement services.

Note: The organizations listed below are not funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

1. The Student’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

All international students will be able to access support and settlement services through their DLI, including workshops and organized social events. However, not every DLI in Canada offers the same settlement and support services.

Note: A DLI is the only type of post-secondary institution in Canada authorized to accept international students. All prospective and incoming international students should ensure that their school has valid status as a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.

Example Services Offered by a DLI:

Support with learning about banking in Canada: banks and credit unions, the difference between a credit and debit card, what to be cautious of
Information about future immigration pathways
Information about the legal rights of an international student
Help with ways to get involved in the community

2. WoodGreen

Location: Five locations across Toronto, Ontario

WoodGreen provides international students with various settlement services, ranging from help with accessing other services* to assistance with immigration questions and connecting to community programs.

Some services WoodGreen can help newcomers access include housing, healthcare, education, and legal aid.

WoodGreen Services:

Help with accessing services
Employment
Healthcare
Housing
Education
Training
Legal Aid
Assistance with answering immigration questions: citizenship, permanent residency, work permits
Support with applying for government benefits
Help with connecting international students to community programs: language training, recreational activities

3. Mosaic British Columbia

Locations: Vancouver, British Columbia and Burnaby, British Columbia

Operating through the British Columbia Settlement and Integration Services (BCSIS) program, Mosaic British Columbia helps international students by offering the following services.

Mosaic Services:

Referrals for services and support, including visa status inquiries
Coaching and support for employment: job searching, online job applications, resumes and cover letters, job interviews, etc.
Facilitating social activities
Workshops to help with understanding and exploring permanent residence pathways
Access to seminars given by guest speakers from various fields of work
Help with accessing government services, such as healthcare

4. Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL)

Location: Invermere, British Columbia (B.C.)

CBAL operates in 16 communities across British Columbia

Offering services primarily in English but also some in French, CBAL provides various settlement services to international students in B.C.

Note: CBAL notes that some one-to-one services are available in French, either locally or virtually if requested. However, CBAL also offers referrals to nearby agencies for clients who prefer French-language services.

CBAL Services:

Individualized support with navigating local services and accessing information
Needs assessments, goal setting, and referrals (individually or as a family)
Help with banking, housing, accessing healthcare, registering a child for school, accessing legal services, and more
Assistance with employment and understanding/transitioning to Canadian workplace culture
Help with completing forms and applications
Connecting clients to social and cultural groups as well as community programs
Conducting English language assessments
Providing both formal and informal English-language training (both online and in-person)

5. Action for Healthy Communities (A4HC)

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

A4HC, which offers its services in both English and French, can assist international students through various one-on-one sessions or group activities and programs.

A4HC Services:

A4HC offers a number of services under eight general support categories. For more details on the specific service offerings under each category, please visit their webpage.