Are you qualified to receive IRCC settlement support services while you are a temporary resident?
Canada offers settlement services to help newcomers adjust to everyday life in the country. These free resources include language training, employment assistance, and community connection services. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible for these services.
Foreign nationals who received a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) from IRCC as part of the department's "Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Temporary Resident Visas for Certain Extended Family affected by the Crisis in Gaza" are eligible for IRCC-funded settlement services until March 31, 2027. This also applies to Ukrainian nationals who have received a TRV through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).
Temporary foreign workers in Canada who possess (or have been approved for) a work permit under section 112 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) may be eligible for federal settlement services. This includes those who were previously subject to a removal order but have since applied for and been approved by the Minister of Immigration for protection in Canada. Temporary foreign workers who have been initially approved for permanent residence under the IRPR section 113 are also eligible.
Ukrainian nationals waiting for an extension of their status in Canada and those who have been selected by IRCC through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) are also eligible for these services. It's worth noting that the groups of temporary residents in Canada who can access federal settlement services are specified by IRCC.
For those who have been selected for permanent residence and have been informed by the immigration department via a letter, they too are eligible for settlement services. This includes AIP applicants, who are eligible for a specific set of settlement services. However, eligibility for certain federal settlement services, such as language training, may have age-dependent restrictions.
It's important to note that eligibility for municipal or provincial government-funded settlement services for students in Canada is usually on a case-by-case basis and must be inquired about directly with the service provider.
For temporary residents in Ontario, finding suitable housing can be a challenge, especially in large cities like Toronto. Early searching and consideration of temporary lodging options such as short-term rentals, temporary accommodations, rental apartments, or shared housing are recommended.
IRCC clarifies that the eligibility of both the principal applicant and eligible dependents (spouse and children) for federal settlement services is considered.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that eligibility for federal settlement services in Canada can vary depending on the individual service provider. So, it's always a good idea to check with the specific service provider for the most accurate information.
