Moving to Toronto can involve much more than finding a home and unpacking your belongings. Newcomers may need to apply for identification, understand the healthcare system, improve their English, look for employment and learn how Canadian schools, banks and government services operate.
Trying to handle everything alone can make the settlement process feel overwhelming. Fortunately, free settlement services are available across Toronto to help eligible newcomers adjust to life in Canada.
Settlement workers provide information, answer questions and connect newcomers with appropriate government and community resources. Their role is not to make decisions for you but to help you understand your options and determine the next practical steps.
What Are Settlement Services?
Settlement services are programs designed to help newcomers establish their lives in Canada. They may be funded by the federal, provincial or municipal government and delivered by qualified community organizations.
Depending on the program, newcomers may receive one-on-one support, attend group workshops or participate in language and employment programs.
Settlement services commonly provide help with:
- Finding employment and preparing for the Canadian workplace
- Improving English or French
- Understanding housing options
- Accessing healthcare
- Registering children for school
- Applying for government documents
- Understanding taxes and benefits
- Finding childcare
- Connecting with community programs
- Getting foreign credentials assessed
- Learning about Canadian laws and responsibilities
- Accessing interpretation or translation support
- Preparing for citizenship
- Finding specialized services for families, youth or seniors
Many of these services are free, although eligibility requirements can vary by program and funding source.
Who Can Use Free Settlement Services?
Eligibility depends on your immigration status, the organization providing the service and the source of its funding.
Federally funded settlement services are generally intended for eligible permanent residents, protected persons and certain other newcomers. Temporary residents, refugee claimants, international students and Canadian citizens may not qualify for every federally funded program.
Eligibility rules can also change. Beginning April 1, 2026, the federal government introduced time limits for some economic-class permanent residents accessing federally funded newcomer services. Anyone uncertain about eligibility should review the latest information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or contact a settlement organization directly.
Not qualifying for one program does not mean that no help is available. Some City of Toronto services, provincial programs, libraries and community organizations use broader eligibility rules.
The City states that residents can access its Newcomer Services Kiosk program regardless of immigration status and without being asked for proof of status. Always confirm the requirements of the particular program you plan to use.
What Does a Settlement Worker Do?
A settlement worker helps newcomers identify their needs and connect with appropriate services.
Your first meeting may include a needs assessment. The worker may ask questions about your immigration status, family, language abilities, employment goals, housing situation and immediate concerns.
Based on your answers, the worker may:
- Explain how a government service works
- Refer you to an employment program
- Help you locate language classes
- Explain how to register a child for school
- Direct you to healthcare information
- Help you understand a form
- Connect you with housing or legal-information resources
- Refer you to a specialized community organization
- Suggest workshops or orientation programs
Settlement workers do not usually provide legal representation, medical treatment or financial advice. They can, however, direct you to qualified services when you need specialized assistance.
Start With the Government of Canada’s Newcomer Services Finder
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada maintains an online tool for finding funded newcomer services by location.
You can use the newcomer services finder to search for organizations in and around Toronto. Available filters may allow you to look for specific types of support, such as language assessment, employment assistance or services for women, youth and seniors.
Before contacting an organization, review:
- The immigration statuses it serves
- The languages available
- Whether an appointment is required
- Whether services are online or in person
- The geographical area it covers
- The documents you may need
- Its current hours of operation
Service details can change, so contact the organization before travelling to its location.
Visit a Toronto Newcomer Services Kiosk
The City of Toronto operates Newcomer Services Kiosks at selected municipal and community locations.
These kiosks provide free and confidential support, including information about education, employment, healthcare, housing and City programs. Settlement workers may also connect newcomers with language-specific resources.
Kiosks may operate at locations such as:
- Toronto City Hall
- Civic centres
- Community recreation centres
- Employment and Social Services offices
- Housing-related service locations
The participating locations, languages and schedules can change. Some sites accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment.
Check the City’s current list of Newcomer Services Kiosks before visiting. Calling ahead can help you confirm that a settlement worker will be available in the language you need.
Meet a Settlement Worker at a Toronto Public Library
Toronto Public Library works with settlement organizations to provide newcomer support at selected branches.
A library settlement worker may offer:
- One-on-one settlement information
- Referrals to government and community services
- Group information sessions
- Help locating language programs
- Employment and education information
- Guidance about healthcare, housing and local services
The service is free, and support may be available in person, online or by telephone. Some locations may accept walk-ins, while others use appointments.
Visit the Toronto Public Library’s Settling in Toronto page to find participating branches and current contact information.
Libraries also provide other useful newcomer resources, including books in multiple languages, English-learning materials, computer access, internet access and citizenship-test preparation.
Call 211 to Find Local Settlement Programs
If you are unsure where to begin, call 211 or search the 211 Ontario directory.
211 connects people with government, health, social and community services. It can help you locate settlement organizations near your neighbourhood and identify programs that serve your particular needs.
The service may be especially useful if:
- You do not know which organization to contact
- You need assistance in another language
- You are looking for a specialized program
- You do not qualify for a federally funded service
- You need support outside regular office hours
- You are helping a family member find services
Explain your location, immigration situation and the type of support you need. You do not have to know the official name of the program.
Get Help Finding Employment
Employment is one of the most common reasons newcomers contact settlement organizations.
A newcomer employment program may help you:
- Create a Canadian-style résumé
- Write cover letters
- Prepare for interviews
- Search for jobs
- Understand workplace expectations
- Build professional connections
- Identify transferable skills
- Explore training opportunities
- Understand credential-recognition processes
- Find occupation-specific language programs
Settlement workers cannot guarantee employment, but they can help you understand the local job market and connect you with programs designed for newcomers.
Be cautious about anyone promising a job in exchange for a large fee. Verify that you are dealing with a legitimate organization and do not provide sensitive documents unless you understand why they are required.
Find Free or Low-Cost Language Support
Improving your English or French can make it easier to find work, communicate with service providers and participate in your community.
Eligible newcomers may be able to access government-funded language programs such as Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada. Before enrolling, you may need a language assessment to determine the appropriate level.
Programs may include:
- General English or French classes
- Conversation groups
- Workplace language training
- Literacy support
- Online classes
- Classes with childcare or transportation support
- Occupation-specific language instruction
Toronto Public Library branches and community organizations may also offer conversation circles and informal language-learning opportunities.
Ask whether attendance requirements, eligibility rules or waiting lists apply before choosing a class.
Get Help Understanding Housing
Settlement workers may provide general information about finding housing and understanding the rental process.
They may help you learn about:
- Searching for a rental home
- Documents landlords may request
- Rental deposits
- Lease agreements
- Tenant rights and responsibilities
- Housing-support programs
- Emergency housing resources
- Community legal-information services
A settlement worker is not a substitute for a lawyer or licensed legal professional. If you have a serious dispute with a landlord or need advice about your legal rights, ask for a referral to an appropriate legal clinic or tenant-support service.
Never pay money or share banking information simply because someone claims they can secure housing through a settlement program. Confirm the organization’s identity first.
Ask for Help Accessing Healthcare
Ontario’s healthcare system may be unfamiliar to someone who has recently arrived in Canada.
Settlement services may provide information about:
- Applying for an Ontario health card
- Finding a family doctor
- Using walk-in clinics
- Accessing public-health programs
- Finding mental-health support
- Locating dental or vision-care resources
- Understanding emergency and non-emergency care
- Accessing services without provincial health coverage
Eligibility for publicly funded healthcare depends on individual circumstances. Settlement workers can explain where to find official information, but ServiceOntario or another responsible government body determines eligibility.
For a medical emergency, call 911 rather than waiting for an appointment with a settlement worker.
Find Support for Children and Families
Newcomer families may need help registering children for school, finding childcare and understanding family-oriented programs.
Settlement workers can connect parents with information about:
- Public and Catholic school systems
- School registration
- Settlement Workers in Schools
- Childcare options
- Childcare-fee subsidies
- After-school programs
- Parenting resources
- Recreation programs
- Family health services
- Support for newcomer youth
Settlement Workers in Schools help newcomer students and their families adjust to the education system and connect with community resources.
Ask your child’s school whether a settlement worker is available or which local organization supports families in that area.
Look for Specialized Newcomer Programs
Some settlement organizations offer programs designed for particular communities or life situations.
Specialized services may be available for:
- Women
- Youth
- Seniors
- Refugees
- LGBTQ+ newcomers
- People with disabilities
- Francophone newcomers
- Survivors of violence
- People seeking mental-health support
- Newcomer entrepreneurs
- Internationally trained professionals
You do not have to choose an organization solely because it serves people from your country of origin. Consider your specific goals, preferred language, location and comfort level.
If one organization cannot meet your needs, ask for a referral to another program.
Can You Access Services Before Arriving in Canada?
Some eligible newcomers can use free pre-arrival services before travelling to Canada.
Pre-arrival programs may provide information about:
- Preparing for the Canadian job market
- Having foreign credentials assessed
- Understanding housing and healthcare
- Bringing required documents
- Planning your first weeks in Canada
- Connecting with services in your destination city
The Government of Canada provides information about pre-arrival services and who may use them.
Taking advantage of these programs can help you arrive with a clearer plan, although they cannot eliminate every challenge involved in settling in a new country.
What Documents Should You Bring?
The documents required depend on the service and your immigration status.
An organization may ask you to bring:
- A permanent resident card
- A Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Immigration documents
- A passport or other identification
- Proof of address
- Employment or education records
- Language-assessment results
- Documents related to your particular question
Ask what is required when booking your appointment. Do not send sensitive documents through an unsecured channel.
Some City or community services may not require proof of immigration status. Requirements can differ even when two programs offer similar support.
How to Prepare for Your First Appointment
Preparing in advance can help you use your time effectively.
Write down your most important questions and place urgent needs first. Bring relevant documents and a way to take notes. If you need an interpreter, request one when arranging the appointment rather than waiting until you arrive.
During the meeting:
- Explain your situation honestly
- Ask questions when something is unclear
- Record the names of recommended programs
- Confirm the next steps
- Ask about deadlines or waiting lists
- Request contact details for referrals
- Find out whether follow-up support is available
You may not solve every issue in one appointment. Settlement often involves several steps and referrals to different organizations.
How to Protect Yourself From Newcomer Scams
Most legitimate settlement services clearly explain that their support is free and identify the government or organization funding the program.
Be cautious if someone:
- Demands payment for a free government-funded service
- Guarantees a job, visa or immigration result
- Pressures you to act immediately
- Requests payment by gift card or cryptocurrency
- Asks for unnecessary banking information
- Refuses to provide the organization’s official name
- Uses an email address unrelated to the organization
- Requests your account passwords
Settlement workers cannot guarantee an immigration decision or speed up a government application.
Verify contact information through an official government directory or the organization’s established website. If an offer seems suspicious, do not send money or personal documents until you confirm that it is legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are settlement services in Toronto really free?
Many government-funded settlement services are free for eligible newcomers. Some community organizations may offer additional programs with different eligibility requirements. Confirm any fees before registering.
Do I need to be a permanent resident to use settlement services?
Not always. Federally funded programs have specific eligibility rules, but City of Toronto, provincial and community programs may serve people with other immigration statuses. Ask the individual organization about its requirements.
Can settlement workers help with immigration applications?
They may provide general information or refer you to an appropriate service, but they do not necessarily provide legal advice or representation. For immigration legal advice, consult an authorized immigration professional.
Can I receive settlement help in my first language?
Many organizations provide multilingual staff or interpretation. Toronto’s Newcomer Services Kiosks list the languages available at participating locations. Ask for language support when booking an appointment.
Do I need an appointment?
It depends on the location. Some programs accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Call or check the official website before travelling.
Where should I begin if I do not know what help I need?
Start with a settlement worker at a Newcomer Services Kiosk or participating Toronto Public Library branch. You can also call 211 or use the federal newcomer services finder to locate an organization near you.
Note: Settlement-program availability and eligibility depend on immigration status, funding and the organization providing the service. Confirm current requirements directly with the appropriate government agency or settlement organization before applying or visiting.