For full directory of "How to" listings on different topics, see here
This listing gives an overview of services to assist newcomers to Canada, and is an index to related listings in this directory
- for comprehensive information, please see the Halton Newcomer InfoPod
DRIVER'S LICENCE:
A newcomer to Ontario can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days
- after 60 days, a newcomer must switch to an Ontario driver's licence
- for more information on driver's licences for newcomers, see Ministry of Transportation website
- to apply for an Ontario driver's licence, go to a Drivetest Centre (for locations, see full listings here)
HEALTH INSURANCE:
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides publicly-funded health care for residents of Ontario
- for more information, see separate listing here
- to apply for OHIP, go to a ServiceOntario Service Counter (for locations, see full listings here)
Interim Federal Health Program provides limited and temporary health care coverage to some groups of foreign nationals who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, and aren't eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance
- for more information, see Government of Canada website
IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada
- also grants citizenship and issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians
- for more information, see Government of Canada website
Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship test is used by newcomers to study for the citizenship test
- the publication is available online to read, listen to, or download
- a free print copy can be ordered online or by calling 1-888-567-7183
- also available to borrow at some library locations
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL FOR NEWCOMERS
For Community Information Centres throughout Halton that maintain information about the full range of human services and which function as the primary source of information about and linkage to human service providers in the community, see here
- for help in languages other than English, dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Ontario, which uses data from the Halton Community Services Directory and has live translation services in more than 150 languages
INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION:
For a list of organizations that may provide this service, see full listings here
- may be a fee for document translation
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION - ESL, FSL AND LINC:
Programs that offer opportunities to learn listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on developing the level of communication competence that is essential for adults who are living in a setting in which English or French is the primary language
- for more information, see separate listing here
NEWCOMER SETTLEMENT SERVICES:
Free services for newcomers to Canada are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to provide advice and help on:
- looking for a job
- getting a language assessment
- registering for language classes
- finding a place to live
- signing children up for school
- learning about community services
Available in Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville, Milton and surrounding areas
Milton, ON, L9T 2M3
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
Milton, ON, L9T 2M3
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
- focus on citizenship & civic engagement, or skills & career development
For all ages:
- career mentorship
- settlement mentorship
- cultural presentation
- group mentorship sessions
- computer classes
- English conversation circles
For Seniors:
- English conversation circle
- social circle
For Youth:
- homework help
- art workshop
- in-school youth mentorship
- newcomer youth leadership
Milton, ON, L9T 4N5
Services offered include school registration, assessment and settlement support
Assessment
- students from Grades 9 to 12 will have their English language and mathematics skills assessed
- helps schools offer students the supports needed as they begin studying in the Halton District School Board
Youth Settlement Workers
- help newcomer families interact with schools to maximize parental involvement and student success
- provide interpretation and translation services and connect families with useful community services that help students and their parents transition into the community and schools
Youth Settlement Specialist (YSS) in Schools
in partnership with HMC Connections (HMC), supports student and family engagement through the support of Youth Settlement Specialists (YSS) at the Welcome Centre and in schools
School Specific Youth Settlement Specialists
- meet with and provide continued settlement support to families as they navigate the HDSB system
- refer families to resources and support within the Halton community
- collaborate with HDSB staff in problem solving and identifying necessary support for students specific to language and/or culture
- provide language support to families and HDSB staff when/where needed (i.e confirming a meeting, supporting families new to the school etc.)
Milton, ON, L9T 6P4
Provides students and their families new to Canada, with guidance and support as they become familiar with the Region of Halton, and their new school environment
Services offered include:
- Math and language assessments for students
- Settlement Program for Newcomers
- Information & Orientation Sessions
- Short Term Counselling (18+)
- Community Building Activities
- Conversation Circles (18+)
- Language Support
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Youth Leadership Programs
- Youth March Break & Summer Camps
- School Orientation for Newcomers
Locations:
- Halton North (Milton), 2800 High Point Dr, Suite 212
- Halton South (Oakville), 255 Morden Rd
Milton, ON, L9T 5E4
Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- English Classes - language instruction for newcomers to Canada
- Enhanced Language Training - language training for newcomers preparing to enter the Canadian workplace
- Settlement Assistance - information about settling into Halton
- Community Connections Programs - free programs and events to learn about life in Canada, meet new friends, learn about other programs in your community, improve your English conversation skills in a relaxed atmosphere and more
- free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment
Oakville, ON, L6M 4L6
Programs, resources, and services to help newcomers settle into their new community
- Language Learning Resources
- Multilingual Collections
- Citizenship Test Preparation
- Newcomer Conversation Circles (English and French)
- other newcomer specific programs may be offered from time to time
For specific times and locations of Newcomer focused programs see website
Mississauga, ON, L5L 5S9
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry; childminding and transportation assistance may be available for eligible attendees
Settlement and Integration Services
- orientation, information
- translation and interpretation
- job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques
- counselling and support for women exposed to family violence
- information and referral
- violence prevention education
Mississauga, ON, L5L 5S9
Open for in-person, virtual, telephone and email services from Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm, no appointment necessary.
Neighbourhood multi-service agency
Pathways to Settlement - client-centred program to facilitate newcomers' integration and participation in Canadian society
Information and Awareness Services - helps newcomers settle including information and orientation on issues such as:
- immigration, health, education and housing
- translation and interpretation
- form filling;
- referrals to government and community resources ; monthly information seminars
- supportive counselling for individuals and families;
Navigating the Canadian Labour Market (NCLM) - assists newcomers and internationally trained professionals become employable in Canada, create an effective job search plan and learn about employer expectations
- provides needs assessment and customized action plan on career planning
- facilitates workshops on Canadian workplace culture, resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment training and networking events
- one-on-one job search coaching and mentoring
- post-program follow-up and support, and job leads
- access to computers, printers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, Internet
New Beginnings-Settlement & Employment Program (NB) - supports immigrants, refugees and citizens in their settlement and adaption process to help newcomers and citizens to be fully engaged in Canadian life, and to maximize the benefits of their contribution into Canadian society.
Crisis Counselling - provides support and guidance during a crisis; works on achieving stability, increasing empowerment and safety of community members via one-on-one and group sessions
Mississauga, ON, L5N 2P1
Immigrant Services -- settlement information and orientation to life in Canada
- needs assessment; referral to other agencies and government services
- help filling in government forms and applications
- English Conversation Circles (ECC)
- Commissioner of Oaths, document translation and interpretation with service providers
- crisis support counselling and cultural transition
- Pre-apprentice program for youth, newcomers and racialized minorities
- Mississauga Cycles cycling mentorship and do-it-yourself Bike Hub
- New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- sector specific language training with job search workshops and a co-op placement
Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST Program)
- 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
Youth Services
- youth leadership and volunteering opportunities
- youth conversation circle
- youth employment programs
- social and recreational activities including drop in
Community Services
- digital literacy training
- free seasonal income tax clinic
- dental clinic for children (Healthy Smiles Ontario)
- Orientation to Ontario (O2O) webinars
Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program - assistance with applications
Georgetown, ON, L7G 4B5
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
Georgetown, ON, L7G 4B5
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
- focus on citizenship & civic engagement, or skills & career development
For all ages:
- career mentorship
- settlement mentorship
- cultural presentation
- group mentorship sessions
- computer classes
- English conversation circles
For Seniors:
- English conversation circle
- social circle
For Youth:
- homework help
- art workshop
- in-school youth mentorship
- newcomer youth leadership
Oakville, ON, L6H 6Z9
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
Oakville, ON, L6H 6Z9
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
- focus on citizenship & civic engagement, or skills & career development
For all ages:
- career mentorship
- settlement mentorship
- cultural presentation
- group mentorship sessions
- computer classes
- English conversation circles
For Seniors:
- English conversation circle
- social circle
For Youth:
- homework help
- art workshop
- in-school youth mentorship
- newcomer youth leadership
Oakville, ON, L6H 6Z9
Helps newcomers settle and integrate into a community that is welcoming and inclusive
Programs at this location include:
- Community Connections (OAK4196)
- Employment Supports (OAK0402)
- Integrated Employment Services - Employment Ontario (OAK0482)
- Interpretation and Translation (OAK2788)
- Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (OAK2790)
- Settlement Services (OAK2785)
- Support for Ukrainians (OAK0458)
- Transitional Housing for Newcomers to Halton (OAK0433)
Other HMC offices in Halton are located in:
Oakville, ON, L6H 6Z4
Programs, resources, and services to help newcomers settle into their new community
- Language Learning Resources
- Multilingual Collections
- Citizenship Test Preparation
- Newcomer Conversation Circles (English and French)
- other newcomer specific programs may be offered from time to time
For specific times and locations of Newcomer focused programs see website
Oakville, ON, L6M 3G2
Programs, resources, and services to help newcomers settle into their new community
- Language Learning Resources
- Multilingual Collections
- Citizenship Test Preparation
- Newcomer Conversation Circles (English and French)
- other newcomer specific programs may be offered from time to time
For specific times and locations of Newcomer focused programs see website
Mississauga, ON, L5L 3R6
Multiservice agency for adults who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing
- audiology and speech-language pathology
- communication devices
- hearing aid services and hearing tests
- support for coping with hearing loss
- American Sign Language (ASL) classes for individuals and businesses
Interpreter Services -- professional ASL interpreters for medical, legal, business, employment, social and government services
Emergency Interpreter Services -- sign language interpreters for health or mental health emergencies, Mon-Sun 24 hours; 1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, [email protected], SMS/Text 416-712-6637 (charges may apply)
Connect Counselling Services -- for mental health issues, addiction, relationship problems, domestic violence or other serious challenges
Educational Support Services -- note takers, sign language interpreters and assistive devices for part time postsecondary students
Deaf-Blind Intervening Services --1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, Allan Wareham [email protected]
Settlement Program for Newcomers
- needs assessment and referrals
- translation (English and American Sign Language)
- form filling
- problem solving
- information on technical devices, housing, transportation, health, employment, education, legal system, settlement issues, local community
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) -- basic communication skills, reading and writing in English, adapting to life in Canada; instruction is in American Sign Language (ASL)
Mississauga, ON, L5L 1R6
- community-based organization located in Oakville and Mississauga, dedicated to supporting immigrants of all ages as they build new lives in Canada
- offer educational services designed to ease the transition into a new environment, including language learning, cultural integration programs, and STEM education
Oakville, ON, L6M 3B2
Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- English Classes - language instruction for newcomers to Canada
- Enhanced Language Training - language training for newcomers preparing to enter the Canadian workplace
- Settlement Assistance - information about settling into Halton
- Community Connections Programs - free programs and events to learn about life in Canada, meet new friends, learn about other programs in your community, improve your English conversation skills in a relaxed atmosphere and more
- free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment
Burlington, ON, L7L 6M6
Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- English Classes - language instruction for newcomers to Canada
- Enhanced Language Training - language training for newcomers preparing to enter the Canadian workplace
- Settlement Assistance - information about settling into Halton
- Community Connections Programs - free programs and events to learn about life in Canada, meet new friends, learn about other programs in your community, improve your English conversation skills in a relaxed atmosphere and more
- free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment
Oakville, ON, L6K 3X9
- information and referral to community and government programs and services
- information sessions for newcomers and internationally trained professionals by external guest speakers
- information topics: employment, settlement services, government programs, education and training, credential assessment, citizenship and immigration, Canadian labour market, Canadian professional licensing requirements, taxation
Programs include:
- monthly information sessions on immigration, citizenship, labour market, education, self-employment, finances
- Settlement Services (schedule applies-call for an appointment)
- Senior's Circle - Digital Literacy and Conversation Circles for Seniors and Women, Information sessions, Chair Yoga
- Employability training such as CPR , Customer service training, Cash Register training, and more
- Women's Connection and Empowerment Program
- Free Commissioner of Oaths services available: call for an appointment
Mississauga, ON, L5C 4P3
Settlement information for immigrants and refugees including government assisted refugees
- job search assistance and information about workplace rights and Employment Standards Act
- information about health and education system, landlord and tenant rights, banking
- anti-violence information for families, mental health information
- seasonal income tax clinic (Community Volunteer Income Tax Program) for families with low incomes
- information and referral to community services
- assistance with forms and applications such as PR card renewal, citizenship applications and forms for income security and health programs
- English-Chinese interpretation and translation, commissioner of oaths
- in-home settlement service visits available
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry, childminding may be available for attendees with children 2-6 years, bus fare for eligible attendees
- computer/Zoom classes: Zoom classes open to all who want to learn video conferencing via the Zoom app; class outside LINC/ESL class time
Seniors Programs
- needs assessment, information and referral
- community connection activities and workshops such as Chinese painting, Taiji, line dance, Chinese folk dancing
Mississauga, ON, L5K 1T9
Offices are open, preferably by appointment; services are offered in-person and remotely over the phone and by Zoom
------------- -------------- -------------
Settlement Services
- assessments and referrals
- supportive counselling for youth, families and women
- Commissioner of Oath services
- sessions on topics such as housing, education, health care, social assistance, legal assistance, citizenship, professional licensing and job search
Peel Halton Integrated Services Reception Centre
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) -- needs assessment, including emergency needs
- life skills support including orientation in clients' language on a variety of topics, such as federal and provincial programs and services, health care issues, managing money, education system, family life, employment
- referrals to community services and other settlement programs
- assistance with searching for, viewing, selecting, and moving into permanent accommodations
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry,
Multicultural Settlement and Education Partnership in Schools (MSEP) -- assists newcomer students and their families with settling into schools and the community
Youth Achievers
- after school activities for children 6-12 years including coding, robotics and life skills
- other programs for youth include Homework Club, see separate entry
Seniors Organized and Supported Program (NHSP)
- increases social participation and inclusion of seniors in their communities
- activities led by seniors' leadership groups brought together from the local community
- activities include physical and mental wellness sessions such as yoga, meditation, Share Your Talents, gardening, painting and community exploration trips
Orangeville location at 15 Brenda Blvd, Orangeville, ON, L9W 3Y5, 416-583-3800
Brampton, ON, L6Y 4M3
Information and referral centre offering comprehensive information on topics such as employment, licensing, credential evaluation, language training, housing, health services, legal issues, government programs, citizenship and immigration, and social, community and recreational services
- 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 by appointment
- childminding services available while using on-site services
For settlement information, employment counselling and access to self-serve Newcomer Information Centre Online
For information on the Accelerating Career Advancement Program for internationally trained individuals
Services provided at itinerant sites in partner agencies and libraries across Peel Region
