Settlement Services
Skills for Change provides free settlement assistance to newcomers in the Greater Toronto Area. We offer one-on-one assistance and counselling to individuals and families who need help navigating life in Canada — and referrals to key community and government services, including educational, healthcare, and legal supports. We also deliver workshops, information sessions, and group activities focused on common settlement topics.
For newcomers approved for permanent residency who are still outside Canada, our Arrive Ready pre-arrival program covers settlement guidance, employment preparation, and language support before you land. Eligibility requires an IRCC document such as an Invitation to obtain pre-arrival services, a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) letter, a passport request indicating PR visa issuance, a medical examination request, a Single Entry Permanent Resident Visa, or a PR Visa pick-up notification letter.
Service Components
- Information & Orientation — introductory guidance on how settlement services can support your transition
- Settlement Workshops — varied topic-based workshops on housing, healthcare, education, finances, transportation, and rights and responsibilities as a newcomer
- Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) — intermediate-to-advanced language and settlement program (see Translation & Interpretation for details)
- Health Informatics — specialized training for internationally trained healthcare and IT professionals transitioning into health informatics careers
Contact
settlement@skillsforchange.org