Settlement services and 211: free help that exists for you
Steps, in order
- Find a settlement agency in your city as early as you can. IRCC-funded settlement services are free for permanent residents and protected persons and cover needs assessment, language referrals, employment help, and orientation to daily life.
- Use 211 (by phone, chat, text, or web) whenever you do not know where to turn: it is a free, confidential directory of government and community services across Canada, available in more than 150 languages in most regions, and you do not have to give your name.
- Ask the agency to make you a settlement plan: housing, language, employment, and documents in one list, with the local offices that handle each step.
- Keep the agency's contact details: it is the fastest route to trusted help when a landlord, employer, or form confuses you.
Official & finder links
General information only — not legal or financial advice. Rules, benefit amounts and local services change. Use the official or finder links above to confirm details before acting. No local addresses or phone numbers are listed here on purpose — use the national finders above for your area.