You worked hard to qualify to move to Canada.

Now is the time that Canada can help you settle into your new home and life in Canada. Many people consider the landing in Canada to be the end of their struggles but find the first few years to be filled with overwhelming pressure and confusion. Even degree holders find that their credentials are not recognized, while physicians, engineers, and accountants struggle to rebuild their careers from the ground up. Others may have developed all of the language skills required for successful professional communication, but struggle with the casual conversation needed to navigate workplace banter in the Canadian business environment.

Additional challenges include understanding workplace culture, learning how to conduct oneself appropriately in professional situations, and becoming familiar with the many “unwritten rules” in the office environment. Little does the new immigrant know that entire system exists to support him or her in adjusting to the new culture and becoming part of the successful Canadian workforce. A common misconception across Canada is that free settlement services are hardly available. The fact is that such services exists and are often invisible to Permanent Residents and Work Permit holders. The free English and French as a second language program for newcomers, LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada), will help you develop skills to meet the needs of immigrant populations, not just the skills to speak English or French correctly.

Many cities also have employment bridging programs for internationally trained professionals seeking employment in fields such as engineering, health care, accounting, and more. These programs help newcomers receive recognition of their
credentials and to get back to work in their field of training.

Settlement agencies provide free services such as writing résumés and cover letters, job search skills, interview preparation, and mental health. They can also connect you to community resources in your city and neighborhood. ACCES Employment, COSTI S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Achev, Catholic CrossCultural Services, Local YMCA newcomer programs etc search agencies in your city. You don't have to figure out how to use the services offered – we've done our best to describe them, but we can't be better than the services themselves. Newcomer settlement services are available all across Canada. Check out Settlement.Org or search “newcomer settlement services” + your city. Already used a settlement service? Share your experience in the comments below to let another newcomer know what they have gained from using settlement services.at.”