Service Canada — Social Insurance Number
The free 9-digit number you need to work, file taxes and receive benefits. Apply online, by mail or in person.
Help for newcomers and refugees
Settlement, language and refugee support — see also the Settlement section.
Community Health Centres (Ontario list)
Community-governed centres providing primary care, health promotion, counselling and social programs, often free and with interpretation. Find your local centre on the Ontario list or through 211.
IRCC — Find free newcomer services near you
Federally funded free settlement services: needs assessment and referral, information and orientation, language assessment and training, employment help, and supports such as childcare, transport and interpretation.
IRCC — Resettlement Assistance Program
Immediate, essential support for government-assisted refugees: airport greeting, temporary housing, help finding permanent housing, registering for programs, budgeting, bank account, life-skills training and referrals.
Settlement.org (Ontario)
Plain-language Ontario settlement information on housing, health, work, school and daily life, plus a services directory.
LINC — Language Instruction for Newcomers
Free English classes for eligible adult newcomers, at Canadian Language Benchmark levels, full- or part-time, day, evening or weekend, some with childcare or transport help. A free language assessment comes first.
CLIC — French language classes for newcomers
The French equivalent of LINC, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, at NCLC levels.
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)
Ontario network of immigrant-serving agencies. Use its member listings and the IRCC finder to find a settlement agency near you.
Job Bank (Government of Canada)
Canada’s national job board, with filters including newcomers, youth, veterans, Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities. Online service.
The 519
Toronto community centre offering newcomer and refugee settlement help, groups, counselling and workshops for 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
If nothing here fits, try all resources for this group or call 211 Ontario.