The latest data from 2023 gives that Canada has seen a significant increase in its international student population. It reached a number of over 1 million students with active study permits. ICEF Monitor reports that this is a 29% increase from the previous year. Whatever, this data marks the relevance of settling in resources for these international students in Canada. Fortunately, universities, non-profits, and government agencies within their destination province and territory are found to offer such services free of charge.
However, each of these organizations has their own policy and eligibility criteria. The service offered also varies across these organizations. The federal government that offers the Canada Student Visa has no role to play in this case. Such considerations are solely based on the discretion of these organizations.
Here are some insights into five free settlement resources in Canada that international students may find useful.
It is worth noting here that the DLI is the only type of post-secondary institution in Canada authorized to accept international students. All international students can access the settlement services offered by their DLI.
This may include information services that give insights into future immigration pathways and the legal rights of an international student. Other opportunities to be involved in organized social events and thus in the community may also be provided. However, services across such organizations may vary.
Located in Vancouver and Burnaby, in British Columbia this settlement resource operates through the British Columbia Settlement and Integration Services (BCSIS).
Their services include:
This free settlement resource for international students in Canada focuses on 16 communities across British Columbia. Even though their service is primarily restricted to English they can provide some one-to-one services in French or refer the student to a reliable nearby French service.
Their services range from providing essentials to navigate local services and accessing information to anything and everything required for international students to survive in Canada. The latter may include access to community programs and assessment and training for English Language.
Here we have a settlement resource in Canada that serves in both English and French. They serve through one-on-one sessions or group activities under eight general support categories.
These categories include:
With these many services, it is evident that these free settlement resources are more than a necessity for international students in Canada. In case you find it a tricky affair to gain access to one of these services a reputed immigration consultant can be of help. We, at Navigate Migrate, are here at your service. Feel free to reach out to us for any assistance.