Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia Chosen for Pre-Arrival Services
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada’s Commitment to Supporting Newcomers
On January 16, 2019, in Halifax, NS, a significant announcement was made regarding pre-arrival settlement services, an integral part of Canada’s immigration strategy. These services equip newcomers, including refugees, with vital information and support for a smooth transition to life in Canada, such as job preparation. To enhance these services, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will allocate $13.1 million to the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS).
Comprehensive Settlement Services Before Arrival
Matt DeCourcey, representing Fredericton, and Andy Fillmore from Halifax, announced this initiative on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. ISANS is one of three organizations tasked with providing general employment services to pre-arrival clients. These services include online modules, webinars, and employment counseling. The funding will also expand the Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program to offer services in French and introduce targeted job support for refugees and youth. Additionally, ISANS will continue assisting clients of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.
This funding is part of IRCC’s revamped pre-arrival program, aimed at enhancing the social and economic integration of newcomers by:
- Linking newcomers to essential information and services through a user-friendly process
- Delivering pre-arrival services to Francophones via collaborative partnerships
- Offering employment services tailored to various regions and occupations
- Encouraging job licensure applications before arrival
- Connecting clients with both federal and provincial settlement services
Perspectives from Key Stakeholders
“Providing services to newcomers before they arrive in Canada is critical to successful integration. These services help newcomers make decisions about the life they want to live in Canada as early as possible in their immigration journey. IRCC has put in the work to shape a pre-arrival program that will deliver consistent, high-quality client-centered services to people around the world.”
– Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton
“As part of IRCC’s renewed pre-arrival program, I’m happy that IRCC has selected ISANS to deliver these important services. This investment will allow this organization to provide employment services to newcomers before they come to Canada.”
– Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax
“ISANS is honored to be selected as one of the settlement agencies chosen to offer pre-arrival services to newcomers of Canada. Since 2015, our Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) team has delivered pre-arrival services to more than 4,300 newcomers. This partnership with the IRCC will allow us to continue working to assist more newcomers as they prepare to work and settle in Canada.”
– Jennifer Watts, CEO of ISANS
Essential Information and Future Initiatives
- In May 2018, IRCC sought proposals for economic/family class and Francophone pre-arrival services. Sixteen experienced service provider organizations (SPOs) were chosen to deliver services globally, starting January 1, 2019.
- Funding for these SPOs, amounting to approximately $113 million, will continue until 2023.
- Pre-arrival services, funded since 1998, initially served only refugees but expanded in 2001 to include all immigrants.
- In-person services will be available in China, India, and the Philippines, with a pilot for Francophone services in Morocco.
Contact Information for Media
Contacts for media only
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pre-arrival services?
Pre-arrival services offer newcomers information and support to prepare for life in Canada before they migrate, focusing on areas such as employment and integration.
Who funds these pre-arrival services?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funds these services to assist newcomers in transitioning to Canadian life effectively.
How does ISANS contribute to pre-arrival services?
ISANS provides comprehensive employment services, including online modules and counseling, to support newcomers in finding jobs and settling in Canada.
Are there special services for Francophones?
Yes, the program includes services specifically tailored for Francophone immigrants through collaborative partnership models.
Where are in-person pre-arrival services available?
In-person services are offered in China, India, the Philippines, and a pilot project for Francophone services in Morocco.
Read our immigration guide for more details on preparing for your move to Canada.
For further inquiries or to learn more, contact us today.
