Colleges and Institutes of Canada Chosen for Pre-Arrival Services
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Overview of Pre-Arrival Services
On January 22, 2019, in Ottawa, it was announced that pre-arrival settlement services are an integral part of Canada’s immigration program. These services equip newcomers, including refugees, with crucial information and support to help them make informed decisions about their new life in Canada. To enhance these services, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be providing $18.4 million in funding to Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICan).
Newcomer Services Before Arrival
January 22, 2019—Ottawa, ON—CICan is among four service providers tasked with offering national-level information and orientation to pre-arrival clients in economic and family classes. CICan plans to deliver both online and in-person services in India and the Philippines. These services include specialized support tailored to specific immigration categories and client groups like youth and LGBTQ2S+.
This funding is part of IRCC’s revamped pre-arrival services program. The program aims to enhance integration, contribute to the economy, and support middle-class growth by:
- Connecting clients with necessary information through a streamlined process
- Providing pre-arrival services to Francophones via a collaborative partnership model
- Offering various employment services to enhance job opportunities
- Encouraging newcomers to secure job licensure before arrival, if needed
- Linking clients to federal and provincial settlement services in Canada
Statements from Key Figures
“Pre-arrival services provide permanent residents with information and settlement support so they can make informed decisions about their new life in Canada and begin the integration process before they arrive. IRCC’s renewed pre-arrival program will deliver consistent, high‑quality client-centered services to people around the world. This investment will allow Colleges and Institutes of Canada to support the needs of newcomers by offering helpful online and in-person services.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“In an increasingly globalized world, the pre-arrival services provided both in English and in French by the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program are essential to empower newcomers to successfully integrate in Canada, thus having a positive impact on the Canadian economy. CICan is thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to work with newcomers, helping them to succeed in Canada.”
– Denise Amyot, President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada
Key Information
- In May 2018, IRCC initiated an expression of interest process to gather proposals for economic/family class and Francophone pre-arrival services. Sixteen experienced service provider organizations were chosen to deliver these services globally, starting January 1, 2019.
- Funding for these 16 service providers through 2023 amounts to approximately $113 million.
- Canada has supported pre-arrival services since 1998, initially for refugees and later expanded to include non-refugee immigrants in 2001.
- In-person services will be available in China, India, and the Philippines, with a pilot project for Francophone services in Morocco.
Contact Information
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
FAQs on Pre-Arrival Services
What are pre-arrival settlement services?
These services offer newcomers information and support to help them transition smoothly to life in Canada before they arrive.
Who provides these services?
CICan, among other service providers, offers these essential services to a diverse range of immigrant categories.
Where are in-person services available?
In-person services are available in China, India, and the Philippines, with a Francophone pilot project in Morocco.
For more details, feel free to Read our immigration guide.
