Essential resources for immigrating to Canada

Globe and Mail Update

This list of resources represents only a small collection of websites, groups and organizations dealing with immigration in Canada. Add to this list by submitting your suggestions at the bottom of this page.

National

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: The Government of Canada's online immigration portal with information on moving to Canada, applying for citizenship and multiculturalism.
• The Maytree foundation: A Canadian charity focused on reducing poverty in Canada by offering training, networking and other resources.
• Metropolis Canada: An international research and public policy network focused on immigrant integration in Canada with several provincial divisions.
• International Experience Canada (IEC): A partnership program with many countries allowing youth to travel to Canada to work, study and explore. French citizens between 18 and 35 can see this program. - Suggested by Davor Miskulin and Rob Vineberg, members of the Globe and Mail Advisory Panel on Immigration
• Canadian Council for Refugees: A non-profit umbrella organization focused on the protection and settlement of refugees in Canada.Suggested by Lori Wilkinson, a member of the Globe and Mail Advisory Panel on Immigration
• Institute for Canadian Citizenship: A national, non-profit organization focused on helping new citizens by connecting them with established citizens and promoting Canadian experiences.Suggested by Globe reader Jess Duerden.
• Immigration Business Network (ib2ib): A Canada-wide interactive website for business immigrants settling in Canada. Located in Quebec. Suggested by Globe reader Patricia Rimok.

It's so hard to get permanent residency. In other countries like Australia, it's more accessible for people who have a degree or previous experience. There, the doors are open.—Marco Ramirez arrived from Mexico four years ago. Click here for his video and more

Ontario

• Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship: The official Government of Ontario website with information about immigrating to Ontario
• Canada Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA): A partnership with the Government of Ontario to establish policy amenable to Ontario's economic and social growth
• Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council: Focused on integrating immigrants into the Toronto labour market by working with employers and Immigrant Success Awards.
• Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants: A registered charity comprised of more than 200 community-based organizations focused on immigrant agencies
• Toronto's immigration portal: Designed for newcomers in Toronto at any stage of the immigration process. Suggested by Globe reader Sonali Chakraborti.

Alberta

• Government of Alberta immigration: The main resource page for living and working in Alberta.
• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program: Designed to attract skilled immigrants to the province, these nominee programs work with the federal government, which makes final decisions about applicants.
• Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council: Works with employers and immigrants in Calgary to help new Canadians find work commensurate with their skills and experience.
• Catholic Social Services: An agency based in Alberta offering settlement, educational, language, employment and outreach services for free in more than 35 languages. Suggested by Rob Vineberg, a member of the Globe and Mail Advisory Panel on Immigration

British Columbia

• British Columbia immigration: The main resource page for immigrating to B.C., including information about living, working and studying in the province.
• Settlement services map: An interactive map containing resources and services for new immigrants in the province.
• S.U.C.C.E.S.S.: A large social service agency in B.C. providing settlement services, ESL training, employment counseling and community development services to new immigrants.
• Metropolis British Columbia: A research centre focused on immigration and diversity in B.C.
• Immigrant Employment Council of B.C. (IEC-BC): Works with businesses to promote the benefits of integrating immigrants into the province's labour market. Helps businesses attract, hire and retain skilled immigrants. Suggested by Globe reader Roley Chiu.

Saskatchewan

• Saskatchewan immigration: The official web portal containing information about immigrating, working, living and studying in the province.
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program: Intended to attract skilled workers, farm operators, health professionals and other potential immigrants.
• The Global Gathering Place (Saskatoon): A non-profit drop-in centre for immigrants and refugees in Saskatoon. Suggested by Rob Vineberg, a member of the Globe and Mail Advisory Panel on Immigration
• Regina Open Door Society: A non-profit organization providing settlement and integration services to refugees and immigrants.

Manitoba

• Immigrate to Manitoba: The Government of Manitoba's official web portal for information about immigrating and settling in the province
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: A partnership with the Government of Canada intended to recruit skilled workers to the province.
• Immigrant Centre: A resource and training centre in Winnipeg focused on helping new immigrants integrate within the province.
• Business Council of Manitoba: A group of professionals in Manitoba focused on the province's economic and community growth, including immigration policy. Suggested by Rob Vineberg, a member of the Globe and Mail Advisory panel on Immigration

Quebec

• Quebec Immigration: The official web portal for the Government of Quebec
• Skilled Workers Immigration Program: Information about the requirements to qualify as a skilled worker

Prince Edward Island

• Prince Edward Island immigration: Official immigration services for the Government of PEI
• PEI Provincial Nominee Program: Information about the partnership between PEI and the Government of Canada, which focuses on recruiting skilled immigrants to the province

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador: The official web portal for immigration services in the province
• Provincial Nominee Program: An alternative and quicker way to immigrate to Canada through a partnership between the province and the Government of Canada

Nova Scotia

• Nova Scotia immigration: The official immigration website for the Government of Nova Scotia.
• Immigrate to Rural Nova Scotia: Information specific to immigrating to rural parts of the province.

Yukon

• Government of Yukon Immigration: The official immigration website for the territory.
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP): A partnership with the Government of Canada intended to attract skilled immigrants.

Northwest Territories

• NWT Nominee Program: A program allowing qualified individuals, business owners and self-employed immigrants to obtain permanent residency in a shorter time than the usual process.

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