Support Services for Newcomers in Quebec: A Comprehensive Resource Guide

Transitioning to a new country can be an overwhelming experience, but in Quebec, newcomers are met with a wealth of support services aimed at easing their integration into the community. From navigating immigration processes to finding employment and accessing language classes, Quebec offers a robust network of government agencies, non-profit organizations, immigrant associations, and cultural centers dedicated to assisting newcomers every step of the way.

Government Agencies

1

Immigration, Francisation et Intégration Québec (IFI)

As the primary government agency focused on immigrant integration, IFI offers a wide range of services. These include assistance with residency applications, citizenship processes, and family reunification. IFI also provides language training programs to help newcomers learn French, as well as resources for finding employment and accessing social services.

2

Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI)

MIFI oversees immigration policies and programs in Quebec. It provides information on immigration procedures, eligibility criteria, and application processes for various immigration streams. MIFI also manages the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) process for skilled workers and coordinates integration services for newcomers.

3

Services Québec

Services Québec offers a range of government services to residents, including newcomers. This includes assistance with obtaining health insurance (RAMQ), driver’s licenses, and social assistance benefits. Services Québec offices are located throughout the province, providing convenient access to essential services for newcomers.

Non-Profit Organizations

Société de Saint-Vincent de Paul

This charitable organization offers assistance to newcomers in Quebec, including food aid, clothing donations, and support with housing and utilities. They provide compassionate support to individuals and families facing financial difficulties or social isolation.

YMCA

The YMCA offers a variety of settlement services for newcomers, including language classes, employment assistance, and cultural orientation programs. Their welcoming and inclusive environment provides newcomers with opportunities to connect with others and build a sense of belonging in their new community.

Action Réfugiés Montréal

This non-profit organization provides support and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers in Quebec. They offer legal assistance, social services, and housing support to individuals fleeing persecution and violence in their home countries.

Immigrant Associations

Fédération des communautés culturelles de Québec (FCCQ)

The FCCQ represents the interests of cultural communities in Quebec and promotes diversity and inclusion. They organize cultural events, community celebrations, and networking opportunities for newcomers to connect with others from similar backgrounds.

Réseau de soutien aux immigrants de l'Est de Montréal (RSIE)

RSIE offers support services to immigrants in the eastern part of Montreal, including language classes, employment workshops, and settlement assistance. They provide newcomers with resources and information to help them navigate the challenges of settling in a new country.

Cultural Centers

  • Centre d’Appui aux Communautés Immigrantes (CACI): CACI promotes the integration of immigrants in Quebec through cultural programming, language classes, and community events. They offer workshops, seminars, and cultural exchanges to foster understanding and appreciation of Quebecois culture among newcomers.
  • Maison de la Culture de Côte-des-Neiges: This cultural center in Montreal offers a range of activities and events for newcomers, including art exhibitions, film screenings, and music performances. They provide a welcoming space for newcomers to explore and celebrate cultural diversity in Quebec.

With a comprehensive array of support services available, newcomers to Quebec can feel confident in their ability to navigate the challenges of settling in a new country. From government agencies providing essential information and resources to non-profit organizations offering practical assistance and community support, Quebec offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for immigrants to thrive and build a better future for themselves and their families.

Other Working in Quebec

Temporary Work Permits

Temporary work permits are often the first step for foreign workers in Quebec. Programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP) allow employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. In some cases, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may be required to demonstrate the need to hire a foreign worker.

Know More
Skilled Worker Immigration Programs in Québec

Québec hosts numerous immigration initiatives tailored for skilled workers, providing avenues for those looking to settle in the province. These programs are designed to draw talent from diverse backgrounds globally, bolstering Québec’s economic growth and enriching its social fabric.

Know More
Recognition of skills acquired abroad

In Quebec, verifying skills acquired abroad involves presenting qualifications to employers, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions. This often includes submitting resumes, and portfolios, or undergoing skill assessments. Certain professions require accreditation from regulatory bodies, necessitating evaluations for equivalence with local standards, potentially requiring document submissions, exams, or additional training.

Know More
Wants to know more on Support Services for Newcomers?

Other Work in Canada

Work without a Work Permit

Certain foreign workers can work in Canada without a work permit under specific circumstances, such as intra-company transferees, business visitors, and diplomats, among others.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) - (LMIA - Based Work Permits)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages. An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is required to ensure that hiring a foreign worker does not negatively impact the Canadian job market.

Open Work Permits

Open work permits allow foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada, without the need for a specific job offer or an LMIA. This type of permit is usually available to spouses of skilled workers or international students, and those applying for permanent residency.

LMIA - Labour Market Impact Assessment

An LMIA is a document required for most work permits in Canada. It assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market, ensuring that no qualified Canadian or permanent resident is available for the job.

Live-in Caregivers

The Live-in Caregiver Program allows individuals to work in Canada as caregivers for children, elderly individuals, or those with medical needs. The program has specific eligibility criteria, including the requirement to live with the employer.

International Mobility Program (IMP) - (LMIA-Exemptions)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows certain foreign workers to work in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This includes workers in specific occupations, international agreements, or reciprocal employment arrangements.

IEC Program - Working Holiday Visa

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Canada on a temporary basis. The Working Holiday Visa, part of the IEC program, is designed for individuals who want to travel and work in Canada.

Global Skills Stream

The Global Skills Stream provides work permits for highly skilled foreign workers in specific fields, such as technology, engineering, and science. It is designed to help Canadian employers quickly fill high-demand roles with global talent.

Employer-Specific Work Permits

Employer-specific work permits allow foreign workers to work for a specific employer in Canada. These permits are tied to the employer, job position, and location, and can be obtained with a valid job offer and an LMIA or LMIA-exemption.