Settlement services
Statutory definition
IRPA s 14.1 authorises federal-provincial agreements on settlement services. IRCC provides core funding to settlement service provider organisations (SPOs) across Canada. Quebec administers its own settlement services through MIFI under the Accord Canada-Québec. Major settlement programs include: Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) — free English/French classes; Employment Settlement and Integration (ESISP); and Community Connections.
Explanation
Settlement services are available to permanent residents and some protected persons from the day of landing. New permanent residents should register with a settlement service provider as early as possible to access language classes, employment support, and community programs. LINC classes are free and are a significant resource for improving language skills toward citizenship eligibility. Quebec newcomers access equivalent services through Quebec's MIFI-funded providers. Settlement services are not available to temporary residents (with limited exceptions for refugees).