Maple News reports that thousands of future immigrants to Canada are receiving vital support even before stepping foot in the country, thanks to pre-arrival services like the Planning for Canada (PfC) program. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these services aim to equip approved newcomers with critical knowledge and tools to ease their transition and maximize long-term success. Since its inception in 2007, PfC has supported over 65,000 individuals from 111 countries, making it one of the most established pre-arrival support programs.
As of the 2021 Census, nearly one in four Canadians were foreign-born. With such a significant portion of the population coming from abroad, there’s a growing need to ensure newcomers integrate smoothly—personally, professionally, and socially. This is where pre-arrival services come in. These programs help immigrants prepare mentally, emotionally, and logistically for life in Canada by providing personalized guidance, accurate information, and access to critical settlement resources.
Eligible immigrants, such as skilled workers, family class immigrants, and participants in the Atlantic Immigration Program, can register for services like PfC to receive tailored assistance in areas including job readiness, housing, healthcare, and cultural orientation. Key offerings include the Immigrant Workshop, self-paced e-learning modules, live webinars, and one-on-one settlement planning sessions with trained facilitators.
One of PfC’s renowned strengths lies in its personalized support. Facilitators work closely with clients to develop customized settlement plans and offer targeted job market information. “We don’t paint a rosy picture. We provide realistic, up-to-date information, so newcomers can make informed decisions and arrive in Canada with confidence,” said a PfC facilitator in an interview with Maple News.
PfC also caters to the diverse needs of its clientele. Specialized learning modules are offered for women, youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. These modules cover topics such as mental health, accessibility, school systems, and gender inclusion—critical for fostering inclusive communities across Canada.
Services are offered globally via virtual platforms in English and French, with some content available in Punjabi, Tagalog, and Hindi. Participants can choose between live or self-guided formats based on their preferences and schedules, making these programs highly accessible to a global audience.
Nithya, a recent immigrant from India, described her experience with PfC as “eye-opening.” She shared that the sessions helped her develop a practical action plan for her arrival, giving her clarity and confidence during a significant life transition. Her story echoes that of many immigrants who have leveraged pre-arrival programs to build better futures in Canada.
Despite their proven effectiveness, awareness of these services remains limited. Maple News encourages all eligible immigrants to explore and register for pre-arrival services like Planning for Canada to ensure a smoother, empowered move.
To those approved under economic immigration, family sponsorship, or the Atlantic Immigration Program, now is the time to take advantage of these free, government-funded resources. Your journey to Canada can begin with clarity and preparation—long before your plane takes off.