Maple News reports that Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is extending certain federally funded settlement services to specific groups of temporary residents (TRs). While these services were traditionally available only to permanent residents and refugees, some TRs now qualify, particularly those transitioning to permanent status or working under key programs.
Temporary residents include foreign nationals in Canada on a temporary basis—such as international students, visitors, and temporary foreign workers (TFWs). According to IRCC, some of these individuals may now be eligible for federally funded settlement programs to support their integration into Canadian society.
Settlement services help newcomers navigate life in Canada by offering resources such as language training, job search assistance, community connections, and access to public services. These supports are typically free and delivered by organizations funded by the federal government. However, service availability and eligibility can vary by provider.
Eligibility depends largely on the individual’s immigration pathway. TFWs with work permits under section 112 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), including those who have received initial approval for permanent residence under section 113, are eligible. Similarly, workers selected by employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) may access services like needs and assets assessments, referrals, and orientation.
Those in the process of transitioning to permanent residency may also qualify. Individuals who have submitted complete permanent residence applications under the AIP or the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) are eligible for a broad set of services, including community connections and orientation programs.
It is vital to note that the definition of ‘eligible persons’ extends to include the principal applicant as well as their spouse and children. However, some services—such as language training—may still be age-dependent.
While IRCC defines overall eligibility criteria, the final decision often lies with individual service providers. These local organizations tailor their services and eligibility rules based on their funding and mandates, which means experiences may vary across Canada.
Maple News encourages those who believe they may be eligible to consult local service providers directly and inquire about the resources available through IRCC-funded programs. This move signals a growing recognition of the needs of temporary residents and a step toward smoother transitions for those planning to settle in Canada permanently.