Settlement Services

New to the Sault?  We can help!  

As a recognized leader in the settlement and integration of newcomers and refugees to Sault Ste. Marie, we provide the resources and guidance you need to become engaged in social, civic, cultural, and economic life. 

We provide solutions-based counselling to newcomers seeking settlement and employment support. 

We offer free language training, skill enhancement, employment support, and information sessions on a variety of essential topics, such as applying for Canadian citizenship and immigration pathways.  Our social and recreational activities also help you establish social and professional networks in the community.

If you’d like to receive services in French, please contact our partner organization Réseau du Nord | Soutien à l’immigration Francophone.

Settlement Services

We provide newcomers with:

  • Solutions-based counselling for newcomers seeking settlement and employment support
  • Individual and family needs assessment, goal setting, and referrals
  • Support for internationally-trained professionals navigating accreditation and licensure in Ontario
  • Information about your rights and entitlements as a new resident of Ontario and Canada
  • Assistance in filling out forms and applications
  • Help in finding programs and services within the community
  • Aid in developing personal and community relationships and resources
  • Advice, support and advocacy to deal with the effects of migration, culture shock, and other stresses of adjusting to life in Canada
  • English language assessment and training for eligible clients

The Resettlement Assistance Program

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides immediate and essential support to Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) who are selected overseas on the basis of their need for protection through Canada’s Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program. RAP, which is separate from the Settlement Program, provides a bridge to assist incoming refugees in their settlement and community integration journey. While we provide needed support for GARs, all settlement services are available to every newcomer residing or moving to Sault Ste. Marie.

Under RAP, GARs are provided with immediate resettlement assistance, orientation services and income support upon arrival in Canada within the first 4 – 6 weeks they arrive. Financial support is administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and delivered directly to clients. Other services such as assistance at reception centres, the provision of temporary accommodation, help in finding permanent housing and orientation to life in Canada are provided by Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) through Contribution Agreements. Using a hub and spoke model, the Sault Community Career Centre has partnered with Thunder Bay Multicultural Association (TBMA) for the RAP program.

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) program services include:

  • Airport reception
  • Temporary and Long-term accommodation
  • Referrals to health care services
  • Linking clients to federal and provincial programs such as Social Insurance Number (SIN), Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), etc.
  • Orientation on housing, education, health, employment, etc.
  • Financial orientation
  • Life skills training and support
  • Help with Immigration related applications
  • Language assessment
  • Referrals to other essential services in the community

We work towards moving refugees to a healthy state of independence by creating an inclusive and accessible environment.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

We’re currently accepting new students!

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a free language training program for eligible adult learners taught by certified instructors. 

It’s open to all skill levels, from pre-literacy to Canadian Language Benchmark 7, and helps newcomers learn the English communication skills needed to live and work in Canada. 

We provide:

  • Transportation supports (gas and bus passes)
  • Free childcare for toddler and preschool children
  • Small class sizes for more personalized attention

Location:

477 Queen Street East, Unit #101. Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Z5

Class Hours:

Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (½ hour lunch)

Eligibility:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must be a landed immigrant, a convention refugee, or a person in Canada whose application for Permanent Resident status is being processed

For more information about LINC, please contact info@saultcareercentre.ca