Prepare to live in Canada

Get the help you need to prepare for life in Canada, no matter where you plan to live. These programs offer free online services worldwide to help you before you arrive.

If you’ve already registered, wait to be contacted by the programs.

Want to get started sooner? Reach out to any programs that interest you or match your goals.

On this page

• Services to prepare for life in Canada
• Services for French-speaking newcomers settling outside of Quebec
• Services for refugees
• Provincial and territorial services

Services to prepare for life in Canada

Active Engagement and Integration Project(opens in a new tab) 

The Active Engagement and Integration Project (AEIP) offers

• information about daily life in Canada, your province and the community where you plan to live
• guidance on education, health care, housing and transportation in Canada
• a personalized needs assessment
• referrals to helpful services, including language training
• flexible, self-directed online resources for learning at your own pace

Languages of service: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Tagalog, Korean, Arabic, Farsi, and Vietnamese

Planning for Canada(opens in a new tab) 

This program offers

• information about daily life in Canada, your province and the community where you plan to live
• guidance on education, employment, health care, housing and transportation in Canada
• a personalized needs assessment
• referrals to helpful services, including language training
• flexible, self-directed online resources for learning at your own pace

Language of service: English

Next Stop Canada(opens in a new tab) 

This program offers

• information about daily life in Canada, your province and the community where you plan to live
• guidance on education, health care, housing and transportation in Canada
• a personalized needs assessment
• referrals to helpful services, including language training
• specialized support for youth 12 to 19 years old, including access to youth mentors

Language of service: English

Settlement Online Pre-Arrival(opens in a new tab) 

The Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program offers

• information about daily life in Canada, your province and the community where you plan to live
• guidance on education, health care, housing and transportation in Canada
• a personalized needs assessment
• social networking—get matched with people in your future community, including mentors for youth, women and refugees
• referrals to helpful services, like language training

Language of service: English

Services for French-speaking newcomers settling outside of Quebec

Connexions Francophones (available in French only)(opens in a new tab) 

There are vibrant Francophone communities across Canada. Connexions Francophones offers free online services to help French-speaking newcomers prepare for life in any Canadian province or territory except Quebec.

Once registered, you’ll get initial support and be referred to regional partners based on where you plan to live.

Connexions Francophones can help you

• get support in French and connect with local Francophone organizations once you arrive
• get information about daily life in Canada
• learn about Francophone communities and find out about what French-language services are available
• assess your needs and get referred to relevant services
• get information tailored to where you plan to live

Language of service: French

Services for refugees

Canadian Orientation Abroad(opens in a new tab) 

The Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) program is delivered by the International Organization for Migration.

Services are designed for

• refugees selected to resettle in Canada
• refugees immigrating through other pathways like the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

COA offers in-person and online group orientation sessions to help you

• learn what to expect when moving to Canada
• get trusted information about travel, arrival and settling in Canada
• get answers to your questions from knowledgeable staff

If you attend this program in person, you may access support services such as

• childcare during sessions
• interpretation services
• transportation support
• help with lodging costs

Languages of service: Over 30 languages, including English and French

Provincial and territorial services

Many provinces and territories provide helpful services before and after you arrive. They also have guides and community information to help you adjust to local life.

Learn about services offered by the provinces and territories(opens in a new tab) .