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Settlement Support by Fugug Heritage and Relief (FUGUG) in Canada
As Fugug Heritage and Relief (FUGUG), we play a crucial role in the successful settlement of refugees in Canada. We provide comprehensive support to the refugees we sponsor, ensuring a smooth transition into their new life in Canada.
Financial Support
We commit to providing adequate financial support to the refugee during the duration of our sponsorship. This support includes ongoing monthly costs for basic necessities such as housing, food, public transportation, furniture, and clothing.
Settlement Services
We provide settlement services to sponsored refugees, including helping them adjust to life in their new community. We ensure the refugees we sponsor have what they need to live safely and independently in Canada.
Social and Emotional Support
Settling in a new country can be a challenging experience. To help ease this transition, we provide social and emotional support. This can involve helping the refugees integrate into their local community, navigate the Canadian education and healthcare systems, and understand Canadian culture and societal norms.
Post-Arrival Support
Upon arrival in Canada, we provide a comprehensive range of support services to help refugees navigate their new life. These services are designed to address the immediate needs of refugees and to facilitate their long-term integration into Canadian society.
Housing
We assist refugees in finding suitable housing that is safe, affordable, and appropriate for their family size. We guide refugees through the process of understanding rental agreements, setting up utilities, and furnishing their homes. We also provide information about tenant rights and responsibilities to ensure refugees are aware of their legal protections.
Employment
We offer employment support services to help refugees secure stable employment. We provide assistance with resume writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation. We also provide information about the Canadian workplace culture, workers’ rights, and professional networking opportunities. In addition, we can guide refugees towards programs that recognize foreign credentials and offer skills training.
Education
We support refugees in accessing education for both children and adults. We guide refugees through the process of enrolling children in school and help adults find language classes, skills training programs, or higher education opportunities. We also provide information about the Canadian education system and available resources for academic support.
Health Care
Understanding a new healthcare system can be challenging. We help refugees navigate the Canadian health care system. We assist with applying for health insurance, finding a family doctor, and accessing other health care services such as mental health support and emergency care. We also provide information about preventative care and healthy living.
Community Integration
We believe that community integration is a key part of successful settlement. We organize social events and community activities to help refugees meet new people, practice their language skills, and feel a part of the community. We also provide cultural orientation sessions to help refugees understand Canadian customs and societal norms.
Ongoing Support
We continue to provide support and guidance to refugees even after their initial settlement period. We offer ongoing case management services, addressing any challenges that may arise and connecting refugees with relevant resources and services in their community.
We are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for the refugees we sponsor. With our comprehensive post-arrival support, refugees are well-equipped to start their new life in Canada. Welcome to Canada!
Living in Canada
While newcomers to Canada have different life experiences and situations that they will have to adapt to, this general information is a good place to start.
settlement plan
Instructions
For convenience, the plan is broken down into checklists for before you leave, crossing the border, and your first few weeks, as well as other information by topic, such as Money, Connecting, and Culture.
Once in Canada, find an immigrant-serving organization near you and bring a copy of your settlement plan so that they can assess your needs more quickly. An immigrant-serving organization can give you a more personalized experience and support you with your next steps.
Before you leave
Learn about life in Canadaand about the rights and responsibilities of residents in Canada.
Gather all of your important documents. Think about having them translated into English or French before you arrive. You will need these documents to enter Canada, to get identification papers, or to work and go to school.
Gather any documents that will help Canadian teachers learn about your child’s education level, such as report cards.
You may not be able to get taxpayer-funded health insurance coverage right away. Buy private health insurance for that time.
Plan where you will stay during your first days in Canada. If you need temporary housing make arrangements to stay with family or friends or book a hotel in a central location.
Canada is a large country with many places to live, each with its own weather, culture, services and more. Choose a city or town that’s right for you.
Have your English or French language skills formally tested in your home country.
Start the process of getting your education credentials recognized in Canada.
Start the process of getting your education and work credentials recognized in Canada.
Use Job Bankto get a report with information about the job you are interested in. Find out if it is regulated or unregulated.
Find out about life in Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Access pre-arrival service organizations, which offer online and in-person services to help you prepare for life in Canada.
Crossing the border
Prepare to cross the border into Canada by making sure that you understand all of the steps that are involved. You should have all of the important documents that you and your family will need.
At the border you will need to present: a Canadian immigrant visa, a Confirmation of Permanent Residence, and a valid passport or other travel document, for yourself and each family member traveling with you.
You will also need to present two (2) copies of a detailed list of all the personal or household items you are bringing with you (PDF document), and two (2) copies of a list of items that are arriving later and their money value.
You will have two border crossing interviews. You will need to talk about your official documents and what you are bringing to Canada with you.
Make sure you know what you can and cannot bring into Canada.
If you are bringing CAN$10,000 or more (or the equivalent in foreign currency), you must report it to the Canada Border Services Agency.
Your first weeks in Canada
Here are some important steps that you should take in your first few weeks to start your life in Canada.
Use the Immigrant services map to find immigrant-serving organizations in your community. They can help you with many of the steps in your settlement plan including language training and finding work.
Apply for Canadian photo identification, such as a driver’s licence, which you should carry with you at all times.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a nine-digit number that you need to get a job in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits.
Apply for a public health insurance cardso that you can get taxpayer-funded health care. In Saskatchewan, this is called a health card. Your work or study permit must be valid for at least six months or you must be a permanent resident to be eligible for a health card.
If you do not receive one in the mail within six months of arrival, apply for a permanent resident card. This is an important travel document and your proof of permanent resident status.
Open a Canadian bank account and apply for a credit cardto start your credit history in Canada. This will make it easier for you to get a loan or mortgage in Canada.
Exchange your money for Canadian currencyat any Canadian bank. Most businesses in Canada accept Canadian money or a credit card.
Get a map of your area and find out about public transportation.
Contact a school or school board to register your children in school.
Find immigrant services
Immigrant-serving organizations offer services that can help you better understand and deal with your settlement needs. They will connect you with services and programs in your community. Use our Immigrant services map to find organizations in the province or territory where you live.
Culture, laws, rights
As a new immigrant to Canada you should know about Canada’s history, the land, climate, people, government, and laws and justice. You should understand both the rights and responsibilities of the people who live here.
Find out about life in Canada before you leave.
Resources
Housing
Arrange for a place to stay before you leave for Canada. If you do not have family or friends you can stay with, find hotels, motels or hostels in the city where you will be living.
There are many resources to help you learn more – before you arrive – about finding temporary accommodation and how to rent or buy a home in Canada.
Resources
Working
Finding the job you want can take time. You may need to learn new job search skills, create a new group of contacts and find out what Canadian employers want.
You may need to have your foreign credentials recognized so that you can be certified, licensed or registered to work in a regulated occupation.
Immigrant-serving organizations can help you prepare to find a job. Some offer job-specific language courses that you can take.
Start this process before you arrive.
Resources
Planning to work in Canada? An essential workbook for newcomers
Think about looking for a job outside your occupation if you cannot find work.
Use the Working in Canada Tool to get information on the Canadian job market
Language
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Strong skills in one or both of these languages are very important to your success in Canada.
English is the main language spoken in most provinces and territories. French is the official language of the province of Quebec. New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province.
Get your language skills assessed and improving your English or French before arriving in Canada. There are many ways that you can improve your language skills on your own (e.g., library or internet resources).
If you are a permanent resident, you can improve your language skills on your own (e.g., library or internet resources) or through taxpayer-funded language classes. Before you take these classes, an organization authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada must test your current language skills. Use the Immigrant services map to find a language assessment organization near you.
Resources
Use this online self-assessment toolif you are interested in assessing your English language skills before you take a formal language test
Education
Adult education is common in Canada. There are many education programs available for adults who have not finished elementary or secondary school. There are also many forms of post-secondary education including colleges, universities and other institutes of learning.
Your education may not automatically be recognized in Canada. Demonstrating your education and academic credentials is important, especially if you plan to continue your studies in Canada or work in some professions.
There are important steps that you can take to begin the credential assessment process before you leave your country.
Once you are in Canada, immigrant-serving organizations will be able to help you find out more about education in Canada.
Resources
Adult education in Canada is common. Find out if it’s right for you
Find out if education from another country will be recognized in Canada
Identification
Individuals and families in Canada have access to many important services. Three (3) important documents are needed to get these services:
Permanent Resident Card: This card is an important travel document and your official proof of your status as a permanent resident.
Social Insurance Number: This is a nine-digit number that is needed to work in Canada or receive government benefits.
Provincial/territorial health insurance card: This card gives you access to Canada’s taxpayer-funded healthcare system.
You should apply for these documents as soon as possible after you arrive in Canada.
Resources
Know what identification you should carry when you are traveling outside of Canada
How to apply for a new or replacement Permanent Resident Card
Health
Canada’s health insurance system is tax-payer funded. It is designed so that all residents of Canada have access to health care. To access health care under this system you must have a health card issued by the government of the province or territory where you live.
Use these links to find more information on health care services in Canada.
Resources
Understand why finding a doctor and a dentist is important to your health.
Find out how to get immunizations free of charge for children
Family
Your family may have different needs depending on your stage of life and if you have children. Education and tax benefits are just two things you may need to know about.
All children and youth in Canada have access to taxpayer-funded elementary and secondary education at public schools. There are also private elementary and secondary schools that charge tuition fees.
If you are enrolling your children in a Canadian school for the first time, the school or school board may assess them to determine what level they should be placed at and whether they need more support.
Once in Canada, immigrant-serving organizations will be able to help you enrol your children in a school.
Resources
Money
The cost of living varies greatly in Canada, depending on the province or territory where you live. Cost also varies between big cities and rural areas. It is usually less expensive to live in a smaller city or town.
Open a bank account as soon as possible after you arrive in Canada.
Immigrant-serving organizations can help by referring you to resources to learn more about money and finances in Canada (e.g., credit and loans, taxation).
Resources
Connecting
Connecting with others in your new community is an important step in the settlement process. Making new friends and contacts will help you feel at home in Canada. It will help you advance your professional goals by creating a network of people that can support you in your search for work. There are many different ways in which you can connect with others in your new city or town.
Immigrant-serving organizations, local libraries or community centres may offer activities or workshops to help you meet new people. Contact them to find out if they offer conversation or cooking clubs, workshops or even movie nights.
Many communities offer recreational programs for families. Find out more by visiting the website of your city or town.
Resources
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