Free help and support to help you get settled in Canada.
YMCA Immigrant Services will help you connect with a wide range of services you and your family need as newcomers to Canada, such as health care, education, and language help. The YMCA is an entrance to many resources that will help you settle in your new community.
YMCA staff speak a variety of languages. Contact us to find answers to your questions, discover programs for immigrant youth, and learn how to navigate unfamiliar processes.
Here are just some of the ways we can help you:
- Completing forms and documents
- Personal and family settlement process
- Immigration and legal issues
- Canadian life and culture
- Employment and education
- Licensing and accreditation
- Interpretation and translation
- Information, advisement and support
- Access to programs and services
Who are programs available to?
- Permanent residents
- Canadian citizens
- Convention refugees and refugee claimants
- Newcomers admitted under Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program
- Foreign domestic workers admitted under the Live-In Caregiver Program
- Minister's permit holders
The YMCA has three locations to serve you.
Programs for All Newcomers
Newcomer Information and Orientation Services
Help to Start Your New Life in Canada
Information and Orientation Services provide newcomers with comprehensive information, orientation, needs assessments and referrals to government programs, social services, and community resources. These services help newcomers make informed decisions about life in Canada.
Our Services:
- One-on-one and group information and orientation sessions
- One-on-one needs assessments and referrals to more specialized programs, services, and resources in the community (housing, health, employment, education, recreation, childcare etc.)
- Orientation to Ontario (020) Group Sessions
Who is eligible for Newcomer Information and Orientation Services?
- Permanent Residents of Canada
- Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection
- Individuals whose Permanent Resident application has been approved in principle
- Foreign domestic workers admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program
- Ukrainians arriving under the CUAET program
These services are available in Hamilton and Grand Erie regions.
Program funding provided by the Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade.
English Language Assessment & Referral Services
Learn or improve your English.
The YMCA offers FREE, in-person and online, English language assessments and referrals to eligible newcomers interested in learning or improving English language skills. Completing a standardized language assessment test is the first step to accessing government funded language training programs or classes.
Our Services:
- Language Assessment based on the Canada Language Benchmark
- Information and referrals to language programs and classes and community resources
Who is eligible for Language Assessment and Referral Services?
- Permanent Residents of Canada
- Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection
- Individuals whose Permanent Resident application has been approved in principle
- Foreign domestic workers admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program
- Naturalized Canadian Citizens
- Refugee Claimants
- 18 years of age or older
For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us:
YMCA Immigrant Services - Hamilton
25 Main Street West, Hamilton
P: 905-526-8452
YMCA Immigrant Services - Stoney Creek
211 Centennial Parkway North, Hamilton
P: 905-662-9400
E: immigrant.settlement@ymcahbb.ca
Program funding provided by Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Mentorship Program
Be a Mentor. Make a Difference.
We bring together adult newcomers with established community members in Hamilton.
The Newcomer Mentoring program brings internationally-trained professionals together with established professionals for a series of in-person and online meetings to discuss their profession. These strategic mentoring matches allow newcomer mentees to learn about Canadian workplace culture, make critical network connections, and learn how to increase their marketability by leveraging their skills and previous international experience. By the end of the mentoring journey, newcomer mentees have developed a more relevant and strategic career plan.
Our Services:
- Individualized needs assessment focused on career and professional development
- One-on-one matches between newcomer participants (mentee) and program volunteers (mentors)
Who is eligible for the Mentorship Program?
- Permanent Residents of Canada
- Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection
- Individuals whose Permanent Resident application has been approved in principle
- Foreign domestic workers admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program
These services are available in the Hamilton region. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact:
Sohaira Akhtar
P: 289-244-3009
E: Sohaira.akhtar@ymcahbb.ca
Program funding provided by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada.
Canada Connects
Gain a better understanding of life in Canada.
The Canada Connects program creates meaningful connections between newcomers, long-time Canadians, and established immigrants. Newcomer participants gain a better understanding of Canadian customs, culture, social, political and economic life.
Program volunteers develop better cross-cultural awareness, communication and sensitivity, and a sense of fulfillment from helping newcomers settlem more effectively in our communities.
Our Services:
- One-on-one social & cultural matches between newcomer participants and program volunteers
- Family matches between newcomer participants and program volunteers
- English Conversation Groups to help newcomers improve their language skills, enhance social networks by making local connections, and cultivate a sense of belonging.
- Information, Orientation and Referrals to programs and support services in the community
Who is eligible for Canada Connects?
- Permanent Residents of Canada
- Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection
- Individuals whose Permanent Resident application has been approved in principle
- Foreign domestic workers admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program
These services are available in Hamilton and Grand Erie regions.
For more information or to book an appointment, please contact:
Hamilton Region
Abir Alsaid
P: 905-531-3953
E: abir.alsaid@ymcahbb.ca
Grand Erie Region
Azra Chaudry
P: 519-752-4568
E: azra.chaudry@ymcahbb.ca
Program funding provided by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada.
English Conversation Circles
Improve your spoken English in a group.
English conversation circles are a helpful resource for newcomers wanting to improve their spoken English.
They also provide newcomers with an opportunity to meet other newcomers and to make new friends.
English Conversation Circles are offered in Hamilton, Brantford, Simcoe, Dunnville and Port Dover.
For information, please call or visit one of our three Immigrant Service locations in Hamilton, Stoney Creek or Brantford.
Program funding provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Early Childhood Education Bridge to Work Program
Explore a Career in Child Care
The Bridge to Work Program is a FREE program offered to Internationally trained teachers looking for employment in child care. This 16-week program consists of 2 weeks of workplace preparation training, that includes First Aid CPR Level C and Food Handlers certifications. After successful completion of the training, participants gain hands on work experience through a 16-week work placement in a childcare setting.
Our Services:
- Intake and eligibility assessment
- Training and Resources to explore a career in child care
- Employment support during and after completion of program
Who is eligible for the Bridge to Work program?
- Permanent Residents of Canada
- Convention Refugees
- Individuals whose Permanent Resident application has been approved in principle
- Foreign domestic workers admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program
- Have a Canadian Language Benchmark of 6 or higher
- Internationally trained with experience teaching or working in a child care setting.
For information, please call or visit one of our Immigrant Service locations.
Program funding provided by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada.
Newcomer Settlement Program (NSP)
NSP Program supports the successful settlement and integration of newcomers through the provisions of early settlement and longer-term integration support. NSP services provide newcomers with appropriate and timely information and referrals to government programs and community services and, enables them to make informed decisions about their integration process in Ontario.
Our Services:
- One-on-one and group information and orientation sessions (housing, health, financial assistance, employment, training and education, licensing and accreditation, language services etc.)
- Needs assessments, service planning and referrals to more specialized programs and services in the community
- Facilitate newcomer access to government and community services through support with interpretation, translations, advocacy, certain application forms etc.
Who is eligible for Newcomer Settlement Program?
- Permanent Residents of Canada
- Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection
- Individuals whose Permanent Resident application has been approved in principle
- Foreign domestic workers admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program
- Refugee Claimants
- Naturalized Canadian Citizens
- International Students
- Temporary Foreign Workers
- Approved Ontario Provincial Nominees
These services are available in Hamilton and Grand Erie regions.
For information, please call or visit one of our three YMCA Immigrant Service locations.
Program funding provided by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
International Student Connect Project
The International Student Connect Projects offers settlement support to international students and their families and helps them integrate successfully in Ontario. Through participation in Let’s Connect group sessions and subsequent one-on-one sessions, International Students will:
- Understand the network of community and settlement supports available
- Have improved access to resources and supports including information about immigration options if choosing to settle in Ontario
- Be ready to develop a post-graduation immigration and settlement plan
Who is eligible for services under International Student Connect Project?
- International students who are currently enrolled in a designated Ontario educational institution and their accompanying family members.
For more information or to book an appointment, please contact:
Veronica Dichoso
P: 905-526-8452 X 3401
E: veronica.dichoso@ymcahbb.ca
Or visit our YMCA Immigrant Service Location at 25 Main Street West, Hamilton
Funded by: Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skill Development
Programs for Newcomer Youth
Newcomer Youth Centres (NYC)
A Safe and Supportive Space for Newcomer Youth
Newcomer Youth Centres (NYC) provide a safe space and nurturing environment where newcomer youth receive ongoing support that enhances their settlement and integration experiences. Through their participation in the NYC, newcomer youth receive information and support in accessing other social services, and community resources. Youth are also provided the opportunity to participate in activities, which enables them to meet their Canadian peers, develop new social connections and friendship, and get involved in the community through volunteering.
Our Services:
- Information, orientation, and referral to services in the community (transportation, health, housing etc.)
- Support with homework and other school work
- Support with employment and career development
- Support with volunteering
- Sport and recreation activities
- Coaching and mentoring
- Place to hang out with old friends and meet new ones
- Listen to music, play games, read, watch movies & TV
Who is Eligible for Newcomer Youth Centre Services?
- Newcomer youth ages 12 to 24
- Permanent Residents of Canada
- Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection
- Individuals whose Permanent Resident application has been approved in principle
- Foreign domestic workers admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program
- Refugee Claimants
- Naturalized Canadian Citizens
We have centres located in Hamilton, Stoney Creek and Brantford. For more information, please call or visit.
Program funding provided by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Settlement Workers in Schools Program (SWIS)
Helping Newcomers Settle in School
The SWIS Program provides settlement support to newcomer families in designated schools during the school year (September to June). Settlement Workers connect with newcomer families, one-to-one and in group settings and provide important settlement related information to facilitate their adjustment in Canada
Our Services:
- Contact newcomer parents and students to assist them with their settlement needs
- Collaborate with school staff in supporting newcomer students and parents adjust to the Ontario School System
- Provide supportive one-one-to-one settlement support to newcomer youth and parents
- Connect newcomer families to more specialised community resource base on their needs
- Provide group information sessions on settlement topics for newcomer youth and parents, often in partnership with school staff
- Provide orientation about the settlement needs of newcomers for school staff
Who is eligible for SWIS Services?
- Permanent Residents of Canada
- Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection
- Individuals whose Permanent Resident application has been approved in principle
- Foreign domestic workers admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program
- Refugee Claimants
- Naturalized Canadian Citizens
- International Students
For more information, please contact a YMCA Immigrant Services location.
Program funded provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
