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Financial Support for Newcomers
Windmill Microlending
About:
A national charity providing affordable loans to skilled newcomers to restart their careers in Canada and bridge income inequality and labor shortage.
Windmill offers affordable loans of up to $15,000 to help foreign-trained immigrants and refugees pay for the costs of Canadian accreditation, training and career development.
To learn more, visit their website: https://windmillmicrolending.org/
Eligibility for a Windmill Microloan: https://windmillmicrolending.org/applicants/eligibility/
Benefits Finder
The Benefits Finder is a tool that can help you find Benefits and Services that you may be eligible to receive. It asks a few questions and uses your answers to search. It does not collect or track your information. The more questions you answer, the more customized and accurate your results will be.
To use the Benefits finder, use this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/finder.html
Accreditation and Career Development
Qualifications Quebec
About:
A resource for foreign-trained immigrants and refugees to learn about Canadian accreditation, training, and career development.
Provides: The school and professional system in Quebec, Overview of Quebec, Importance of French, and more!
To learn more, visit their website: https://qualificationsquebec.com/reconnaissance-competences/
Healthcare and Support Services
Doctors of the World Canada
About:
An organization providing healthcare and support services to vulnerable populations, including immigrants and refugees.
To learn more, visit their website: https://doctorsoftheworld.ca/our-work-in-canada
Address: 560, boul. Crémazie Est, Suite 100 Montréal (Qc) H2P 1E8, Canada (Métro Crémazie)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri : 9am to 5pm
Number: Appointment only 438-844-5696 / toll-free : +1-877-801-1678
Email: info@medecinsdumonde.ca
Services for Filipino Migrants
Filipino Family Services of Montreal
About:
Facilitate the adaptation and integration of new immigrants into Quebec society To ensure access to education, health, social services and employment.
Promote the defense of human rights Address systemic racism and discrimination against Asian and Filipino communities.
Address: 73 Avenue Aurora Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 3G3
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat: 9am -6pm
Number: (514) 823-2886
To learn more, visit their website: https://filipino-family-service-of-montreal.business.site/#details
Services for Migrants
Migrant Montreal
About:
Providing accepted immigrants and refugees the training programs and skills necessary for integration into the labor market
Develop assistance programs (housing, education, health, etc.) for newcomers
Support and encourage asylum seekers to take charge of their migration process to obtain their refugee and / or permanent resident status
Provide career development opportunities for newcomers
Address: 35 Rue de Port-Royal E Montréal, QC H3L 3T1
Hours of Operation: Thursday and Friday 9:00AM to 12:00 Noon and 1:00PM to 5:00PM
Number: (514) 387-4477
Email: info@migrantmontreal.com
To learn more, visit their website: https://www.migrantmontreal.org/en/index.php
PROMIS
About:
- Welcome and integration French courses
- Family support Academic support
- Employment assistance
- Food action
- Settling in the regions of Quebec Maria-Goretti Residence
Address: 3333 Côte Ste-Catherine Rd. Montreal (Quebec), H3T 1C8
Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm
Number: (514) 345-1615
To learn more, visit their website: https://promis.qc.ca/en/
Centre d’Appui aux Communautés Immigrantes – CACI
About:
- French courses
- Employment assistance
- English courses
- Welcome and integration of immigrants
- Training relevant to immigrants
- Senior and Caregivers of seniors
Address: 12049 Laurentian Boulevard, Montreal (QC), H4K 1M8
Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 9:30pm
Number: (514) 856-3511
Email: info@caci-bc.org
To learn more, visit their website: https://caci-bc.org/
Accueil Liaison pour Arrivants (ALPA)
About:
- Immigrate and settle
- Learn French
- Find a job
- Moving out in region
- Stay updated and socialize
Address: 2030, Pie IX Boulevard, Office 309, Montréal (QC), H1V 2C8
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday : 8 am – 4 pm. Evenings and Saturdays meetings only upon appointment.
Number: 514 405-6808
Email: info@alpaong.com
To learn more, visit their website: https://www.alpaong.com/
Service d’Interprète d’Aide et de Référence aux Immigrants (SIARI)
About:
- French and English courses (Free)
- Completion of all immigration forms: work permit, permanent residence, sponsorship, visa application, citizenship test, tax return, child tax benefit,
- Information sessions, coffee meetings and individual meetings, as needed.
Address: 6767 Ch. de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, QC H3S 2T6
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri : 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm.
Number: (514) 738-4763
Email: info@siari.org
For more information, visit their website: https://www.siari.org
Centre Social D’Aide Aux Immigrants (CSAI)
About:
- Welcome and integration
- Refugees supported by the state
- Francization
- Employment aid
- Intercultural twinning
- Integration goal sessions
- Asylum application program
Address: 6201 Laurendeau St, Montreal, Quebec H4E 3X8
Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu: 8:30am to 12pm and from 1pm to 8pm , Fri:8:30am to 12pm and from 1pm to 4:30pm, Sat: 9:30am to 3:30pm, Sun: Closed
Number: (514) 932-2953
Email: csai@centrecsai.org
For more information, visit their website: csai@centrecsai.org
Le Collectif
About:
- Job search
- Support and integration
- Women’s center
- Business services
- Refresher training
Address: 7124, rue Boyer, Montreal (Quebec) H2S 2J8
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri:9am to 5pm Closed between 12 and 1pm)
Number: (514) 405-1763
Email: communication@cfiq.ca
For more information, visit their website: https://www.cfiq.ca
Insurance
RAMQ
About:
- RAMQ is responsible for the sound management of the Québec Health Insurance Plan and of the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.
- Provide coverage for the health care and services available under the plan
- Produce and issue Health Insurance Cards
Contact:
- Québec area: 418 646-4636
- Montréal area: 514 864-3411
- Throughout Québec: 1 800 561-9749
- Outside Québec: 514 864-3411
To learn more, visit their website: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en
Language
Francisation Quebec
About:
French is the common and official language of Quebec. Communicating in French allows you to participate fully in Quebec society, especially in the labor market.
The Government of Quebec offers free French courses to all persons aged 16 and over residing in Quebec who are not subject to compulsory school attendance and who wish to receive French learning services, as well as to persons who are considering to settle in Quebec. These courses may be accompanied by financial aid under certain conditions.
Francisation Québec has different types of courses:
- General and specialized by field of employment;
- Full-time and part-time;
- Face-to-face, remotely or online.
The course offer allows the learning of French for the different stages: beginner, intermediate or advanced.
Free access online resources that contribute to learning French are also offered by Francisation Québec.
To learn more, visit their website: https://www.quebec.ca/education/apprendre-le-francais
Potential Housing Services
La Fédération des maisons d’hébergement pour Femmes (FMHF) – The Federation of Women’s Shelters
About:
FMHF member homes do not only house women living with domestic violence. Each year, they welcome victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and exploitation, trafficking and honour-based violence, with issues of consumption, mental health, homelessness and others.
24 HOURS A DAY AND 365 DAYS A YEAR, SHELTERS OFFER FREE SERVICES:
- safe accommodation,
- telephone listening,
- information and reference,
- support (crisis situation, individual and group services, specific for children, social reintegration, etc.),
- and support (socio-legal, medical, administrative, immigration procedures, etc.).
To learn more, visit their website: https://fmhf.ca/
Address: CP 55036, Maisonneuve Branch Montreal (Quebec), H1W 0A1
Number: 514 878-9757
Email: info@fede.qc.ca
Potential Legal Services
JURIPOP
About:
- Juripop’s mission is to ensure access to justice in order to guarantee the respect, autonomy and dignity of individuals and to contribute to the achievement of a just, egalitarian and inclusive society.
- Free support and advice for psychological or sexual violence in the workplace.
- Referrals to private practice lawyers trained and sensitive to the realities of victims and survivors.
Address: 2006, rue Plessis, local 300 Montréal, QC, H2L 2Y3
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Number: 1-855-JURIPOP or 1-855-587-4767
Email: info@juripop.org
To learn more, visit their website: https://juripop.org/en/
Surveys
Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024 NGO Survey
About:
- This survey will be conducted between 1 July and 30 November 2023. All survey responses will be kept strictly confidential. Respondents are requested to express their preferences in terms of the level of anonymity
- The results of this survey will inform the analysis for the 2024 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. The 2024 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons will be the eighth of its kind mandated by the General Assembly through the 2010 United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
Fore more info or participate in the survey, visit the link: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/b5937ec0280b46a49c212be04064c09c
Knowing your Rights
CNESST
Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) which in English, translates to: “Commission for Standards, Equity, Health, and Safety at Work”
It is an organization in Quebec which enforces labor standards, promoting workplace health and safety, and ensuring fair treatment and equity for workers and employers.
Contact: Canada and the U.S.: 1 844 838-0808
For calls from outside Canada and the U.S.: 1 514 906-3250
For more information, visit their website: https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en
CNESST provides important information about Working Conditions, Prevention and Safety, Procesdures and forms, and Pay Equity on their website.
These topics include:
- Working Conditions:
- Leave – Types of leave that can be granted to workers
- Wages and Pay – Information on the different types of wages, such as the minimum wage or the tip wage, and the right to a fair wage. Also get information about pay, its payment frequency, authorized and prohibited deductions and the pay slip.
- Work Schedule – Workers should discuss their work schedule with their employer. What is a standard work week? Does a worker have the right to refuse to work? Must training be paid?
- Termination of Employment – Various circumstances can lead to the end of a worker’s employment relationship with their employer.
- Categories of Workers – Characteristics apply to workers who fall into these categories. These characteristics set them apart from all workers.
- Special Status – Learn more about the conditions that apply to the workers who have a special status.
Permits
Work Permit: About the Process
The 2 different types of Work Permits
Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as
- the name of the specific employer you can work for
- how long you can work
- the location where you can work (if applicable)
Before you apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must give you
- a copy of your employment contract
- 1 of the following:
- a copy of a labour market impact assessment (LMIA)
- an offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers)
- To get this number, your employer must use the Employer Portal.
Open Work Permit
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that
- is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or
- regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages
- You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.
Some jobs require a medical exam. If you don’t want medical conditions on your open work permit, you can get a medical exam from a panel physician.
Work Permit: Who can Apply
Eligibility Requirements for all Applicants
Regardless of where you apply or which type of work permit you apply for, you must
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires;
- show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home;
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate);
- not be a danger to Canada’s security;
- be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed;
- not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions;
- not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages; and
- give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country.
Eligibility Requirements if you apply from outside Canada
There may be visa office requirements that you need to meet depending on what country or territory you’re applying from. Make sure you follow the instructions for how to apply section in the Canadian Government website.
Eligibility Requirements if you apply from Inside Canada
You can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada if
- you have a valid study or work permit;
- your spouse, common-law partner or parents have a valid study or work permit;
- you’re eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid;
- you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more;
- you’re waiting on a decision on an application for permanent residence from inside Canada;
- you made a claim for refugee protection;
- you’ve been recognized as a convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada;
- you’re allowed to work in Canada without a work permit but you need a work permit to work in a different job (this does not apply to business visitors); or
- you’re a trader, investor, intra-company transferee or professional under the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Work Permit: How to Apply
Use this link to go to the Government Website and see how to apply!
Open work permit for vulnerable foreign workers who are victims of abuse
If you’re being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit for vulnerable workers.
This work permit helps protect your rights as a worker in Canada by helping you leave an abusive situation to find a new job. However, it’s a temporary solution and:
- has an expiry date, and
- can’t be renewed
If you’re approved for this work permit, it should give you enough time to find a new employer and apply for a new work permit. You must apply for another work permit before this one expires if you want to stay and work in Canada.
To follow the steps on applying for this permit, follow this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/vulnerable-workers.html