Newcomer Pre-Arrival Services Canada — Free IRCC-Funded Programs
After receiving COPR but before landing in Canada, approved PRs can access free IRCC-funded pre-arrival services to ease settlement. These programs help with language preparation, employment readiness, credential recognition, and Canadian orientation. This page covers the main providers + services.
Who qualifies
- Approved Canadian PRs with COPR issued
- Adult family members coming as accompanying dependents
- Available from country of origin before traveling to Canada
- Free + no income requirements
Major pre-arrival service providers
Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP)
One of the largest pre-arrival providers. Offices in: India (multiple cities), Philippines, China, UK, Maghreb, others. Services: in-person + online orientation, employment counseling, credential recognition guidance.
Planning for Canada (CanPrep)
Online services with country-specific resources. Pre-arrival webinars, employment readiness, settlement preparation.
ACCES Pre-Arrival Employment Program
Focus on employment preparation. Industry-specific guidance, Canadian resume + interview coaching, networking strategies.
WES Gateway Program
From World Education Services (ECA provider). Helps newcomers leverage their international credentials in Canadian labour market. Career guidance + employment readiness.
Settlement.org + 211 Canada
Online resources + referrals. Pre + post-arrival information on settlement.
Services available
Employment preparation
- Canadian resume writing
- Job search strategies for Canadian market
- Interview coaching (Canadian style)
- Networking + LinkedIn optimization
- Sector-specific guidance
Credential recognition
- Information on Canadian credential equivalence
- Professional licensure pathways (healthcare, engineering, law, etc.)
- Bridge program information
- Timeline + cost guidance
Language preparation
- Language assessment
- LINC/CLIC connection (free Canadian language classes post-arrival)
- Workplace English/French preparation
Canadian orientation
- Provincial overviews — Toronto vs Vancouver vs Montreal vs Calgary
- Cost of living + financial planning
- Healthcare system orientation
- Education system + childcare
- Cultural orientation + diversity
How to access pre-arrival services
- Receive COPR (confirmation of PR)
- Visit pre-arrival service provider websites (CIIP, CanPrep, ACCES, WES Gateway, etc.)
- Register for services (typically free + online registration)
- Participate in webinars, one-on-one counseling, document review
- Use information to prepare for landing
FAQ
What are pre-arrival services?
Free IRCC-funded programs available to approved PRs (COPR holders) BEFORE landing in Canada. Designed to ease settlement transition: language assessment, employment counseling, credential recognition guidance, Canadian orientation. Free + accessible online from country of origin.
Who qualifies?
Approved Canadian PRs with COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) issued. You can access pre-arrival services from your country of origin while preparing to travel to Canada.
Major pre-arrival providers?
Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP), Planning for Canada (CanPrep), ACCES Employment Pre-Arrival, World Education Services (WES) Gateway Program, others. Each delivers different services + may target specific countries.
What services are available?
Language assessment + improvement planning, Canadian workplace orientation, employment counseling + resume Canadian-ization, credential recognition guidance, settlement city overviews, financial preparation guidance, family settlement planning.
Cost?
Free. IRCC funds these services for approved PRs. No cost for participants. Available online + via webinars + email/phone consultations.
Newcomer settlement support
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322). Free 15-min review.
Free Newcomer Review →Related: First 30 days in Canada · Landing at Pearson · ECA