New to Canada?
Information and helpful links once you arrive
This page is a resource for immigrants and refugees already in Canada.
Contact JIAS for support
Contact JIAS to meet with a settlement worker and learn more about our programs. JIAS helps all newcomers from around the world regardless of faith or country of origin. Email intake@jiastoronto.org or call 416-630-6481.
Applying for Canadian citizenship
Newcomers can apply for Canadian citizenship once they have met the eligibility criteria. JIAS settlement workers provide clients with information and assistance regarding eligibility and the application process. For more information, call 416-630-6481 or email info@jiastoronto.org.
How a non-citizen spouse of a Canadian citizen can become a Permanent Resident
Through the spousal sponsorship program (link to IRCC), Canadians can sponsor their non-Canadian spouse or common law partner. JIAS can offer information about the process and help your spouse integrate into Canadian society. Please call 416-630-6481 or email at info@jiastoronto.org.
Finding a job
JIAS helps newcomers build their professional networks in Canada. We offer workshops and provide mentorship and networking opportunities for our clients in their fields of work. Learn more about our JumpStart program. Please call 416-630-6481 or email at info@jiastoronto.org.
Applying for an Ontario driver's license
Any new resident with a driver’s licence from another province or country must apply for an Ontario driver’s licence within 60 days. Click here for more details.
English classes
JIAS offers English classes to meet everyone’s individual needs: part-time, full-time, and evenings. We offer classes in CLB levels 1-8 under the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program. Clients must go through a recognized language assessment centre and be assessed before they can register.
- For the Toronto Language Assessment Centre, click here.
- For the York Region language assessment centre, click here.
Sponsoring family members as refugees to Canada
JIAS is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder with the Government of Canada. Families can be sponsored by JIAS through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program. To find out more about this process, please call 416-630-6481 or email refugee@jiastoronto.org.
First steps in sponsoring a refugee family
JIAS is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder with the Government of Canada. Each year, JIAS sponsors a number of families through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program. In order to sponsor a family, there are certain economic and settlement supports that must first be in place. If you are interested in sponsoring a refugee family through JIAS, contact us at 416-630-6481 or email us at refugee@jiastoronto.org.
The cost of housing in different Canadian cities
Click here to read about the cost of housing in different cities throughout Canada. This is an important consideration when deciding where to settle.