2.C Settlement and Integration

C.3 How is job search and training treated?

(ii) Who provides employment-related services to refugees? What types of employment-related services are available?

How Canada Does It

Federal, provincial, and municipal governments all fund employment-related services for refugees provided through settlement agencies. As permanent residents, privately sponsored refugees are eligible to receive settlement services – including employment counselling – at no cost. Labour market access supports can include: networking, mentorship, work placements, and preparation for the credential assessment process to help refugees find employment in Canada.

 Organizations outside settlement services providers also provide skills and training supports that are available to anyone living in Canada that is eligible to work (including refugees). These may be provided by colleges and universities, professional associations, provincial/territorial training providers, and local NGOs.

Local settlement service provider organizations such as MOSAIC in Vancouver, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO), and Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), among many others, provide a range of employment-related services, including:

  •  EMPLOYMENT COUNSELLING: identifying short- and long-term career goals; researching alternative careers; developing individualized career plans; help preparing resumes appropriate to the Canadian job market; assistance in professional licensing; and networking;
  • WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING: Can include providing information on navigating the job market and job search strategies; understanding workplace culture; creating Canadian-style resumes, preparing for interviews; computer skills training; and
  • NETWORKING: facilitating work placements, volunteer opportunities, professional mentorships, career fairs and recruitment opportunities.

Special programs are often offered targeting employment opportunities for newcomer women and youth. For example, OCISO’s Immigrant Women Mentoring Network connects newcomer women with mentors to promote their career advancement in their respective fields while helping them navigate complex every-day challenges faced in the workplace as refugees. Some service provider organizations, including MOSAIC and ISANS, also provide pre-arrival employment-related support to refugees through the Government of Canada's Pre-Arrival Settlement Services to get an early start on the job search.

For more information on other settlement services, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

 Private sponsors should also support the refugees they have sponsored in finding employment (See 2.C.3(iii)).