Canada has a deep network of free, government-funded settlement services for newcomers — language classes, job search help, mental health support, women's shelters, and more. This page links you directly to the most-used national programs and to the major settlement agencies in cities with large Iranian-Canadian populations.
canada.ca — Settling in Canada (newcomer services)
IRCC's official postal-code finder for federally funded settlement agencies — free language training, employment workshops, interpretation, and school enrolment help. Services are free for permanent residents and protected persons; some are open to work-permit holders too.
Dial 2-1-1 anywhere in Canada to reach a live agent who connects you with food banks, shelters, crisis lines, and local social services. Multilingual support including Farsi is available on request, and all calls are confidential and free.
MOSAIC is one of BC's largest settlement agencies, with offices in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey. They offer Farsi-speaking case workers and specialized programs in employment, family services, anti-violence support, and newcomers from LGBTQ+ communities.
COSTI is Toronto's oldest settlement agency (founded 1952), running 30+ centres across the GTA. Core services include free LINC language classes, NOC-aligned employment workshops, and transitional housing for refugees and protected persons.
The ISSofBC Welcome Centre in Vancouver is a one-stop hub for refugees and protected persons — initial health screening, mental-health counselling, social workers, and language classes under one roof. Farsi-speaking staff are usually available.
YMCA Canada runs newcomer programs in most provinces — one-on-one settlement counselling, language classes, peer-mentorship matching, and summer camps for newcomer children. Many YMCA gyms also offer reduced-fee newcomer memberships.
A free federal mental-health platform offering confidential text and phone counselling, 24/7 crisis lines, and self-guided courses. Migration is a major life stressor — using this service is a strength. Multilingual counsellors are available on request.
An interactive map of every women's shelter in Canada — free, confidential, and available regardless of your immigration status. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger; otherwise contact your nearest ShelterSafe partner for safety planning.
Permanent residents and protected persons can take free LINC English classes (nationwide) or CLIC French classes (Quebec, Saskatchewan, etc.). Many centres offer free childcare while parents study, and you can take placement tests at any settlement agency.
Each province has its own health card (OHIP in Ontario, MSP in BC, RAMQ in Quebec, AHCIP in Alberta). BC, Ontario, and Alberta have no waiting period; Quebec has a 3-month wait, so buy private bridge insurance during that time. The health card itself is always free.
Your Social Insurance Number is the first task after landing — apply in person at any Service Canada centre. Without a SIN you cannot legally work, open a full-service bank account, or file taxes. The application is free and usually issued the same day.
For complex immigration, family-sponsorship, or refugee files, work with a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer. Always verify their licence yourself on the CICC register.
Farsi-speaking immigration consultants →
Information current for 2026