Free assistance for new immigrants in Canada

In Canada, immigrants can access excellent support services, but statistics show that most don't take advantage of them simply because they're unaware these services exist.

The Canadian government offers free services to immigrants, and there are many charitable organizations in Canada that help newcomers. These services include assistance with housing, job search, filling out documents, and even free food. This helps you save money and adapt quickly to the country when you don't know how things work here.

Free Food

Yes, in Canada, food is freely distributed to those in need through special food banks. Don't think that only homeless people use these services — by Canadian standards, any immigrant can be considered in need. According to Food Banks Canada, in 2024, the number of food bank visits reached a record 2 million per month, almost double the number in 2019.

There's nothing wrong with using food banks, especially when you don't have a job yet but have many expenses for housing, furniture, and so on. Saving on food can really help. People often come to food banks in expensive cars and clothes, so it's not just the needy who use them. Families of new immigrants who are still adapting to life in Canada frequently use food bank services.

To receive help, you need to contact a food bank directly. The food package depends on the number of people in your family. Some immigrants register with several food banks and don't buy food in stores at all. However, once you start working and paying taxes, this won't be possible anymore.

Find a food bank in Canada.

Housing Assistance

Free housing is available for 30 to 90 days, but it's not a freebie — it's emergency help for people in dire situations, like those who end up on the street.

Organization providing free housing.

But let's not focus on such situations. Help is available not only for those who have lost their homes. For example, we have an interview with a girl, Lena, who moved from Russia to Manitoba a few years ago. Her family was helped by the provincial government, so they only paid $500 CAD for rent. While not free, it's very cheap for Canada.

Similar support programs exist in many provinces. Just visit the official website and find the section with services for immigrants. In 2024-2025, the Canada Housing Benefit is in effect, which can provide up to $500 per month in rental assistance for low-income families.

Adaptation and Employment

A third, very important service is help with adaptation and job search. There are organizations across Canada that do this for free. Depending on the province, assistance may vary. For example, creating an adaptation plan, job search seminars, help with filling out forms, employment preparation, mentoring, and so on. Since 2024, the government has increased support for new immigrants: over 40% of permanent residents in 2025 will be those already in Canada as temporary residents.

Employment assistance.

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Note: Job search assistance in Canada can only be provided for free; charging for it is prohibited. Therefore, people offering paid job placement services are operating illegally. For example, our company offers a service for writing Canadian-style resumes. But we don't search for jobs for anyone, although we're often asked about it.

Benefits

Government assistance doesn't end there, as you may also be eligible for benefits, such as child benefits. From July 2024 to June 2025, the Canada Child Benefit is up to $7,787 per year ($648.91 per month) for each child under 6 and up to $6,570 per year ($547.50 per month) for each child aged 6 to 17. Families can receive substantial amounts, for example, a family with several children could get $15,000-25,000 CAD per year.

How Immigrants Can Get Help

To receive support, you need to apply for permanent residence through one of over 100 immigration programs, get an invitation, and contact the appropriate company. Documents such as an invitation from the Ministry of Immigration, confirmation of permanent resident status, or an immigration visa will suffice. Information about government organizations is available on each province's website.

Book a consultation on immigration to Canada.

If you're coming on a work or student visa, or if you're just planning to immigrate, unfortunately, you can't receive this help because you're not a Canadian resident. There are many questions about asylum. If you came as a refugee and your asylum application was approved, you also get permanent residence and can claim all the services I've mentioned.

We've already talked about Canada's help for refugees from Ukraine and how you can leave Russia now. For Ukrainians, there's currently a simplified entry permit, and the assistance is slightly different.