Newcomer Support Services

LEF provides Newcomer Support Services to newcomers who reach out to us. The support services we provide include: One on One Support, Settlement discussions & Employment resources, Informational Sessions and Customized Plan for each individual based on their Newcomer Needs.

Get in Touch with Us

LEF is your bridge to getting settled in Canada. When you have a community to support you, it makes living in Canada that much easier. That’s why LEF has created so many free newcomer services. We’re here to guide you through some of the challenges you may be experiencing and answer all of the questions you are asking yourself as you build your new life in this country.


Contact info

Email: newcomers@lefca.org .

Phone: 416 688 6485

  • For settlement services in French, please contact Muna Cann 416-688-6485 or email newcomers@lefca.org / Pour des services d’établissement en français veuillez contacter Muna Cann 416-688-6485 ou par courriel newcomers@lefca.org

Your First Few Weeks in Canada

Here are some support services you can have access to that go through what you need to know and what you need to do during the first few weeks of your arrival to Canada:
  • Basic Needs

    We will assist you in fulfilling the basic needs you require to settle in Canada such as Furniture Bank, Food Bank, Housing, English Classes, Employment & More!

    Fill out the Get In Touch Form
  • Interpretation services

    (Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, Spanish, Vietnamese, Dari, Farsi, Urdu, Russian, Turkish, Pashto and Persian)

  • Daily life in Ontario

    Information about using public transportation, shopping, community recreation centres, Driver’s License, and other community resources such as public libraries and others

  • Income support

    Connecting you to programs such as Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Service Program.

  • Rental Information

    Information about renting a house or apartment

  • Canadian Income Tax System

    Information and assistance to apply for tax benefits (Canada Child Tax Benefit, GST/HST)

  • Financial Literacy

    Learn about the banking system in Canada

  • Community Connections

    Connecting you to volunteering and networking opportunities and referrals to the Furniture Bank and more.

First 6 Months and beyond

Here are some support services you can have access to that go through what you need to know and what you need to do during the first few weeks of your arrival to Canada:
  • Learning English

    Learning English (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), information and referrals for TOEFL, IELTS, ESL courses

    Learn more
  • Education System

    Registering children in school and childcare. Post-secondary school system and loan programs information.

  • Professional and Credential Support

    Supports for Internationally Trained Individuals and Foreign Credential Recognition.

    Learn more
  • Health Care System

    Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP), Family Doctor, Dental Care referrals, Immunizations

  • Government Forms

    Permanent Resident Card Renewal and SIN Card, Work permit and Study permit applications

  • Employment Support

    Canada's Labour Market, job search supports, resume supports, employment-related workshops, networking opportunities with professionals, referrals to skills-based training

    View Employment Services
  • Newcomer Information

    Assistance in completing Citizenship & Immigration Forms, Citizenship Preparation Classes.

  • Referrals to LEF Training Programs

    Early Childhood Assistant, Industrial Skills Training, Bicycle Assembly and Maintenance (BAM) Training, Alternative Careers in Health Promotion and Education Bridging Program

    View Training Programs

Related pages

  • English Classes
    With over two decades of experience teaching English as a part of our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) we empower individuals to enhance their English language skills, learn about Canadian culture and become ready for employment.
  • Newcomers
    LEF offers a wide variety of Newcomers services and assistance with resettlement, including language training, immigration process assistance, settlement support, workforce integration, youth services, and opportunities for internationally trained professionals.
  • Training
    Discover the wide selection of training programs offered by LEF. Learn about our courses and certification programs to help advance careers and professional goals.
  • Internationally Trained Professionals
    For newcomers who have had a career before coming to Canada, find out how LEF can help you. Receive employment support, including assistance for internationally educated professionals with middle-management experience. Referrals to the WES Gateway Program are possible for refugees and other displaced persons with limited proof of academic achievements, or International medical graduates may thrive with the Alternative Careers in Health Promotion and Education Bridging Program (ACiHPE) and more.
  • Alternative Careers in Health Promotion and Education for Internationally Trained Physicians (ACiHPE)
    Alternative Careers in Health Promotion and Education for Internationally Trained Physicians (Ontario Bridge Training Program) or ACiHPE is a 24 week program designed to inform internationally trained physicians about Ontario's healthcare ecosystem in non-practitioner roles.
  • English as a Second Language
    Learn English as a second language in classes tailored for individuals who are new to the language and might find it challenging. Eligible students learn for free and at times that work for you! For Refugee Claimants and Asylum Seekers in Canada that have had their English officially tested.
  • Youth
    Youth Program
    Explore a welcoming environment for Newcomer youth aged 15-30. Young newcomers have mentorship and volunteering opportunities, recreational activities, career and education counseling, along with guidance on government services and English language learning.
  • Digital Skills
    Learn about computers and the Internet with our Computer Skills for Today program. Catering to newcomers, seniors aged 65 and above, as well as those lacking access to hardware, software, or the internet. Learn about mobile devices like phones, learn the essentials of email, the Internet, searching, using government websites, and advance to online shopping and banking.
  • Entrepreneurship Program
    Learn what you should know as a Newcomer to Canada aspiring to be an entrepreneur. Start with essential aspects of entrepreneurship, from problem solving and collaboration, to getting your business funded and learning effective marketing strategies. Each participant receives personalized one-on-one business coaching. Learn to own and run a business in Canada.