What are pre-arrival services?

ByMark Piercey

What are pre-arrival services?

Pre-arrival programs can help you get information on how to move to, live and work in Canada.

Pre-arrival programs assess your needs and create a personalized plan to help you settle in Canada. They’ll connect you with any other pre-arrival services you need and with organizations for services you can get after you arrive in Canada.

You and your family may access free in-person and online services to help prepare for and adjust to life in Canada. We call these pre-arrival services.

Pre-arrival services can help you to:

• prepare for your move to Canada
• get your education, work experience and credentials recognized in Canada
• connect with employers to find a job
• connect with free services after you arrive in Canada

You can access all of these IRRC services for free before your arrival in Canada.

You can receive pre-arrival services, if:

• we approved your permanent residence application
• you’re currently outside Canada
• you have one of these documents:
  • a letter from IRCC saying you can get pre-arrival services
  • a confirmation of permanent residence letter
  • a passport request letter that indicates permanent resident visa issuance
  • a letter from IRCC asking for your medical exam results
  • a single-entry permanent resident visa
  • a letter from IRCC letting your know you can pick up your permanent resident visa

You can’t get pre-arrival services if you’re coming to Canada for a short time. For example, temporary residents visiting, studying or working in Canada on a visa or permit don’t qualify for pre-arrival services.

Programs to help you find work

Many programs can help you prepare to find work in Canada. They can help you:

• search for and find employment
• write your Canadian-style resume
• learn about Canadian workplace culture
• find a mentor with experience
• prepare to get your foreign credentials recognized

Pre-Arrival Program for Internationally Educated Nurses

The PASS pre-arrival program for Internationally Educated Nurses can help nurses access sector-specific information and prepare to work in Canada’s health care field. This includes information on:

• the Canadian health care system
• the nursing registration process
• regulatory bodies
• schools
• workplace practices in health care
• mentoring with Canadian nurses