For refugees, newcomers and immigrants in Canada
What do you
need help with?
Starting over takes courage. Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Find clear answers, real people, and a community that welcomes you exactly as you are.
Housing and shelter
Shelters tonight, renting, your rights as a tenant
Food and money
Food banks, meals, benefits and financial help
Settling in
Your first 30 days, ID, bank, school, language classes
Health care
OHIP, refugee health coverage, clinics, Health811
Mental health
Stress, trauma, culture shock, someone to talk to
LGBTQ+ newcomers
Your rights, safe spaces, affirming care
Jobs and careers
Where to look, in-demand jobs, your rights at work
Mentorship
Meet someone in your field who has been there
Legal help
Free legal aid, refugee claims, finding a real lawyer
Be careful
Scams that target newcomers and how to spot them
Can't find what you need? Ask us privately
New to Canada? Register with Sauti Yetu
Tell us a little about yourself and your work. We'll send you events, job leads and mentorship opportunities that fit you. Takes about 2 minutes.
Our promise
A real person replies within 2 hours.
Call, WhatsApp, email or send the form. Tell us what you need in any language. It is free and private.
A place to start
Your first 30 days checklist
- 1
Find a safe place to sleep
Call 211 any time, day or night, to find a shelter near you.
1Find a safe place to sleep
Call 211 any time, day or night, to find a shelter near you.
- 2
Get health coverage
OHIP has no waiting period. Refugee claimants are covered by IFHP.
2Get health coverage
OHIP has no waiting period. Refugee claimants are covered by IFHP.
- 3
Apply for your SIN
You need a Social Insurance Number to work and to get benefits.
3Apply for your SIN
You need a Social Insurance Number to work and to get benefits.
- 4
Open a bank account
You do not need a job or credit history. Ask for a newcomer account.
4Open a bank account
You do not need a job or credit history. Ask for a newcomer account.
- 5
Register children for school
In Ontario, every child can go to public school, whatever their status.
5Register children for school
In Ontario, every child can go to public school, whatever their status.
- 6
Get free legal advice
Refugee claimants: call Legal Aid Ontario early. Deadlines are short.
6Get free legal advice
Refugee claimants: call Legal Aid Ontario early. Deadlines are short.
Jobs and the economy · Updated October 2026
The job market is tough right now. Here's what to know.
- 6.5%
- Unemployment in Canada
- September 2026, Statistics Canada
- 7.0%
- Unemployment in Ontario
- Higher than the national rate
- $17.95
- Ontario minimum wage per hour
- Since October 1, 2026
Source: Statistics Canada, Sept 2026
Canada lost jobs in both August and September 2026, mostly in education, health care and manufacturing. Searches may take longer, so start early, apply widely and use free employment services. Frontline jobs are still hiring:
Full jobs guideMeet your community
Upcoming events
- Free
Your First Canadian Winter
Thursday · 6:30 PMOnlineEnglish, with Swahili and French support
- Day and time
- Thursday · 6:30 PM–8:00 PM Eastern
- Format
- Online (Zoom)
- Language
- English, with Swahili and French support
- Location
- Zoom
- Settling in
- Health
Stay warm, safe and well when the temperature drops. Dressing in layers, heating bills, winter driving and walking safety, and how to get a free winter coat.
- Free
Canadian Résumé and LinkedIn Workshop
Saturday · 10:00 AMIn personEnglish
- Day and time
- Saturday · 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Eastern
- Format
- In person
- Language
- English
- Location
- Venue shared after you register
- For:
- Job seekers
- Jobs
Turn your experience into a Canadian-style résumé and set up a LinkedIn profile employers notice. Bring a laptop or phone and your work history.
- Free
Know Your Rights as a Tenant in Ontario
Thursday · 7:00 PMOnlineEnglish
- Day and time
- Thursday · 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Eastern
- Format
- Online (Zoom)
- Language
- English
- Location
- Zoom
- Housing
- Legal
Deposits, leases, repairs, rent increases and evictions explained in plain language, plus how to spot rental scams. Q&A at the end.
Stay safe
Four scams that target newcomers
“Pay now or be deported”
IRCC, CBSA and the CRA never threaten arrest by phone or ask for gift cards or crypto.
“Pay to get a job”
In Ontario, recruiters and employers cannot charge you a fee to find or get a job.
“Rent before viewing”
Never send money for a place you have not seen in person, with a signed lease.
“Guaranteed visas”
Only licensed consultants, lawyers or paralegals can charge for immigration help.
About Sauti Yetu
A Canada where every immigrant's voice is heard, valued and respected.
We empower and advocate for immigrants in Canada. Through practical resources and intercultural dialogue, we help build a more inclusive society.
Our storyYour privacy comes first
We never ask about your immigration status, sexuality or health to help you. You decide what to share.