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Helping You Arrive with Confidence

Since 2007, we’ve helped more than 67,000 immigrants prepare for life in Canada.

Who We Are

Planning for Canada is a free, pre-arrival program funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that helps approved immigrants prepare for life and work in Canada before they arrive. The program is delivered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) in partnership with settlement and employment organizations across the country.

Our services are designed for economic and family class immigrants, as well as Atlantic Immigration Program candidates, who are living outside Canada and have received an eligible IRCC confirmation document.

Planning for Canada is delivered by CICan, the national voice of Canada’s colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education. By convening, connecting and championing the sector, we amplify the value and impact of our members to advance priorities that matter most to Canadians. With more than 95% of Canadians living within 50 km of a member institution, and thanks to its extensive reach around the globe, CICan works to position colleges and institutes as key partners in meeting Canada’s – and the world’s – biggest challenges.

What is Planning for Canada?

Planning for Canada is a federally funded pre-arrival service that provides eligible immigrants with reliable information and orientation, personalized planning, and connections to settlement and employment partners so they can arrive in Canada informed, prepared, and supported.

Our Impact

75,000+ immigrants supported

Since 2007, across economic, family, and Atlantic Immigration programs. 145+ countries of origin.

Clients reported a clearer understanding of what to expect before arrival.

Participants said they understood what steps to take to prepare for work in Canada.

Top 5 countries of residence of participants (2023-2024)

  • India 24%
  • Philippines 23%
  • Nigeria 11%
  • Cameroon 9%
  • Algeria 6%

Planning for Canada supports immigrants and families across multiple immigration pathways. Most participants are economic class immigrants, followed closely by family class applicants and Atlantic Immigration Program candidates.

Client immigration pathways include:

  • 41% Family Class
  • 23% Federal Skilled Worker
  • 15% Provincial Nominee
  • 15% Quebec Skilled Workers
  • 2% Atlantic Immigration Program
  • 4% Other Economic Class

This diversity shapes how our services are delivered — so guidance is relevant to your pathway, your destination, and your stage of preparation.

Participant snapshot:

  • 58% of clients are between 21–35 years old
  • 52% of clients are women
(Data source: Planning for Canada)

Our Approach: Honest Guidance

Moving to a new country is complex. Preparation works best when it starts before arrival and is grounded in realistic expectations. Planning for Canada provides clear, practical pre-arrival guidance to help immigrants prepare earlier, identify tools and strategies to quickly overcome common challenges, and navigate settlement and employment with greater confidence once they arrive.

What We Help You Do

Understand what to expect

Through live Immigrant Workshops that explain the basics of life and work in Canada.

Prepare for what’s ahead

With One-on-One planning sessions that turns your identified needs and assets into a personalized Settlement Plan. With the help of our in-Canada Advisors, you can put your plan into Action.

Learn at your own pace

Master the Canadian job market and lifestyle through immersive, self-paced modules tailored to your unique personal goals.

Planning for Canada helped us understand what we were walking into. When we arrived, nothing felt completely unfamiliar.

Rutu & Kevin, Mumbai, India
Want to hear directly from newcomers who’ve been through the program?
Read Their Stories

Our Partners

Delivered by Colleges and Institutes Canada, Planning for Canada provides essential pre-arrival services through a national network of government-funded settlement and employment organizations.

This partnership ensures a seamless transition for newcomers, maintaining a clear line of continuity from your initial preparation abroad to the specialized support you receive once you arrive on the ground.
The program offers highly personalized guidance by connecting you with local partners following your One-on-One Planning Session. These referrals are tailored specifically to your destination, intended occupation, and unique needs, providing you with a direct link to the resources necessary for a successful professional and personal integration into your new community.

Provincial Partners

  • British Columbia (BC): Archway Community Services
  • Alberta (AB): Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
  • Saskatchewan (SK): Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS)
  • Manitoba (MB): Manitoba Start
  • Ontario (ON): COSTI Immigrant Services
  • New Brunswick (NB): Multicultural Association of Fredericton (MCAF)
  • Nova Scotia (NS): Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
  • Newfoundland and Labrador (NL): Association of New Canadians (ANC)

Employment Partners

  • ACCES Employment
  • BCCA – British Columbia Construction Association
  • CARE – Centre for International Educated Nurses
  • ICTC – Information and Communications Technology Council
  • JVS Toronto
  • SOPA – Settlement Online Pre-Arrival

All partners provide pre-arrival services. When appropriate, they may refer clients to local post-arrival organizations after arrival based on individual needs.