Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) is an Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funded program that delivers free pre-arrival services for job readiness, success and retention.
Resources and courses are offered at no charge, these include: one-on-one orientation, job search support, employment counselling, and workplace culture training, as well as referral to a wide range of post-arrival services upon entry to Canada.
To be eligible to take SOPA courses you must:
Live outside Canada
Have received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to immigrate to Canada:
• A letter notifying pick up of Canadian visa (visa for permanent resident applicants only)
• A request for medical examination letter
• A passport request letter
• A Canadian visa (but have not landed in Canada yet)
• An IRCC invitation letter to obtain pre-arrival services
Have an English level (IELTS) 5.5 or higher
Have access to a computer and high speed Internet
Free One-on-One
Information Session
Arrange a free consultation with one of our staff members to help you arrive prepared to work in Canada.
Free Courses
Arrange a free consultation with one of our staff members to help you choose the courses that will help you arrive prepared to work in Canada.
Free Employment Counselling
Meet with a SOPA Employment Specialist for individualized one-on-one employment counselling focused on your job search!
Available Courses
All courses are offered free of charge to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements.
Soft Skills: Professional Communication
Explore different types of interactions and learn about culturally appropriate communication and behaviours for the Canadian workplace. Time required: 5-7 hours per week for 4 weeks.
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Soft Skills: Working with Others
Learn about Canadian workplace culture and the effects culture has on how we communicate with each other. Time required: 5-7 hours per week for 4 weeks.
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Canadian Workplace Integration
Learn how to adapt, the importance of communication styles, how to expand soft skills using cultural communication, working with differences and understanding power dynamics in the Canadian workplace.
Time required: 10-20 hours.
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Working in Canada
Learn about the unique characteristics of the Canadian workplace and how to integrate effectively into your field of employment in Canada.
Time required: 12-24 hours.
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Job Search Strategies
Learn and practice skills to be more competitive for positions in the Canadian labour market. Time required: 5-7 hours per week for 6 weeks.
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Job Search Strategies Express
Get preliminary information about the job search process and read about skills which will make you more competitive for positions in the Canadian labour market. Time required: 12-24 hours.
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Introduction to Business in Canada
Get an overview of what you need to know to start a business in Canada. Time required: 12- 24 hours.
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SOPA Success Stories
Watch how these clients found their dream jobs!
Partners
The SOPA program is delivered by 6 partner organizations across Canada.
British Columbia SOPA
Delivered by MOSAIC in Vancouver
Alberta SOPA
Delivered by CCIS in Calgary
Saskatchewan SOPA
Delivered by RODS in Regina
Manitoba SOPA
Delivered by AMI in Winnipeg
Ontario SOPA
Delivered by Ottawa World Skills & CCI in Ottawa
Atlantic SOPA
Delivered by ISANS in Halifax. Delivered to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador
