Frequently Asked Questions

Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) is a program funded by Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Our services are free and help immigrants prepare for success before arriving in Canada. At SOPA, we offer one-on-one orientation, job search support, employment counselling and cultural communications courses to prepare you for the Canadian workplace. We make sure you will arrive prepared!

SOPA clients are people who are still living outside Canada, who have been approved to immigrate by IRCC, and who have an English level (IELTS) of 5.5 or higher. An access to a computer and high speed internet are also required.

If you are an internationally educated professional with an approved permanent residence application and relocating to Canada within the next 12 months, you can register with SOPA.

A list of necessary eligibility documents is available at https://arriveprepared.ca/am-i-eligible/.

Currently SOPA does not serve those with Canadian citizenship, temporary foreign worker or international student status. SOPA services are available to clients aged 15 and up.

Yes, you can. You don’t need to submit IELTS test results to join SOPA. We suggest having English skills at about level 5.5 or higher so you can get the most out of the program, but we also have some services for people with lower English levels.

SOPA is available across Canada, except in Quebec. Our teams are located in the following provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia covering all Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador).

We advise those immigrating to Quebec to visit: https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/settle-and-integrate-in-quebec.

Each SOPA team provides personalized and localized settlement and career plan support for approved immigrants while they are still waiting to arrive in Canada.

SOPA is recognized across Canada for our leading employment-focused program featuring customized pre-arrival services, resources and referral to other helpful newcomer organizations in your destined region. We offer in-depth courses and workshops to provide you with everything client will need to know about finding a job and working in Canada.

We understand that plans change. SOPA connects clients with our partners across Canada to ensure services are available in every region (except Quebec). Intake counsellors can be contacted for more details.

At SOPA, we focus on pre-arrival services. We are also well connected to post-arrival organizations and services across the country. Now that you are here, you can use IRCC’s service map to find programs available in your area. You can also connect with SOPA partner organizations in your area.

At SOPA, we provide services and materials in English. Clients who prefer service in French can be referred to our partner organizations that provide similar programs in French. More details available at https://www.connexionsfrancophones.ca/fr.

Arrive prepared with beneficial services including:

• customized employment counselling sessions to help you find and retain employment in Canada
• Canadian job search, interview and communication skills
• confidence and network building opportunities
• professional resources and referrals

There is no cost to participate in SOPA programs and services. We are happy to offer our services, courses and resources to eligible clients.

As a SOPA client, you will be in a strong position for success because you will receive expert guidance, one-on-one employment counselling, job search support and a variety of workplace readiness courses. This will help prepare client in advance for the Canadian workplace. After you arrive, we can also connect you to other helpful employment and settlement services in your community.

Our SOPA for Youth program is available to pre-arrival immigrants aged 15-30. Our “Passport to Success” course is an interactive, online learning experience that teaches young newcomers about the Skills for Success promoted by the Government of Canada.

As a refugee approved to come to Canada, you can access all SOPA services, including our online courses and employment supports. During your intake counselling session, our intake counsellor will help identify which services best fit your needs, based on your English level and how close you are to your arrival date. We encourage you to register early so we can do our best to support your transition.

Yes. SOPA offers a Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Navigator service. You’ll get one-on-one support from a qualified FCR specialist who will guide you through:

• Understanding the licensing and certification process for your profession in Canada
• Navigating the foreign credential assessment
• Finding any necessary bridging programs or training
• Connecting you with workshops, resources, and mentorship opportunities

After signing up with the SOPA, you can use your online SOPA account to schedule a session with an intake counsellor in your destination province. Following that, you'll be connected with a local employment specialist and course facilitator. Learn more about our employment counselling session.

Course material can be accessed at settlementonline.ca where clients log in to explore their course content. It is important to note that the website hosting SOPA courses is not the same as the website used to register as a SOPA client.

We’re looking for SOPA Ambassadors! Past clients can benefit from a volunteer experience with SOPA, which can be listed on their resumes. We also have volunteer opportunities available for those who enjoy writing and can become guest blog contributors.

We are always happy to welcome skilled volunteers! Please complete our online volunteer application.

*On the application form, include a summary of your interests, skills and experience. You are welcome to attach your resume and references. After we review your application, we will do our best to match your skills and interests to upcoming volunteer opportunities with SOPA programs and events.

Our Live Chat support agents are happy to assist you. Click the “Live Chat” icon to be connected to one of our SOPA team members!