We offer a full range of free services to help newcomers settle into their new daily life. Our services include: counselling and assistance, income tax clinics and advice, citizenship test classes, english classes and workshops, and more.
Our services are available to Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Live-in Caregivers with a valid Work Permit, Refugee Claimants, Temporary Foreign Workers, and Visitors, in English, Cantonese, Farsi, Korean, and Mandarin.
University Settlement Statement on Anti-Asian Racism
University Settlement is dedicated to fostering a culture of acceptance, equality and anti-discrimination. We call on each and every one of us to stand up against racial prejudice and discrimination.
Many have used the pandemic as a vehicle for inciting racist, sexist, anti-Asian sentiment. We reject this racism, xenophobia, and hate and stand with those who have been harmed by all forms of anti-Asian sentiments and acts.
We call on all members of our community to openly condemn ill-informed, biased perspectives, violence, hate and discrimination.
COVID-19: In-Person Services and Programs Resume
Our offices at 23 Grange Road, 720 Spadina Avenue and 6075 Yonge Street are open for limited in-person appointments effective March 7, 2022. Please contact us to make an appointment.
We will continue to provide extensive and robust remote services by telephone and online.
Welcome to Your New Community!
We offer a full range of free services to help newcomers settle into their new daily life.
Our services are available to Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Live-in Caregivers with a valid Work Permit, Refugee Claimants, Temporary Foreign Workers, and Visitors, in English, Cantonese, Farsi, Korean, and Mandarin.
Canada Day Event
Join us to celebrate Canada on June 29. The event is FREE and will be in Mandarin.
Counselling and Assistance
We can help you…
- Navigate the Immigration and Citizenship process
- Understand the services and supports available
- Access government benefits and income supports online
- Access financial assistance programs such as the Ontario Energy Board Support program
- Obtain government documents online, including Ontario Health Card, Social Insurance Number, Driver’s License, Marriage and Birth Certificates
- Apply for and renew Permanent Resident cards (initial application and renewal), Citizenship application, Work Permit and Study Permit (for Convention Refugees only), and Sponsorships
- File your Income Tax
We provide…
- Translation of documents
- Interpretation and advocation for clients
- Referrals and other information relating to your situation
Speak with a Settlement Counsellor in English, Cantonese, Mandarin or Korean:
Contact spadina.info@universitysettlement.ca or call (416) 408‑4058 or (647) 612‑8029
Speak with a Settlement Counsellor in English, Farsi, or Korean:
Contact Manijeh Mehdinia at frontdeskny@universitysettlement.ca or call (416) 218‑8990 or (647) 617‑6025
Free Community Workshops
Our free online workshops and programs will help you connect with your new community.
Every month we offer a variety of online workshops covering employment, technology, personal finance, health, citizenship and arts-related topics.
Income Tax Clinics and Advice
We offer one-on-one income tax filing services, by appointment only. To make an appointment, please contact:
Office Assistant (For English / Cantonese / Mandarin / Korean)
spadina.info@universitysettlement.ca
(416) 408-4058 or (647) 612-8029
Manijeh Mehdinia, Program Assistant (For English / Farsi)
frontdeskny@universitysettlement.ca
(416) 218-8990 or (647) 617-6025
Financial Relief Navigator
Visit the Prosper Canada website to find out about government COVID-19 financial supports and other relief measures you might qualify for.
Ontario Energy Support Program
Visit the Ontario Energy Board website to learn more about how you might be able to reduce the cost of your household electricity bill by applying for a monthly credit to your bill.
Citizenship Test Classes (in Farsi and English)
Learn about your rights and responsibilities in becoming a Canadian citizen. Our online Citizenship Test Preparation Classes include mock test questions.
Classes in Farsi
- Date: Fridays (March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31)
- Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Online: Zoom (Face-to-face session)
- Language: Farsi
- Cost: Free!
- How to Register: Email Manijeh Mehdinia at frontdeskny@universitysettlement.ca or call (416) 218-8990 or (647) 617-6025. You will receive the Zoom meeting ID and password by email.
Classes in English
- Date: Wednesdays (March 8, 15, 22, 29)
- Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Online: Zoom (Face-to-face session)
- Language: English
- Cost: Free!
- How to Register: Email Manijeh Mehdinia at frontdeskny@universitysettlement.ca or call (416) 218-8990 or (647) 617-6025. You will receive the Zoom meeting ID and password by email.
Learn English
Improving your English-language speaking, reading and writing will help you every day to connect with your community in many ways.
Our language training programs are free for all newcomers who are Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, or Temporary Foreign Workers. We offer the following programs:
LINC Program (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
We offer online classes ranging from Literacy to Advanced Level 6. All classes are taught by experienced qualified TESL and PBLA trained instructors.
Conversation Workshops and Writing Workshops (Online)
Our English-language workshops will help you practice and improve your speaking and writing skills.