New to Canada – Support for Refugees and Newcomers

Who can join:

• 2SLGBTQ+ asylum seekers, refugee claimants, convention refugees, protected persons, government-assisted refugees, and permanent residents (18+ in age, and living in Toronto, GTA, or Southern Ontario)
• Non-2SLGBTQ+ convention refugees, protected persons, government-assisted refugees, and permanent residents (18+ in age, and living in Toronto’s Downtown East area)
• Live-in caregivers (18+ in age, and living in Toronto, GTA, or Southern Ontario).

Supports offered:

• Filling government applications
• Information and referrals
• Ongoing guidance
• Staff-led programs, groups, and workshops
• Guest workshops
• One-off events, and more
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How to register:

1. Complete our New to Canada online registration form:https://bit.ly/519newcomerreg

The online form is the first step in the registration process (or intake) with our New to Canada programs.

If you need help filling out the online form, you can stop by during our New to Canada drop-in hours (Tuesdays, 3pm-5:30pm; Wednesdays, 5pm-7:30pm).

2. If you are a current refugee claimant, or you want to start a refugee claim: The final step for registration is to attend an in-person Newcomer Information Session. The Newcomer Information Session is mandatory! You will be invited to attend an in-person Information session by  email

If you are not a current refugee claimant, you will receive an email after filling out the online registration form connecting you to staff, services, or programs.

Please note that there is currently a 3-4-week wait for Newcomer Settlement Services at The 519.

If you have an urgent matter or you need more support, you can stop by The 519 during our New to Canada drop-in hours (Tuesdays, 3pm-5:30pm and Wednesdays, 5pm-7:30pm). We are located at 519 Church Street, in Toronto.

If you have questions, please email NewToCanada@The519.org or call 416-392-6878 ext. 4000  Email (or leave a voice message) with your name, current immigration status, and contact number.

New to Canada Programs

All our programs and services are free.

• Black Youth Gathering: Discussion forum that aims to empower 2SLGBTQ+ Black youth (ages 16 to 29) – monthly, via Zoom
• Black Mental Health: Private group webinars focusing on addressing various mental health concerns among Black communities – monthly, via Zoom
• Fuel: Physical activity program for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers – in-person, various dates and locations
• Next Steps: Information and activities group serves 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers who are convention refugees or permanent residents residing in Canada for less than 5 years – monthly, via Zoom
• Employment Skills Training: Through workshops, and more
• Queer Muslim Community Circle: An affirming space by and for 2SLGBTQ+ Muslims to connect, grow, and heal together.
• New to Canada Guest Workshops: Workshops led by partnering organizations for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers
• 2SLGBTQ+ Economic Resilience Project –  Financial advisors from Scotiabank will share tips on managing finances, the pillars of banking in Canada, and will answer your money management-related questions.
• Henna Hangs – An affirming social space by and for 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers and refugees from South West Asia, North Africa, East Africa, and South Asia
• New to Canada Drop-in – In-person brief support for 2SLGBTQ+ folks who are new to Canada. No appointment required.