Online Survey of Newcomers to Canada: Enhancing Resettlement and Integration Services

On December 13, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the launch of an online survey aimed at gathering insights from newcomers regarding their resettlement, settlement, and integration experiences in Canada. This initiative is part of IRCC’s ongoing effort to evaluate and improve its Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Program, ensuring that services effectively meet the needs of immigrants.

Purpose of the Survey

The primary objectives of the survey are to:

• Evaluate the effectivenessof current settlement services provided to newcomers.
• Identify areas for improvementin these services to better support immigrants during their transition to life in Canada.
• Strengthen programssuch as the Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Program based on feedback from participants.

By collecting firsthand experiences from newcomers, IRCC aims to make data-driven decisions that enhance the support offered to future immigrants.

Survey Details

The survey will commence on December 16, 2024, and will be available until January 26, 2025. Key details include:

• Eligibility: The survey is open to permanent residents who became immigrants in the years 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023, and who are at least 18 years old.
• Duration: Completing the survey will take approximately 20 minutes.
• Languages Available: The survey will be accessible in multiple languages including English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Pashto, Persian, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, and Tigrinya.
• Confidentiality: Participation is voluntary, and all responses will remain confidential. Importantly, answers will not influence any past or future applications with IRCC.

Invitation Process

Participants will receive an email invitation from IRCC (noreply@qemailserver.com), containing a secure link to the survey that begins with https://ircc.qualtrics.com. The email will not include any attachments but will provide a contact address for participants with questions about the survey.

Importance of Participation

Participation in this survey is crucial for several reasons:

• Contributing to Policy Improvement: Newcomers can directly influence how settlement services are structured and delivered. Their feedback can help identify gaps in existing programs and highlight successful initiatives.
• Addressing Real Challenges: The insights gathered will assist IRCC in tailoring services to better align with the evolving needs of immigrants. For example, if newcomers’ express difficulties with job placement services or language training programs, IRCC can prioritize enhancements in those areas.
• Strengthening Community Support: By sharing their experiences, newcomers help create a more supportive environment for future immigrants. Their input can lead to improved resources such as employment assistance services and cultural integration workshops.

The IRCC’s online survey represents a significant opportunity for newcomers to Canada to voice their experiences and contribute to enhancing immigration services. By participating in this initiative from December 16, 2024, through January 26, 2025, immigrants can play an active role in shaping the future of resettlement assistance programs in Canada. This collaborative approach not only aims to improve existing services but also fosters a welcoming environment where newcomers can