Trivia Question❓

What do Canadians call their one-dollar coin, which has a bird called a loon on it?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Newcomer Digest – Monday's Edition

By the Newcomer Digest Team · A weekly guide for newcomers to Canada

If you became a PR before April 2020, you've already lost access to free settlement services. And the advanced English classes many newcomers rely on for work are being phased out. Here's what changed and what to do this week.

In this issue:

The story: Advanced LINC classes are ending
What it means: The clock is running on your settlement services
What to do: Five steps for this week
Resource: IRCC's newcomer services finder

Featured Story

Advanced LINC Classes Lose Federal Funding: What Newcomers Need to Know

If you became a PR before April 2020, you have already lost access to free settlement services. And the advanced English classes many newcomers rely on for work are being phased out. Read our guide to see what changed and the five steps to take this week.

The clock is running on your settlement services

Since April 1, 2026, economic class permanent residents can use IRCC-funded settlement services for 6 years after they become a PR. On April 1, 2027, that drops to 5 years.

Who this affects: People who came through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, plus their spouses and children. It applies to people who are already PRs, not only new arrivals.

What that means in dates:

PR before April 2020: your window has already closed.
PR before April 2022: your window closes on April 1, 2027.

What you could lose access to:

Job search help and employment coaching
Help getting your foreign credentials recognized
Language classes that are still offered

This is general information, not personal immigration advice.

What You Can Do Now

Five steps for this week

Know your level. Take an online self-assessment to check your reading and listening.
Find your PR date. It is on your Confirmation of Permanent Residence. If your window closes soon, book your settlement services now.
See what is still offered near you. Use the IRCC tool below. Call first, because class lists are changing fast.
Look beyond federal programs. Ask your public library about English conversation circles, or your local college about continuing education.
Ask at work. Say: "I'd like to strengthen my presentation and meeting skills. Is there a training budget I could use for a communication course?"

Take the CLB Online Self-Assessment

Read IRCC's notice on settlement services

Helpful Resource

IRCC's Newcomer Services Finder

IRCC's Find free newcomer services near you tool lists government-funded services in your area, including language classes, job help and settlement support.

How to use it:

Website: ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/services
Search by postal code and filter by the service you need
Available in English and French

Know a newcomer waiting for an advanced LINC class? Forward this edition to them.

Have you lost a language class this year? Reply to this email and tell us what happened.

From the publisher

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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The loonie. It is named after the loon on the coin.

Before you go

Every newcomer has questions that nobody answers clearly. We answer them one at a time, in plain language, with sources you can check.

Your turn. Reply to this email with the one question you'd like us to cover next. Your replies shape what we write.

Know someone new to Canada? Forward this email to them. It's the best way to help.

Missed an issue? Read them all at newcomerdigest.com/archives.