Refugee Resettlement Program

Toronto has a long history of welcoming newcomers to this city. In October 2015, Toronto City Council approved the City of Toronto Refugee Resettlement Program. The Toronto Newcomer Office coordinates City divisions and partners to implement the program.

The City’s Toronto Newcomer Office (TNO) is coordinating City divisions and partners to implement the Refugee Resettlement Program to ensure that support systems are ready and available for the arrival of incoming refugees.

The Refugee Resettlement Program aims to mobilize the existing supports within the City and externally, and make ongoing improvements to the program, where needed. The City plays three key roles:

  1. Coordination – coordinating municipal services with community-based settlement services, with the other orders of government, and other partners.
  2. Enhancement – using Council-directed resources to enhance community-based support in key areas.
  3. Integration – once they arrive, the new Torontonians will have the ability to access most of the same City services that all other residents have access to. The refugees’ most urgent needs such as housing, clothing and food, will be fulfilled either through the assistance of COSTI Immigrant Services as the Refugee Assistance Provider in Toronto for Government Assisted Refugees, or by sponsors for Privately Assisted Refugees.

To learn more about Afghan resettlement efforts along with information, resources, and supports, please visit the Afghan Refugee Resettlement page.

To learn more about support available for people fleeing Ukraine, please visit the Help for People Fleeing Ukraine page.

Settlement workers are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist newcomers with the following free and confidential services:

  • information on education, employment, healthcare, housing and more
  • referrals to community services and City programs
  • access to language-specific supports across the city of Toronto

This program is offered in partnership with the Toronto Settlement Collaborative, made up of Catholic Crosscultural Services, Centre for Immigrant and Community Services, CultureLink, North York Community House, and The Neighbourhood Organization.

To book an appointment you can call 416-338-0688.

You can also connect with settlement workers at Newcomer Services Kiosks across the city.

Please note that as part of the City’s COVID-19 response, settlement services provided through the Newcomer Services Kiosk Program have transitioned to online/virtual appointments. In-person services are currently unavailable.

Need more information? Please email newcomeroffice@toronto.ca