Welcome to Canada!
The YMCA Newcomer Information Centre is where thousands of newcomers come every year to find useful information and helpful support in starting their new life in Canada.
What we offer:
Our friendly, multilingual and knowledgeable staff provides free one-on-one information and referral services on:
- Essential Government Documents and Benefits
- Immigration and Citizenship
- Employment
- Education and Training
- Foreign Credential Assessment
- English and French Language Classes
- Health
- Housing
- Legal and Social Services
- Child, Youth and Family Resources
- Community and Recreation
- Consumer Information
- Personal Finance and Income Tax
- Shelter, Food and Clothing
We also offer a resource centre with computers, fax, photocopier and library.
Monthly Settlement Information Sessions
We offer important settlement information sessions to help you learn about, and prepare for life in Canada. Topics cover: Discovering Canada; Studying in Canada; and Working in Canada.
Check our monthly calendar (PDF) for upcoming dates and to reserve your spot.
Our monthly calendar includes:
Every month, we invite guest speakers from different organizations to talk about specific information you may need. You can meet with presenters from professional associations as well as social, legal, government and educational institutions. Look for topics in our monthly calendar and reserve your spot in the sessions.
The Newcomer Networking Series helps newcomers develop the skills they need to start settling into their new lives. Sessions include:
- Connecting Dots to Employment (PDF) is a program that focuses on employment preparation.
- Let’s talk about it! (PDF) is a program that empowers you with life skills and provides you with a better understanding of Canadian culture and society.
Volunteer opportunities
YMCA Newcomer Information Centre has current and alumni volunteers from more than 30 countries that have come together to:
- Share their experiences
- Learn from one another
- Support each other in their professional and personal goals
Join our family and help other newcomers settle into our community. Check out our volunteer postings.
How to Join?
The service is available to Permanent Residents of Canada, Landed Immigrants, and Convention Refugees.
To access services, you must be at least 13 years old, and come to our center to register as a member with one of the following documents:
- Permanent residence card
- Landing paper
- Notice of decision letter
For more information about YMCA Newcomer Information Centre and other YMCA Immigrant Services, call Newcomer Service Hotline at 416-968-9622 or contact us at immigrantservices@ymcagta.org.
Locations with full services
- Toronto Central Grosvenor St. YMCA Centre
- Toronto (North York) Dufferin Street YMCA Centre
- Toronto (Scarborough) Milner Business Court YMCA Centre
Locations with basic services
- Toronto (Etobicoke) Albion Road YMCA Centre
- Toronto Consumers Road YMCA Centre
- Toronto Reference Library
789 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M4W 2G8
1-416-917-6717 -
Centennial Library
578 Finch Avenue West
North York, ON
M2R 1N7
1-647-400-4730
Are you a community agency working with immigrants?
The YMCA Newcomer Information Centre is dedicated to providing the most appropriate and accurate information and referral services for all immigrants. Every year, we make nearly 90,000 referrals to different government funded immigrant service provider organizations. If you are also providing service to immigrants and would like us to promote your services please contact immigrantservices@ymcagta.org. Thank you for supporting newcomers in their integration into Canadian society.
