Chances are you’ve already been invited to attend pre-departure seminars like the Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA), Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) or Active Engagement and Integration Project (AEIP). These seminars provide information on topics such as employment, housing, health, settlement services, and life in Canada. These will not only help you in your preparation and planning but will also connect you to settlement supports that may need once you’re in Canada. In some countries, it is mandatory for emigrants to attend state-sponsored pre-departure seminars to be allowed to leave the country.
Meanwhile, Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) is a free program that prepares you specifically for employment. It offers one-on-one information sessions, free courses and employment counselling to help you arrive prepared to work in Canada.