Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA)

Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) is an Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funded program that delivers free pre-arrival services for job readiness, success and retention.

Contact – Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA)
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SOPA Helps Newcomers Arrive Prepared to Canada

  • SOPA offers various resources and courses at no charge. These include: one-on-one orientation, job search support, employment counselling, and workplace culture training, as well as referral to a wide range of post-arrival services upon entry to Canada.
  • SOPA offers nine (9) online courses that introduce newcomers to the Canadian Labour Market and give them the opportunity to learn about the unique characteristics of the Canadian workplace and how to integrate effectively into their field of employment in Canada. The program also highlights the importance of Soft Skills for success in the workplace.

Arrive in Canada Prepared

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45% SOPA clients across Canada found a job within the first 3 months

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SOPA has offices in 6 provinces and covers all provinces and territories

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Offers 3 employment related courses, 4 soft skills courses, 4 soft skills live webinars, various networking and employer events

SOPA Extends Services to Help Newcomers Arrive Prepared

  • Ready to Work program launched in 2021 to further help newcomers arrive prepared for new life in Canada
  • Newcomer Network Ambassador program created that welcomes SOPA alumni to share their settlement experience through social media and encourage others in their journey
map of canada with the 6 regional offices of SOPA, also on their website

Program Frequency:

Ongoing, continuous enrollment

What’s Available:

Courses and Services – Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA)

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions (SOPA)

Eligibility Criteria

  • Live outside Canada
  • Have received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to immigrate to Canada. You must have one of the following documents:
  • – A confirmation of Permanent Residence document
    – A letter notifying pick up of Canadian visa (for Permanent Resident applicants only)
    – A request for medical examination letter
    – A passport request letter
    – A Canadian visa (but have not landed in Canada yet)
    – An IRCC invitation letter to obtain pre-arrival services
  • English level (IELTS) 5.5 or higher
  • Access to a computer and high speed Internet

Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

An individualized Action Plan

Facilitated courses on job search strategies and soft skills

Self-guided course options

One-on-one employment and career counselling

External referrals as relevant

See What Past Clients Have to Say About Their Experience!

I got a positive reply from the employer, and I landed a new role in my first attempt (while still in Nigeria). All thanks to Mar and the SOPA team. This is one of the most exciting moments in my career, and I am really appreciative of a platform like SOPA.

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