Start Your Life in Canada Before You Arrive
One of the official, free IRCC-funded pre-arrival services for newcomers with an official pre-arrival letter, currently outside Canada.
Trusted by newcomers from over 110 countries since 2007.
Arrive with a Clear Plan and Trusted Support
Moving to Canada involves important decisions about work, housing, healthcare, and daily life. Planning for Canada helps approved immigrants prepare before they arrive, so you arrive with a clear plan, practical guidance, and connections in your destination so that you can make informed decisions.
Planning for Canada is delivered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the national voice of Canada’s colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education. With locations within 50 km of 95% Canadians, Canada’s colleges offer accessible training to all.
Pre-Eligibility Check
What counts as an IRCC document?
An official IRCC document confirms that you’ve been approved to immigrate to Canada and are eligible for pre-arrival services. Common examples include:- IRCC invitation to obtain pre-arrival services
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) letter/document
- Passport request letter that indicates Permanent Resident Visa issuance
- IRCC request that an applicant for permanent residence complete a medical examination
- Single-Entry Permanent Resident Visa
- Permanent Resident Visa pick-up notification letter
- Offer of Employment to a Foreign National (Atlantic Immigration Program candidates)
This check takes approximately 2 minutes and guides you to the appropriate next step. Final eligibility is confirmed during registration.
What is Planning for Canada?
Planning for Canada is a free pre-arrival service funded by the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for approved economic and family-class immigrants, as well as Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) candidates. We help Immigrants prepare for work and life in Canada through personalized planning, live workshops, self-directed modules and direct connections to trusted partners before they land.
What You Get Before You Arrive
Moving to a new country involves hundreds of decisions. We help you focus on the right ones, so you can arrive prepared, confident, and ready to take your next steps in Canada.
Live Workshops with Practical Guidance
Join interactive workshops covering housing, healthcare, daily life, and employment in Canada. Ask questions, get clear answers, and learn what to expect before you land.
One-on-One Planning Session
During this private 60-minute conversation with an expert facilitator, you will identify your key needs, access reliable resources, and learn about essential pre- and post-arrival steps. Receive a customized Settlement Plan tailored to your needs, destination and intended occupation in Canada.
Trusted Connections to In-Canada Advisors
At the end of your One-on-One session, you will be connected to our in-Canada advisors for personalized settlement and career support. Receive expert guidance tailored to your specific destination and intended occupation.
Self-Directed Resources: E-Learning Modules, Simulations and Comprehensive E-Library
Flexible E-Learning
Learn at your own pace with engaging modules designed to build on your live workshops and one-on-one sessions.
Comprehensive E-Library
Access a digital collection of tools and guides tailored to your specific needs, interests, and destination.
Personalized Exploration
Explore relevant topics based on your destination and personal needs, whenever it is convenient for you.
Areas We Help With:
Housing
Healthcare
Culture
Job Readiness
Training & Education
...and many more
A Quick 2-Minute Overview
Get a realistic overview of how the program works, the steps you’ll take after registering, and what happens next before you arrive in Canada.
Real Stories From Newcomers
Join over 75,000 participants from 145 countries who prepared for life in Canada before they arrived. See how people like you used Planning for Canada to start strong.
Not Ready to Register? Start with Free Guides.
If you’re still gathering documents or exploring your options, you can access free self-paced learning modules, checklists, and practical guides about living and working in Canada.
Download the official checklist used by Planning for Canada participants to prepare the documents they’ll need before travelling to Canada.