Status to Settlement: Supporting the Immigrant Journey Beyond the Paperwork
As Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, our primary responsibility has long been to guide clients through the complexities of immigration law applications, permits, visas, and documentation.
But as Canada continues to welcome over 400,000 newcomers annually, our role must evolve to meet the broader, more human needs of those we serve.
Immigration is not just a legal transaction; it’s a profound life transition. While securing permanent residency or a work permit is a major milestone, it’s only the beginning of a much longer journey. Newcomers must also navigate housing, employment, education, and community integration. Without proper support, many feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn next.
Beyond the Application: The Human Side of Immigration
As RCICs, we know the paperwork is just the beginning. Behind every file is a person navigating one of the biggest transitions of their life.
Newcomers face a whirlwind of decisions:
- Where will they live?
- How will they find work?
- Will their children feel safe and supported in school?
- Who will they turn to when they feel lost or alone?
- How will they learn the language and feel confident using it in daily life?
- What cultural norms or social expectations might feel unfamiliar or intimidating?
- Will they understand their rights and responsibilities as residents of Canada?
- How will they access healthcare, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or mental health needs?
- Will their education and credentials be recognized, or will they need to retrain?
- How will they manage stress, grief, or trauma from their migration experience?
- Will they find a community where they feel seen, heard, and valued?
- Who will explain the “unwritten rules” of Canadian life, like workplace etiquette, banking, or even how to make friends?
We’ve all had those moments in consultation where a client’s eyes reveal more than their words. These questions, spoken and unspoken, are the heart of the immigrant experience. By tuning into them, we move from being legal advisors to trusted guides. Because when we understand what our clients are really facing, we can help them not just arrive but truly belong.
The Integration Gap
This isn’t just about compassion, it’s about retention. According to Statistics Canada, recent immigrants report higher levels of loneliness than Canadian-born individuals, with an average loneliness score of 1.49 compared to 1.36. Mental Health Research Canada also notes that newcomers are at increased risk of mental health challenges due to stress, trauma, and a lack of culturally appropriate services. At the national level, IRCC’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan reflects a strategic shift: over 40% of permanent resident admissions in 2025 will come from temporary residents already in Canada. Many of these individuals face employment barriers due to limited credential recognition and employer-specific work permits. These challenges are not just personal; they’re systemic, and they demand a more empathetic, informed, and collaborative approach from RCICs to ensure newcomers not only come to Canada but choose to stay.
Community Connector
RCICs come from vast backgrounds in various sectors. While this technical expertise is invaluable, it doesn’t always include experience with settlement or integration. Yet RCICs are uniquely positioned to be more than legal advisors; they can be connectors and advocates.
By adopting a more holistic approach, RCICs can:
- Refer clients to housing and employment services
- Support school enrollment and childcare access
- Connect individuals to mental health and wellness programs
- Encourage participation in community-building initiatives
- Share culturally relevant resources and orientation tools
This means cultivating awareness, empathy, and partnerships with local organizations.
Key Resources to Share with Clients
Here are some platforms RCICs can recommend to help newcomers feel supported:
- Settling in Canada : Settling in a new country can be an exciting but challenging experience. Services are available to help clients transition smoothly to everyday life in Canada.
- Welcoming to Canada: Multilingual resources for Newcomers: These resources, which are available in many languages, can help clients find out what to expect in their first few weeks of coming to Canada.
- Welcome to Canada Guide: What you should know: Important things to do before and after your clients arrive in Canada. Every newcomer’s situation is different. This guide provides clear instructions for what clients need to do at different stages.
- IRCC: Free Newcomer Services Near You: Qualified professionals who can help clients successfully adapt to life in Canada.
These tools can help newcomers build confidence, find belonging, and access the services they need to thrive, not just survive.
From Status to Settlement: First-Hand Experiences of RCICs
Mary Adeyanju, Nigerian-born, immigrated to Canada in 2014 as an international student. Early challenges included workplace discrimination and uncertainty about career direction. With guidance from an employment coach, she found clarity and purpose, which led her to become an RCIC-IRB. Today, she mentors newcomers and contributes to integration efforts through the Newcomers Welcoming Network Committee of Lanark and Renfrew Counties. These experiences, combined with her professional expertise, allow her to support clients with empathy and precision. “Immigration is not just about crossing borders; it’s about building bridges to new beginnings.”
Theresa Lamont, a Jamaican born, left her country to settle in Canada in April 2018, after she obtained permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. She experienced a barrier in obtaining a mortgage to purchase a home due to the lack of a credit history. She also struggled to find employment within her first three months. She got help at a YMCA to build her resume and signed up for French lessons. She secured employment after signing with a recruitment agency. Now, she’s an RCIC, helping newcomers navigate their path to Canada. “Rise to the Occasion.”
A Call to Action
In my own work supporting newcomers over the past decade, I’ve seen how transformative it can be when someone feels seen, supported, and connected. Whether it’s helping a family navigate how to enroll their children in school or guiding them to a settlement organization to learn about Canadian workplace norms, these moments matter.
It’s time for RCICs to embrace a broader vision, one that sees each client not as a file, but as a person navigating one of the most profound transitions of their life. By providing integration referrals and support, we can help newcomers not just arrive in Canada but truly belong.
About the Author
Shaye Belanger of Full Circle Immigrant Services is an RCIC with over a decade of experience helping newcomers navigate life transitions. She leads career coaching and integration workshops, builds community connections, and collaborates with professionals to teach, learn, and grow together. Shaye has contributed articles to Charity Village – Village Vibes, CERIC – Career Wise Weekly, and shares insights through podcast appearances. She’s always open to partnerships and available for speaking engagements, workshops, and collaborative initiatives. “Sometimes in the winds of change we find our true direction”
![Shaye Belanger [CICC ID: R530953]](https://capicstorage.blob.core.windows.net/shared/myconsultant/11204-ProfilePhoto.jpg)