Newcomer & Immigration

The Immigration Partnership is a regional collaborative to attract, welcome and involve newcomers to Canada in our communities. With a focus on enhancing the capacity of the communities in Leeds & Grenville, Ontario. The Partnership brings together organizations and individuals dedicated to assisting newcomers to Canada in becoming involved and contributing members of local communities; the Partnership website with its the Newcomers' Welcome Guide provide links to information. 

Free English Language Classes

TR Leger Language Assessors provide free English language assessments and can help you find an English class that meets your needs. Virtual English classes are available across Ontario. These are free, teacher-led online classes for eligible clients. Your language assessor can help you find the right class and level.

ESL classes are free for eligible newcomers who are:

• Permanent Residents
• Protected Persons
• Convention Refugees
• Provincial Nominees
• Canadian Citizens
• Refugee Claimants

To register, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of registration
• Meet one of the eligibility requirements listed above
• Complete a free English language assessment

Your assessor will explain your English level and help you find an appropriate class.

• TR Leger provides services free to Permanent Residents, Canadian Citizens, Refugee Claimants, with limited services to Provincial Nominees.
• Receive help or find information regarding housing, employment, education, health, transportation, community, and government services, etc.
• Receive help with Permanent Resident card renewal or citizenship applications
• Speak with a Settlement Worker regarding immigration or settlement questions
• Speak to a Settlement Worker in School
• Receive referral services
• Use the computer, internet and phone for online applications, status updates, and or online payments for applications
• Find out about community resources
• Access information on Canadian citizenship
• Receive multilingual information for newcomers to Canada
• Access Canada Connects
• Informal Language (Conversation Circles) when enough interest is generated

Through the SWIS program, newcomer families can meet with a Settlement Worker in their child’s school and receive any needed settlement services. The SWIS worker is also able to assist in communication between the school staff and the clients. SWIS worker may work with an entire family or with the students directly. Newcomers or school staff may contact the SWIS worker for assistance.

For further information, contact UCDSB Settlement and Language Services:
Brandy Smith, Settlement Outreach Worker, Settlement Worker in Schools
brandy.smith@ucdsb.on.ca | Cell phone: 613-803-0653
163 Ormond St., Brockville, ON K6V 2L2
Office phone: 613-345-6781 EXT 3
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-4:00pm

The Brockville and District Multicultural Council is an umbrella organization for ethno-cultural groups. The group produces the biennial Multicultural Festival which connects people from various backgrounds for good food, entertainment and goodwill. For more information, call 613-342-1469.

The province's economic immigration program, allowing employers to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency to fill workforce needs.

Visit the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Resources page

REDI Program Update

The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Program is currently not available. The Counties has re-applied to be a part of the REDI program in 2026/2027. The outcome of this application will be known in fall 2026. 

Take steps toward becoming a permanent resident or Canadian citizen in Leeds Grenville. Discover information on visas, permits and more.