The settlement services at ASAAP cater to newcomers from South Asia and the Middle East who are living in the GTA and identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ+), and/or living with HIV. We do this by offering one-on-one support, workshops, and referrals to assist individuals in settling into their new life in Canada.   

 

Eligibility Criteria

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• Permanent Residents of Canada. 

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• Individuals who have been selected to become permanent residents (pending verifications) and who have been informed, by a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 

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• Protected Persons as defined in Section 95 of Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IPRA). 

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• Temporary foreign workers who hold or received approval of a work permit under section 112 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) or received initial approval for permanent residence under section 113 of the IRPR. 

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Objectives

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• Connecting newcomers to community resources and supports.  

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• Helping newcomers in their settlement and integration process. 

 

• Identifying your needs and assets to provide you with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about your settlement, taking into account, the unique barriers and challenges that are faced by LGBTQ+ and/or people living with HIV newcomers. 

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• Providing  orientation about life in Canada. 

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• Providing referrals to IRCC funded or community services based on your needs and goals. 

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Services

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• Group Information & Orientation Sessions (financial literacy, skills upgrading for employment, foreign credentials assessment, bridging programs, and family-related topics). 

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• One-on-One Support. 

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• Community Resources. 

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• Referrals: Internal and External (related to skills upgrading, language training, translation services, recreation programs, employment and legal services, food banks, free furniture, and other community services). 

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• Translation & Interpretation. 

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• Transportation Support for those who would not otherwise be able to access the services.