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Resources to support the professional integration of refugees in Canada

Rachel SoDiversity46 minutes agono commentfeatured in the know

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Originally published in 2023. Updated June 2026.

The pursuit of meaningful employment is vital to securing the well-being and essential needs of refugees. Here are resources that career professionals can use to support clients who were forced to leave their homes in search of a new life in Canada.

Programs and tools

CCVT’s Specialized Language and Skills Training Program (Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture) [Program]

The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) offers this program specifically for survivors of torture and war trauma. The training nurtures the individual and incorporates themes that encourage mental well-being and recovery. The training and workplace readiness program aims to equip participants with basic computer skills, office administration and employment support.

Employment Skills Training (The Immigrant Education Society) [Program]

The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) offers this free program specifically for conventional refugees who have already received their official decision to stay in Canada. Operating with multiple intake periods throughout 2026, the curriculum covers four comprehensive categories: Canadian business communication, digital job readiness, job search tactics, and structured professional networking events. Participants also benefit from one-on-one career coaching and regional transit support.

Supporting the Integration of Refugees with Little Formal Education: An Intercultural Approach (CERIC) [Publication]

This comprehensive guide is the result of a three-year research project aimed at supporting the careers and employment of immigrants, with a specific focus on refugees with minimal education. It provides a roadmap for reflection and action around interventions that prove effective for helping refugees obtain jobs they value while respecting intercultural differences. Supporting the Integration of Refugees with Little Formal Education: An Intercultural Approach serves as an essential resource for career advisors and guidance counsellors.

Supporting the integration of refugees with low levels of education: a cross-cultural perspective on counselling (CERIC) [Webinar]

This webinar provides a detailed overview of the challenges faced by refugees with low levels of education to help career professionals design tailored counselling interventions. The session highlights cross-cultural postures, attitudes, and skills required to effectively adjust career development practices for this demographic.

Organizations

Economic mobility (RefugePoint)

RefugePoint helps to match qualified refugees in Kenya with employers in Canada and then supports them throughout the long, challenging process to allow them and their families to immigrate to their new home. More than 100 refugees in Kenya have secured jobs in Canada through the organization’s economic mobility program.

Employment (AURA)

This platform features various tools offering support for refugees and newcomers in their employment and more. AURA is a Canadian charitable organization assisting in the sponsorship and resettlement of refugees. The organization represents the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and refugee-sponsoring community groups.

In-Canada Workers Initiative (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)

Introduced as part of broader economic updates and fully rolling out through 2026 and 2027, this federal initiative accelerates the transition of up to 33,000 in-Canada temporary workers and displaced individuals to permanent residency. The program targets individuals who have already established ties in smaller and rural communities, helping them address long-term regional labour gaps while providing stable career certainty across key sectors

Refugee Hub (ACCES Employment)

ACCES Employment has resources specifically designed to help refugees create a Canadian resume, learn digital learning skills, practice English and more to improve their job search skills.

Resources and Support for Refugees (JVS Toronto)

JVS Toronto offers employment-related programs and services for newcomers, youth, people with disabilities and unemployed jobseekers. It also offers in-depth employment support to refugees, including people from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. This resource page includes a list of JVS Toronto services and companies with programs for people who have been displaced.

Unlocking skilled migration for refugees (Talent Beyond Boundaries)

Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) is a non-profit organization committed to opening labour mobility pathways for refugees and other displaced people. TBB connects refugees with international employment opportunities so that they may work in countries where they can access full rights and stability. They work with Canada, Australia, the US, the UK and Europe.

Welcome Talent Canada (Jumpstart Refugee Talent)

Jumpstart Refugee Talent is a refugee-led non-profit organization and positions itself as the only national organization exclusively serving refugees seeking meaningful economic inclusion. The program Welcome Talent Canada provides newly settled refugees with the tools and resources they need to pursue professional careers and meaningful employment opportunities. The program is centered around refugee jobseekers in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary with advanced English skills.

WES Gateway Program (World Education Services)

The WES Gateway Program assesses the educational credentials of individuals in Canada who have been displaced due to adverse circumstances in their country and have limited proof of academic achievements. The program is available to people educated in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine and Venezuela who meet program requirements.

Additional reading

Rachel So Administrator

Rachel So is the Editor of CERIC’s CareerWise website and CareerWise Weekly newsletter. She brings a strong communications background, with more than seven years of experience in community-centred non-profits and a focus on building connection through clear, accessible storytelling. Rachel holds a BSc with a specialization in environment and health from the University of Toronto.

rachel@ceric.ca