W2SK: Newcomer Orientation Program
Are you new to the province?
The “Welcome to Saskatchewan” Newcomer Orientation Program provides you with information you need about life in Saskatchewan and Canada. The knowledge, resources and tools you receive through W2SK will empower you to make informed decisions regarding your settlement in Canada.
This program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
W2SK is offered to PR clients and all other newcomer clients eligible for IRCC-funded programs
About the Program
- The W2SK presentation is available in person, online, or through our self-learning W2SK module
- Topics include:
- Introduction to Canada and Saskatchewan
- The history of Canada and its Indigenous People
- Saskatchewan geography and economy
- Housing options and transportation systems in Saskatchewan
- What to do after you arrive in Saskatchewan (essential steps for settlement)
- Living in Saskatchewan
- Law and safety in Canada
- Childcare options for newcomers
- Our healthcare system, how to access it, and what to do in an emergency
- Canadian parenting practices
- Education for adults, children and youth
- Basics of money management and personal finance
- How to access provincial and federal benefits
- The job market in Saskatchewan
- How to apply for Canadian citizenship
- Settlement resources available for newcomers in Saskatchewan
- The presentation includes a question and answer session where you may ask any questions you have about life in Saskatchewan and Canada.
- The W2SK presentation is available in the following languages: English, Arabic, Mandarin, Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, Bengali, Urdu, Vietnamese, Swahili and Tigrinya.
- Interpretation is available during your session. Childcare may be available.
Please Note: IWS does not provide free assessments for academic enrollment in higher education institutions or for citizenship application.
Who Can Participate?
- 18 years of age or older
- Permanent Residents (Proof of Permanent Residence is required)
- Newcomers approved as eligible to receive IRCC funded programs
- Ukrainians who arrived via the CUAET program are eligible until March 31, 2025
Common Questions About W2SK
Why do I need this program?
- You will be better equipped to access services and resources that will help settle in Saskatchewan and more easily integrate into life in the province.
- You will be more confident to make decisions about your settlement and personal needs.
How soon should I take part in this program after arriving in Canada?
- Within two weeks of arriving in Canada or as soon as you are rested from your journey.
- Contact us as soon as possible to register for the session and avoid delays.
- The session is offered online, or in person. You may also watch a pre-recorded video session.
What documents do I need to bring to my appointment?
- One of the following immigration documents to confirm your Permanent Resident status in Canada:
- Confirmation of PR (CoPR), otherwise called “Landing paper”
- PR Card
- Notice of Decision on your refugee claim (issued by the Refugee Board of Canada.)
- If you came to Canada with a CUAET visa, please have the Work Permit document with you.
- Please note: This session is available online. You may also register and provide your immigration information online.
What should I expect on the day of my appointment?
- Once you register for the session you will receive an email and text message providing the date, time and location of the session or the Zoom link to join online if registered to attend the presentation online.
- Please join on time and listen to the session.
- After the presentation, you may ask questions about settlement in Canada and Saskatchewan,
- You will be asked to complete a short program evaluation survey after the presentation.
- Use the “Program Outline” document shared with you before the session to write down your notes during the session and use them later as a reference.
- If you have more questions about any of the session topics, you may book an appointment for a needs assessment with our staff.
Common Questions About W2SK
- You will be better equipped to access services and resources that will help you settle in Saskatchewan and more easily integrate into life in the province.
- You will be more confident to make decisions about your settlement and personal needs.
- Within two weeks of arriving in Canada or as soon as you are rested from your journey.
- Contact us as soon as possible to register for the session and avoid delays.
- The session is offered online, or in person. You may also watch a pre-recorded video session.
- One of the following immigration documents to confirm your Permanent Resident status in Canada:
- Confirmation of PR (CoPR), otherwise called “Landing paper”
- PR Card
- Notice of Decision on your refugee claim (issued by the Refugee Board of Canada.)
- If you came to Canada with a CUAET visa, please have the Work Permit document with you.
- Please note: This session is available online. You may also register and provide your immigration information online.
- Once you register for the session you will receive an email and text message providing the date, time and location of the session or the Zoom link to join online if you registered to attend the presentation online.
- Please join on time and listen to the session.
- After the presentation, you may ask questions about settlement in Canada and Saskatchewan.
- You will be asked to complete a short program evaluation survey after the presentation.
- Use the “Program Outline” document shared with you before the session to write down your notes during the session and use them later as a reference.
- If you have more questions about any of the session topics, you may book an appointment for a needs assessment with our staff.
