Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced changes to the eligibility criteria for federally funded settlement and employment support services, including free Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes.
These adjustments will be implemented as part of the Government of Canada’s 2025 fiscal Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER): Planned reductions by organization.
(For more information, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/changessettlement-service-eligibility-economic-immigrants.html)

■ Summary of Changes

The eligibility period for IRCC-funded free settlement services for individuals who obtained permanent residence through an
economic immigration program will be adjusted as follows:

• Effective April 1, 2026: Services will be available up to 6 years after obtaining Permanent Resident (PR) status
• Effective April 1, 2027: Services will be available up to 5 years after obtaining PR status

■ Service Information

KCWA is a settlement service agency funded by IRCC and delivers services in accordance with federal eligibility requirements. As such, we are required to follow the revised eligibility criteria established by the Government of Canada.
Accordingly:

• Permanent Residents are required to verify their eligibility by providing their UCI (Unique Client Identifier) number.
• If you are not eligible, access to certain IRCC-funded settlement services may be limited or delayed.

■ KCWA’s Commitment

While complying with the revised federal policy, KCWA remains committed to ensuring that essential supports, including initial settlement information, employment assistance, community connections, and language and social integration guidance, continue to be delivered effectively to eligible newcomers.

If you have questions regarding your service eligibility, please contact us at 416-340-1234 or kcwa@kcwa.net.
KCWA remains dedicated to supporting the stable settlement and successful integration of Korean newcomers in Canada.

* Family Services continue to be available to anyone in need of support, without restriction, as before. *