You are entitled to certain services from the Gouvernement du Québec upon your arrival if you have submitted an asylum application with the Government of Canada which has been determined to be eligible and you live in Québec.
The federal government is responsible for the asylum application process. Go to the page Irregular border crossings and asylum in Canada for all details.
Services available during the review of your application
While waiting for the Government of Canada's decision concerning your asylum application, you are entitled to services from the Gouvernement du Québec, such as:
- temporary shelter
- assistance in finding permanent housing
- free information sessions on life in Québec.
- last resort financial assistance
- preschool education and elementary and secondary school education
- non-subsidized childcare services and community drop-in childcare activities
- universal employment services
- French courses (without financial assistance)
- legal aid
- social services under the Regional Program for the Settlement and Integration of Asylum Seekers (PRAIDA) of Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) West-Central Montréal, which has two components:
- a psychosocial component: social work services
- a health component: preventive and front-line healthcare
For more information on the services offered to you and how you can access them, see the Guide for asylum seekers in Québec wishing to obtain Québec government services (PDF 196 Kb).
Last-resort financial assistance
When you arrive in Québec, you can apply for last-resort financial assistance, if you are in a precarious financial situation. The purpose of this assistance is to provide you with money for the time it takes to integrate into the job market and participate actively in society.
For more information on last-resort financial assistance, visit the page Social Assistance Program and Social Solidarity Program.
Online application for assistance
You can apply online for last-resort financial assistance. It's quick, easy and secure to complete an online form to:
- submit your application;
- send the necessary documents to analyze your application.
Application for assistance using a paper form
If you wish to obtain a paper version of the application form, call the Customer Contact Centre at 1-877-767-8773 (toll free).
Languages available
- French
- English
Documents to provide with your application
When you submit your application, you must provide:
- your passport
- the document you received from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Social services under the Regional Program for the Settlement and Integration of Asylum Seekers (PRAIDA).
The Regional Program for the Settlement and Integration of Asylum Seekers (PRAIDA) allows you to obtain social services and healthcare.
Contact PRAIDA
- Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 514-484-7878, extension 64500 (Reception desk)
- PRAIDA website
Information services
You can attend a free information session to:
- know the services offered to you
- receive practical advice
- better understand life in Québec
The sessions are given:
- in French
- in English
- in Spanish
For more information, contact one of the following organizations:
La Maisonnée (Montréal)
514 271-3533
Carrefour Le Moutier (Longueuil)
450 679-7111
Centre multiethnique de Québec (Québec)
418-687-9771
Maison de la famille des Maskoutains (Saint-Hyacinthe)
450 771-4010
Service d’aide aux Néo-Canadiens (Sherbrooke)
819 566-5373
Housing assistance
Community organizations have been designated to assist you in finding housing as quickly as possible. You can contact them in complete confidence.
Organizations located in Montréal
Accueil aux immigrants de l’Est de Montréal
514 723-4939
Accueil liaison pour arrivants
514 255-3900
Accueil pour immigrants et réfugiés du Sud-ouest de Montréal — Centre Prisme
514 364-0939
Carrefour d’aide aux nouveaux arrivants
514 382-0735
Centre des femmes de Montréal
514 842-4780
Centre social d’aide aux immigrants
514 932-2953
La Maison d’Haïti
514 326-3022
Organisme pour l’Intégration, la Citoyenneté et l’Inclusion
514 955-5454
Service d’interprète d’aide et de référence aux immigrants
514 738-4763
Organizations located outside of Montréal
Carrefour d’intercultures de Laval
450 686-0554
Carrefour Le Moutier (Longueuil)
450 679-7111
Centre multiethnique de Québec (Québec)
418 687-9771
Maison de la famille des Maskoutains (Saint-Hyacinthe)
450 771-4010
Service d’aide aux Néo-Canadiens (Sherbrooke)
819 566-5373
To obtain the names of other organizations that can assist you outside of Montréal, contact Centre de contacts clientèle du ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration .
For more information on looking for permanent housing, please consult this Checklist (PDF 65 Kb).
Contact the ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration
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Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: from 8:00 to 16:00
Wednesday: from 10:00 to 16:30
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Montreal area: 514-864-9191
Elsewhere in Québec (toll free): 1-877-864-9191
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Last update: February 23, 2023