The 2026 Guide to Immigration Services in Toronto
Summary of Key Points:
Toronto’s newcomer population continues to rise, with South Asian, Chinese, Filipino, Caribbean, African and Middle Eastern communities making up some of the city’s largest and fastest-growing groups. Key services supporting new arrivals include settlement agencies such as COSTI and the YMCA, city-run resources through the Toronto Newcomer Office, and community health providers like Access Alliance and IWHC. All immigrants completing their IRCC process must undergo an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) through an approved Panel Physician.
Estimated Reading Time: ~5–6 minutes
What You’ll Learn:
Key newcomer services in Toronto
Major immigrant communities
How to complete the mandatory IME
Where to go if you need extra help
Next Steps:
Explore the settlement agencies listed
Choose language/job programs
Book your IME with Panel Physician if you need one
The 2026 Guide to Immigration Services in Toronto
Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada, thanks to its rich mix of immigrant communities. Canada's inclusive immigration policies have made Toronto a prime destination for newcomers seeking better opportunities, safety and a higher quality of life. Prominent expat communities in Toronto include people from South America, South Asia, China and many other places around the world.
All newcomers to Toronto deserve to be connected to appropriate resources that can help them settle and integrate. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important immigration services available in the city and how to access them.
Learn more: A Guide to Finding Immigrant Organizations in Canada
Prominent Immigrant Groups
Toronto remains one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with well-established immigrant communities that continue to shape the city’s economic, social and cultural landscape. Below are some of the largest and most influential groups based on the latest available census and municipal newcomer data.
South Asian Community
Population: The largest immigrant-origin group in the Toronto area, representing roughly 19% of residents, with major communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Influence: Strong economic presence in technology, healthcare, finance and education. South Asian festivals, cuisine and small businesses contribute significantly to Toronto’s cultural identity.
Chinese Community
Population: One of Toronto’s oldest and most prominent communities, with deep roots in areas like Chinatown, Scarborough and Markham.
Influence: Major contributions to business development, retail, banking, real estate and Toronto’s distinctive food culture. The community maintains strong intergenerational networks and cultural institutions.
Filipino Community
Population: Among the top sources of recent immigrants, with the Philippines ranking high in Toronto’s newcomer intake (over 10% by place of birth).
Influence: A growing workforce presence in healthcare, education, caregiving and service industries, alongside strong community organizations and cultural associations across the GTA.
Caribbean Community
Population: Well-established communities from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and other Caribbean nations.
Influence: A major cultural force in music, the arts and civic life. Events like Caribana remain some of the largest cultural celebrations in North America, drawing international visitors and shaping Toronto’s identity.
African Community
Population: Includes significant and growing populations from Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Somalia and other African nations.
Influence: Increasingly visible in business, public service, education, arts and community leadership. African community organizations play key roles in settlement support and cultural programming.
Middle Eastern & West Asian Community
Population: Expanding newcomer groups from Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan, with strong growth over the past decade.
Influence: Vibrant contributions to Toronto’s culinary scene, entrepreneurship, STEM fields and cultural festivals, alongside active settlement and refugee-support networks.
Learn More:The Beginners Guide to Immigrating to Canada
Immigration Resources in Toronto
Toronto offers a wealth of resources to support newcomers in their immigration journey so they can thrive in the city. Here are some of the most important, including language training, job search assistance, cultural integration services and more:
COSTI Immigrant Services
COSTI is one of the largest multicultural service agencies in Canada, providing employment, language training and settlement services. The Toronto-based organization helps thousands of newcomers each year by offering programs that ease the transition to life in Canada, including housing assistance and youth services.
Toronto Newcomer Office
The Toronto Newcomer Office is a city-run initiative that provides information and resources to help newcomers settle and integrate into the communities of Toronto. It’s a key resource for immigrants, offering access to information on housing, healthcare, education and legal rights.
YMCA Greater Toronto
The YMCA of Greater Toronto offers free resources to immigrants. As a newcomer, you’ll be able to attend information sessions to get to know your new community better, get settlement advice and assistance and more.
IWHC (Formerly Immigrant Women's Health Centre)
IWHC specializes in providing healthcare services tailored to immigrant and refugee women in Toronto, including reproductive health, mental health and chronic disease management. This organization plays a crucial role in ensuring that immigrant women, who may face unique health challenges, receive the care they need in a culturally sensitive manner.
Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services
Access Alliance is another resource that provides health services, community programs and support for immigrants, refugees and their families. Newcomers can have their health needs addressed and receive access to healthcare and social services.
Panel Physician
At Panel Physician, we provide a mandatory step for newcomers in Canada. Our doctors are approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to perform the Immigration Medical Examination (IME), which is an important requirement for most newcomers.
Our locations throughout the GTA make it easier for newcomers to complete this requirement locally and ensure timely processing of their immigration applications. Visit us book an appointment today.
Learn More: How to Prepare For Your Immigration Medical Exam in 2025
Find The Right Resources For You
Ensuring that newcomers in Toronto can access and utilize the resources available to them is crucial for their successful integration. These resources provide essential support, from healthcare and legal advice to employment and language training.
By connecting with these services, newcomers can navigate the complexities of settling into a new country and ultimately contribute to the vibrant diversity that makes Toronto unique.
If you’re in the process of immigrating to Toronto, be sure to schedule your Immigration Medical Exam if you haven’t done so already, and browse the FAQ below to learn more about immigration services available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toronto’s Immigrant-Friendly Institutions
What is the Toronto Newcomer Office?
The Toronto Newcomer Office is a city-run initiative that provides information and resources to help immigrants settle and integrate into Toronto. It offers guidance on housing, healthcare, education and more.
What Services Does COSTI Immigrant Services Offer?
COSTI provides a wide range of services: language training, employment services, settlement assistance and housing support.
How Does the Immigrant Women's Health Centre Assist Newcomers?
The Immigrant Women's Health Centre offers healthcare services specifically tailored to the needs of immigrant and refugee women, including reproductive health, mental health and chronic disease management.
Where Can Immigrants Find Healthcare Services in Toronto?
Newcomers to Canada can book Immigration Medical Exams (IMEs) through organizations like Panel Physician Toronto, and can find other healthcare resources through organizations like Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services. These organizations provide health services, community programs and support for newcomers.
Why is an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) Necessary?
An IME is required for many immigrants to ensure they meet Canada’s health standards. It’s a key step in the immigration process, and our doctors at Panel Physician Toronto are authorized to perform these examinations by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Schedule your appointment today.
