Host Program participants are recently-arrived newcomers or those newcomers who still need help adapting to their new life in Canada. To be eligible for the Host Program, you must be a permanent resident or someone to whom Citizenship and Immigration Canada intends to grant permanent resident status (a landed immigrant or a convention refugee).

The Host Program is for adults and their families. Some communities have Youth Host for adolescents and young adults.

If you would like to be matched with a Host volunteer, you should be able to commit to getting together several hours each week for a period of time from 4 months to a year. Your local Host Program will match you with a compatible volunteer, based on things like age, common interests, education, profession, and family size.

If you can't make the time commitment for a Host match, ask about group activities that take place less often, or for a shorter period of time.

To join the Host Program

1. Find the Host Program nearest to you.

2. Contact the Host Program for an interview. Bring your permanent resident card or resident papers.

3. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself and your interests.

4. The Host Program may ask you attend an information session with other immigrants.