At InfoTET d’Immigrant Québec, together with our PSTM migrant worker support program, we understand that arriving in a new country and adapting to a new environment can involve many challenges—both administrative and social. That is why we are pleased to introduce one of our most valuable community partners: the Service d’Interprète d’Aide et de Référence aux Immigrants (SIARI), an organization with decades of experience providing concrete support to immigrants, and especially to temporary foreign workers.
SIARI is a community and intercultural non-profit organization that has been working for over 40 years with immigrants, refugees, and their families to support their full integration into Quebec society, serving as a platform organization within our program, with province-wide coverage across Quebec and facilitating access to services tailored to the specific needs of temporary foreign workers (TFW).
SIARI’s core mission is to promote the autonomy of immigrant individuals by offering social, cultural, and linguistic support, enabling them to build a stable and active life in Quebec.
SIARI offers free and personalized services to immigrants regardless of their immigration status—including temporary foreign workers—and many of these services are particularly helpful for those who come to Quebec through work programs.
Services Available Through SIARI
SIARI provides hands-on support with the preparation and and the completion of official forms, including:
- Work permits
- Health insurance card applications (RAMQ)
- Quebec Acceptance and Selection Certificates (CAQ / CSQ)
- Tax benefits and credits
- Social housing applications (HLM)
- Last-resort financial assistance
This support is free and tailored to individual needs, making it especially valuable for TFWs who face language barriers or are unfamiliar with administrative procedures.
For those who do not speak French or English, SIARI offers interpretation, translation, and accompaniment services in many languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Tagalog, Hindi, Wolof, and others. These services help facilitate access to public services, official appointments, and essential procedures.
SIARI also organizes:
- Free French courses and conversation workshops
- Information sessions on key topics such as the healthcare system, labor standards, education, taxes, and daily life in Quebec
- Safe and welcoming spaces to practice language skills within a community setting
These resources help temporary foreign workers not only adapt more easily, but also connect with other immigrants and strengthen their social integration.
In addition, SIARI organizes community activities, food distribution initiatives, and intercultural events, helping to reinforce support networks for migrant families in Montreal.
All SIARI services are completely free and accessible, providing essential support for immigrants facing economic or administrative barriers upon arrival in Quebec.
Located in Montreal (Côte-des-Neiges), SIARI serves as a welcoming community hub where newcomers can receive guidance, answers to their questions, and professional, human-centered support from the moment they arrive.
At InfoTET d’Immigrant Québec, through the PSTM, we are committed to ensuring that temporary foreign workers have access to strong support systems and strategic partners to facilitate their integration and well-being in Quebec. SIARI is undoubtedly one of those partners that helps turn challenges into opportunities.
Photos: SIARI
