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First steps for settlement (PDI) in Montréal – AIEM
First steps for settlement (PDI) in Montréal – AIEM
Understanding Québec, organizing your steps, and starting your integration journey with confidence
In brief
An official, free, and recognized information session for newcomers, designed to help you understand essential steps upon arriving in Québec and to connect you with free services in Montréal, especially in the East end of the city.
Welcome to Québec: an essential first step
The First steps for settlement (PDI) is an official information session offered by the Accueil aux immigrants de l’Est de Montréal (AIEM).
It supports immigrants from the moment they arrive by helping them understand priority steps, navigate Québec systems, and reduce common settlement challenges.
This session serves as a structured entry point into the integration journey in Québec.
What is the purpose of the First steps for settlement session?
The PDI helps participants :
- understand essential administrative steps
- navigate Québec’s main public systems
- identify free services available in Montréal
- organize their settlement in a safe and efficient way
- lay the foundation for an integration action plan.
Session content
The session covers, in a clear and accessible way, topics such as :
The Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Health insurance (RAMQ)
Opening a bank account
Housing search and tenant rights
Enrolling children in school or daycare
The Québec school system and welcome classes
Learning French
Integration into the labour market and public employment services
free settlement and integration services
Democratic and Québec values
Orientation toward relevant resources.
Content is adapted to immigration status, family situation, and level of French knowledge.
Format and delivery
- The PDI is offered as a group or individual session.
- The duration is three hours.
- The service is free and offered in French.
- Sessions are facilitated by AIEM staff using a clear, structured, and interactive approach.
To learn about upcoming PDI dates, participants may contact AIEM.
Who is the PDI for?
The session is intended for immigrants aged 18 and over, including :
- permanent residents
- eligible temporary residents
- recognized refugees
- individuals authorized to apply for permanent residence
- naturalized Canadian citizens.
Visitors and tourists are not eligible for this session. When situations are specific, AIEM staff may help orient individuals toward other appropriate resources or options.
An up-to-date AIEM file is required to participate.
A service recognized by the Government of Québec
The First steps for settlement session is recognized as an official information session supporting the settlement of immigrants in Québec.
A strong local presence in East Montréal
At AIEM, the PDI is adapted to the realities of people settling in Montréal and the eastern part of the island.
Staff take into account local resources and services to guide participants toward nearby organizations and programs, particularly in Saint-Léonard, Anjou, Rivière-des-Prairies, and Pointe-aux-Trembles, depending on place of residence.
What happens after the PDI?
The session helps participants better understand the next possible steps in their integration journey, based on their situation.
After the PDI, participants may be referred—when appropriate—to other AIEM services such as :
All referrals are voluntary and based on individual needs.
Et après la PDI ?
The session allows to be directed towards other AIEM services, according to your needs:
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes. Participation is completely free.
This service is offered thanks to the financial participation of the Government of Québec, as part of the Programme d'accompagnement et de soutien à l'integration (PASI), administered by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI).
