Impact the lives of migrants
The Immigration and Settlement Studies (ISS) MA is Canada’s first and only comprehensive graduate program dedicated to the advanced study of immigration policy, services and experiences. Our unique interdisciplinary approach enables you to explore immigration trends, policies and programs in the Canadian context.
Apply now for Fall 2026.
Format
Practicum- or MRP-based master’s, one-year full-time or two years part-time
Degree Earned
Master of Arts (MA)
Who it's for
- Immigration and settlement services professionals
- Individuals with experience working with refugees and recent immigrants
What to expect
- Learn from diverse faculty experts in a unique interdisciplinary learning environment
- Gain real-world experience in immigration via the Practicum stream
- Prepare for rewarding careers in government, community and private organizations
Program highlights
Immigration is more relevant than ever in today’s global socio-economic climate. The ISS program equips you with the essential skills and industry connections to excel in this important field. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of the migration process, global mobility and the effect of immigration and settlement in Canadian and international contexts.
Interdisciplinary approach
Learn from leading researchers from various disciplines.
In-person impact
Face-to-face learning for effective leadership and collaboration.
Industry-connected
Engage with fellow researchers in Metropolis conferences and presentations, and TMU Global Migration Institute researchers.
Flexible format
Choose full- or part-time study to suit your schedule.
Expert faculty
Benefit from professors with significant real-world immigration experience.
Real-world learning
Gain first-hand experience with leading government and community immigration service organizations.
Immigration careers remain stable and in demand due to a continued need for qualified professionals to support migrants.
Launch your career
ISS graduates are prepared to succeed in a variety of fields, including:
- Government
- Policy and public administration
- Immigration law
- Settlement and integration
- Academic institutions
- Advanced graduate studies (PhD or law degrees)
- Non-profit and private organizations supporting migrant communities
- NGOs
“The ISS MA program cemented my aspirations in becoming an immigration lawyer and gave me the tools and confidence to pursue it with unwavering focus. Enrolling in ISS is one of the best career decisions I have made.”
Alumni Profile
ISS alumna Janika Oza’s acclaimed debut novel A History of Burning began as her MRP, which explored community spaces in Toronto such as immigrant-owned restaurants that serve as a third space for migrant communities.
Based on her family history, Janika’s novel explores the concept of home, and was shortlisted for a Governor General’s Literary Award and included in The New York Times Book Review’s 100 Notable Books of 2023.
After graduating from TMU, Janika worked as a refugee settlement counsellor and school settlement counsellor at several TDSB schools while writing her novel.
“Much of what I was thinking through and learning about in the ISS program informed and influenced the book."
Your future in immigration starts here
Join us and become a leader in this critical field through a program that explores immigration trends, policies and programs from interdisciplinary perspectives. Start your journey to a rewarding career in immigration and settlement.