Have you recently immigrated to Waterloo Region? If so, welcome! You’re not alone. Our hope is that you will feel welcomed and supported as you navigate this significant transition in your life. As a church, Waterloo Pentecostal Assembly is here for you, and willing to offer the knowledge we have gathered from around our Region.
- Immigration Waterloo Region – https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/
- Start to explore Waterloo Region and the services waiting to help you succeed
- Compass Refugee Center – https://compassrefugee.ca/about-us/governance/
- Assists, accompanies and advocates for refugee claimants
- KW Multicultural Centre – https://kwmulticultural.ca/home/#programs
- Connect with Professionals in your field and find interpretation/translation services
- The Working Centre – https://www.theworkingcentre.org/
- Job search center, recycled computers, bike share, tax filing, soup kitchen, community garden, housing, shelters, advocacy, social supports, thrift store and more!
- Newcomers Guide to Education for School Aged Children – https://www.canadavisa.com/canadian-education.html
- A guide to understanding the education system for children in Canada
- WRDSB – Multilingual Language Learners – https://www.wrdsb.ca/learning/programs/multilingual-language-learners-mll-department/
- Waterloo Region District School Board – School registration support and information in multiple languages
- Child Care/Daycare Centres – https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/find-quality-child-care-and-early-learning.aspx
- Where to find child care for your infant or toddler
- Settlement.org – https://settlement.org
- If you are new to Ontario, you can find answers to common questions about Ontario
- Settlement Worker Support – https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/en/settle-and-belong/when-you-arrive-book-free-settlement-support.aspx
- A settlement worker is your first connection for information and support when you arrive in Waterloo Region. Settlement workers can help new Canadians in the Kitchener-Waterloo area with needs such as language training, career and employment, housing, health care, education and more.
- OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) – https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card
- Who qualifies and how to apply or OHIP (health coverage)
- Driving in Canada – https://settlement.org/ontario/daily-life/transportation/driver-s-licence/
- Who qualifies and how to obtain a valid drivers license
- Ethnic Food Markets! – https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/en/settle-and-belong/ethnic-foods-and-groceries.aspx
- Where you can find many ethnic and cultural stores and markets in Waterloo Region
- Public Transit – https://www.grt.ca/en/index.aspx or https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/exploring-the-region/transportation-and-transit.aspx
- Learn about the many modes of public transit in the Waterloo Region
- Public Libraries – https://www.wpl.ca/services and https://www.kpl.org/
- The Waterloo and Kitchener Public Libraries offer many services, resources and opportunities. Plus they rent so much more than books. You can also rent sporting equipment, musical instruments, park and museum passes, Chromebooks, and even toys for children.
- English conversation circles and EAL classes – https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/improve-english-french.html
- Great places to find conversation circles and EAL classes
- Government of Canada website – https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada.html?utm_campaign=not-applicable&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_welcome-newcomers
- Lots of information from the Canadian Government on immigrating and establishing in Canada
