Settlement and community services

There are organizations across Kitchener and Waterloo Region that can help you adjust to life in your new community.

Settlement workers can help you understand available services, complete forms, access language and employment programs, connect with housing and health resources and build community connections.

On this page:

  1. Settlement & immigration resources 
  2. Find services for your situation
  3. Additional resources for Canadian residents 

 

Settlement & immigration resources

Find settlement and immigration resources in Waterloo Region:

Find services for your situation

Depending on how you arrived in Kitchener, you may require or qualify for different programs. 

Grid of diverse community members displayed in individual portrait photos arranged in a collage.

General newcomer resources
aerial shot of homes and land

Permanent residents & protected persons
Group of people, arms around each other, with sun peaking through

Refugees & refugee claimants
Group of students walking together, in front of school

International students
Group discussion in a meeting room

Temporary & migrant workers
Person holding pride flag with sun coming through

2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers
Group of adults gathering

Cultural, faith & community organizations
Group of students entering library

Public libraries and services

General newcomer resources

For general settlement and immigration resources:

Permanent residents & protected persons

Find federally funded settlement services and programs available to permanent residents and protected persons.

Refugees & refugee claimants

Connect with organizations offering refugee settlement, navigation and community support.

International students

Find community, housing, employment and settlement supports while studying in Waterloo Region.

Government resources

Postsecondary institution resources

Conestoga College

University of Waterloo

Wilfrid Laurier University

Collège Boréal

Anderson College

Temporary & migrant workers

Learn about employment rights, community supports and available services.

2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers

Find inclusive settlement resources and community connections in Waterloo Region.

Cultural, faith & community organizations

Explore Immigration Waterloo Region’s community resources or search 211 Ontario for current organizations and programs.

Public libraries and services 

Your library can be an important place to learn, connect and access services.

Kitchener Public Library⁠

Kitchener Public Library offers free library cards to Waterloo Region residents as well as computers, Wi-Fi, programs, English-learning resources, citizenship-test resources and opportunities to connect with settlement workers. 

Settlement workers can help newcomers in the Kitchener-Waterloo area with needs such as language training, career guidance and employment, housing, health care, education and more. 

The Region of Waterloo Library

The Region of Waterloo Library offers a wide range of resources beyond traditional books. Library members can also access specialized services such as interlibrary loans, accessibility supports, computers and internet access, room bookings, and programs and events for all ages. 

Additional resources for Canadian residents

These services are commonly used by residents after settling in Ontario.

Health & Identification

Driving & Transportation

Government Services

Contact Us

City of Kitchener
200 King Street West,
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 4G7
Telephone: 519-741-2345
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
Email: info@kitchener.ca

Land acknowledgement

The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.