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.
Settlement services can help with:
- Understanding life in Canada
- Finding housing and community services
- Finding employment supports
- Accessing multi-language programs
- Registering children for school
- Interpretation and translation services
- Completing forms and applications
- Learning about your rights and responsibilities
- Connecting with community programs and volunteering
On this page:
- Settlement & immigration resources
- Find services for your situation
- Additional resources for Canadian residents
Settlement & immigration resources
Find settlement and immigration resources in Waterloo Region:
- Settlement & immigration resources
- Settlement Services - Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre (KWMC)
- Immigration Partnership Waterloo Region (IPWR)
- YMCA Immigrant Services - YMCA Settlement Services
- Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre (KWMC)
- Compass Refugee Centre
- Reception House Waterloo Region
- The Working Centre
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.
Library Settlement Partnership (LSP) - Waterloo
Additional resources for Canadian residents
These services are commonly used by residents after settling in Ontario.
Health & Identification
Driving & Transportation
- Renew a driver's licence
- Apply for an accessible parking permit
- Register a vehicle
- Buy or sell a used vehicle
Government Services
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.