Settlement Services
The Settlement Department assists newcomers to meet their immediate and longer-term settlement needs, including information and orientation to the community, referrals to community and social services, solution-focussed counselling and assistance with settlement plans.
The broad range of settlement services offered by the Settlement Department include needs assessment, orientation to the community, assistance with forms and documentation, information about Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) programs based on the IRCC website, referrals to programs within and external to our Centre, interpretation, advocacy and supportive counseling.
We assist with health, housing, education, childcare and many other areas and we can refer you to specialized medical, legal, employment and counseling services when needed. We ensure that you enjoy full access to the programs and services of important public sector agencies such as Canada Revenue Agency(Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST Credit), Service Canada (Social Insurance Number, Employment Insurance, pensions), Service Ontario (Ontario Health Insurance, Ontario Drivers License), and the Region of Niagara (Social Assistance, Niagara Regional Housing, Childcare Subsidy Program, Pro-Kids Program).
As settlement planning is vital to successful settlement, we support you as you articulate your settlement goals and formulate your personalized settlement plan. This plan will assist you to achieve your goals and create a rewarding new life for you and your family in Canada.
Our services are delivered through both personalized individual/family counseling sessions and group sessions. We offer information workshops on key settlement topics as well as group orientation sessions such as the Orientation to Ontario (O2O) workshop offered in four languages.
In our Welcome Centre and settlement office, we offer both electronic (by way of public access computers) and print resources that will help to orient you to your new community. Our information and orientation materials include our Facts Sheets/Welcome Kits, maps of our city, the City’s Leisure Guide, bicycle/trail maps, and brochures about recreational programs and festivals. There are also resource materials on the topics of Canada’s laws and legal system that outline your rights, volunteer opportunities in the community, and community resources such as our public library.
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Mandarin
- Arabic
- Hebrew
- Hungarian
- Turkish
- Nepalese
- Urdu
- Hindi
- Permanent Residents (Landed Immigrants)
- Convention Refugees
- Refugee Claimants
- Canadian Citizens
- Live-in Caregivers
- Minister’s Permit Holders
- We are also able to provide limited service to visitors and international students through our International Student Connect Program.
All settlement services are provided at no cost to clients. Some service limitations may apply.
St. Catharines
Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre
85 Church Street
905-685-6589 Ext: 225
Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Niagara Falls
St. Ann Adult Learning Centre
5895 North Street
289-407-1793
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30am - 4:30 pm (doors close at 4:00 pm)
Due to COVID-19, we are currently offering services virtually.
Resources
The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) is the national regulatory body designated by the government of Canada to regulate professionals who provide Canadian immigration consulting, Canadian citizenship consulting, and international student advising services.
Provides information on acts, rules and regulations pertaining to immigrants and refugees. Also contains information and research on country of origin that can help refugees prepare for their IRB hearing. The site will soon offer an electronic version of the Personal Information Form (PIF).
Provides information and downloadable application forms for Canadian passports. Also contains addresses of passport offices across Canada and information on how to report a lost or stolen passport. There is also information on Canadian travel documents for refugees and stateless persons.
Provides information relating to immigration and citizenship including policy and regulations, the new immigration act, research, statistics, news, publications and the addresses of visa offices abroad. The site contains various application forms (ie. Work permit, sponsorship, citizenship, permanent resident card etc.)
Our Mission
We celebrate and promote cultural, social and economic inclusion and well-being of all immigrants and newcomers.
Our Vision
We are a gateway to equitable, respectful and welcoming communities for immigrants and newcomers in Niagara.
