Immigrant Welcome Centre
Have you recently arrived in Canada?
We are here to help. ICA’s Settlement Services team can work with you to identify your settlement goals, and help you use your strengths and resources to meet your settlement needs.
We provide family and individual support to help navigate the many aspects of your settlement process in the Capital Region.
Required Documents
- Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residency
- IFH (Interim Federal Health) card
- Single Journey Document
- Passport/Visa
- Citizenship Card, and/or any other immigration papers that you hold.
“I was fourteen years old when I came to Canada. The staff at ICA understood what it was like to be a newcomer, to be at school and to feel different. They made it all okay, and helped me to be confident in who I am.”
Mariam Batool
Immigrated from Pakistan
Due to COVID-19, appointments are required for all meetings.
Once you have an appointment or have met with a Settlement Worker, if you have any more questions, you can contact the Settlement Worker over the phone or other teleconferencing methods.
Based on your goals, our Settlement Team may provide the following:
- Orientation on topics related to life in Canada, including government programs, community resources, rights and responsibilities, the education system and family matters
- Support for settlement challenges including:
- Dealing with Isolation and Culture Shock
- Healthcare Information
- Housing Research
- Education (upgrading, and training)
- Canadian Law and Income Tax
- Childcare (family concerns)
- Social Benefits
- Referals for Employment Services and Support
- Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection
- Human Rights
- LGBTQ+ Support
- Supports for Victims of Gender-Based Violence
Learn English (LINC)
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) provides English language training from beginner to advanced levels for adult newcomers to Canada. LINC is funded by the Government of Canada and is FREE for eligible students.
STEP 1 – INTAKE
The Settlement Client Navigator will conduct a phone interview with you.
During this meeting, the Settlement Client Navigator will:
- Ask you about your immigration status and contact information. Please have your immigration information ready (e.g. Permanent Resident Card, Passport/Visa, Citizenship Card). Also, other personal information will be recorded in our secure database system (address, phone number).
- Based on your initial session, the Settlement Client Navigator will explain the role of a Settlement Worker and/or other staff roles of pertinent to your circumstances and how they will be able to help you.
- Following the remote intake session, you will be given direction on a date and time for your first meeting with your Settlement Worker and/or pointed in the right direction to help meet your needs.
STEP 2 – SETTLEMENT WORKER
Our Settlement Workers speak the following languages: Arabic, Cantonese, Dinka, Dari, English, French, Japanese, Mandarin, Nuer (Sudanese), Persian, Shilluk, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, and Vietnamese.
Settlement Workers can help you access ICA services such as Language Services, Employment Services, specialized courses and activities for seniors, women, men, and youth.
Settlement Workers are an excellent source of support, information, and referral. We hope you come see us and learn how we can help you.
*NOTE: there may be some exceptions for in person communication using social distancing in some situations. In person appointments must be made by the settlement client navigator or settlement workers only. You will be asked screening questions prior to entering the building.
To access Settlement Services, phone our main office at (250) 388-4728 and notify reception that you are a new client. Your call will be forwarded to the Settlement Client Navigator to initiate your intake process to register as an ICA client.
Settlement Workshops & Training
At ICA we offer a variety of workshops, skills training and social opportunities to help you build a strong sense of community, learn new skills and improve your English as you settle into your new home in Greater Victoria.
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
A school-based outreach program aimed at helping eligible newcomer students (immigrants and refugees) and their families settle and integrate into their school and community.
Employment Services
Whether you are a newcomer to Canada or an immigrant who has been here for many years, our Employment Services team can assist with job search and skills training programs to help you find work in the Canadian job market.