Settlement and Integration Services

Are you a newcomer to Canada? There are many services that IWSO’s Settlement & Integration Services can offer you. Every year, IWSO assists a significant number of women and their families settle into their new life in Canada, while helping them to develop a sense of belonging.Immigrant Women Services Ottawa understands the challenges that immigrant women go through while trying to adjust to their new life in Canada. We focus on providing personalized information, guidance and support services that are carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of immigrant and racialized women and their families. These services are open to newcomer women who are permanent residents, convention refugee and live-in caregivers.We provide important orientation, information and referral to newcomers to Canada. We offer supportive one-on-one counselling, help in accessing services and programs, referrals and group information sessions on different topics related to health, housing, education, employment, Canadian law, income tax, Child Tax Benefits, immigration and social assistance. We also assist newcomer women with filling various forms such as OHIP, Child Tax Benefits, birth certificates etc.

What do our Settlement Counsellors do?

Our Settlement Counsellors can help connect you to the right information, programs, or services related to:

Who is Eligible?

  • Convention Refugees
  • Permanent Residents
  • Government Sponsored Refugees
  • Live-In Caregivers
  • Orientation to Ottawa
  • Immigration (citizenship, permanent residency and sponsorship applications)
  • Language training and computer literacy classes
  • Education (schools, colleges and universities)
  • Community Programs (activities for the children and for the adults)
  • Income Support (Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Program applications)
  • Childcare and Family Services
  • Access to Health and Medical Care Resources (applying for an OHIP card and finding a family doctor)
  • Finding affordable housing
  • Legal services including referrals

They will also provide you with information on:

  • Successful integration (introduction to Canadian culture, history and values)
  • Your rights and responsibilities as a new resident of Canada
  • Income tax preparation … and much more…

Languages spoken: English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi

Interpreters who speak other languages will be provided with 48 hours’ notice.

Settlement and Integration department also offers variety of programs for women such as:

  •  Employment Services for Immigrant Women
  • Free Computer Training Program
  • Childcare Services
  • Weekly activities including :English Conversation, French Conversation,  Arts and Crafts, Yoga Classes for Women, Sewing , Citizenship Test Preparation

Download Settlement & Integration Activities Schedule Calendar

Immigrant Women Services Ottawa
219 Argyle Avenue, Suite 400
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 2H4
Tel: 613-729-3145
Fax: 613-729-9308