Settlement Program
The Settlement Program is designed to assist you in settling and adjusting to your new life in Kamloops and the TNRD region. You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Settlement Counselor, either in-person, over the phone, or via video chat, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During this meeting, the counsellor will help you create a settlement plan tailored to your specific needs and provide you with relevant information, resources, options, and referrals.
Services for you and your FAMILY
To determine which services are best for you, our Settlement Counselor will assess your specific needs and priorities together with you.
We are here to assist you with information and resources related to Kamloops and the nearby communities.
A client-centred and comprehensive approach to delivering settlement programs for newcomers facing multiple barriers to integration.
Settlement Programs
Women Empowerment
It provides a comprehensive approach to supporting women, youth, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities in regaining their sense of belonging and empowerment.
For Children, Youth and Families
We work with children, youth, families, and caregivers to develop strengths, build capacity, promote healthy development, and support the settlement journey.
Temporary Foreign Workers
We assist migrant workers in the Kamloops and TNRD regions to help them understand their workplace rights and access services.
International Students
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a leading destination for international students in Canada. International enrolment now exceeds 3,500 students from 100+ nations worldwide.
Information For Refugee Claimants
Do you already hold refugee status in Canada? The Immigrant and Refugee Board of Canada’s Claimant’s Kit provides basic information about how decisions are made about refugee protection in Canada
Our Settlement Program starts with a one-on-one meeting with a Settlement Support Worker or a Settlement Counsellor either in person, over the phone or via video chat Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. We support permanent residents, refugees, temporary workers, international students, refugee claimants, provincial nominees and naturalized citizens.
Settlement Program
Needs Assessment
To determine what services make the most sense for you, our Intake Worker or Settlement Counsellor will help you by evaluating with you your specific needs and priorities.
- Create a settlement plan for you
- Give you information about settling in Kamloops
- Sign you up for our agency programs and services
- Refer you to resources and services in your community
Information & Orientation
You will probably be experiencing a bit of “culture shock” when you arrive in Canada. We will help by explaining some of the cultural differences and useful facts about Kamloops and the surrounding communities. You will learn about health care, education, and more to ensure a smooth transition. This can be done individually and in group settings.
- First steps as a newcomer
- Important documents
- Access to health and wellness information, including medical,
paramedical and dental services - Housing options and tenancy agreements
- Information on banking and budgeting
- Community supports and programs (family resource centers, libraries, recreation facilities)
- Federal and provincial services and programs (Social Insurance number, Child Tax Benefit, BC Health Card, Income Assistance)
- Life in Canada (laws, rights and responsibilities)
- Information about the school system
- Programs for children and youth
- Language training
- Employment services
- Permanent Resident Card renewals
- Citizenship application and preparation for test/interview
- Other settlement matters that arise
KIS En Route Program
The En Route program is KIS one-on-one enhanced client support service if you face multiple barriers in your settlement pathway or if you are experiencing a crisis. Our program Navigator will provide you the support needed and set goals with you.
Activities and community resources will be identified to lift those barriers and optimize your well-being including Crisis Intervention Counselling.
Settlement Counsellor in Schools (SWIS)
SWIS assisting Permanent Resident and Refugee families with:
- School registration and orientation
- Understanding school policies and procedures
- Communicating with teachers and administrators
- Connecting with school, community services and resources including access to recreation for low income families
- Workshops and information sessions (Parenting in Canada, Lunchbox nutrition)
- Advocating for newcomer students and families.
Employment-Related Services
KIS offers one-on-one employment counselling and workshops to help you get a job and guide you to start your own business. The employment specialist will help you define your skills, qualifications, experiences and identify your career goals. We will help you access reliable information regarding labour market trends, job search skills and help you find work in your field of expertise.
Language Services
KIS offers English Instruction from literacy level to level 8. This program is suited for all levels of literacy, age groups, genders and backgrounds. Our classes will help you meet individual language and literacy goals so you can effectively communicate and engage in everyday life in your community, at work or school as quickly as possible.
Community Connections
KIS Community Connections program provides free activities to increase your social connections and gain awareness of Canadian heritage, culture and life in Canada.
By participating in Community Connections programs you will build your leadership skills, practice your English, engage across cultures and make a positive change in your community.
We offer free programs and activities that help you access community resources, share interactive and educational experiences and build cross cultural connections.
For a list of our events, please refer to our monthly calendar which includes weekly, monthly and seasonal activities. Community Connections are welcoming, easily accessible and family friendly for everyone!
