Help For Immigrants

We help immigrants and internationals with a variety of issues, ranging from housing and employment to starting a new business, accessing affordable health care, assistance in filling out forms, or even taking a driver's license exam. 

The Welcome Center works actively with community partners and service providers who bring to the table their own areas of expertise.  Together we function effectively and efficiently while concentrating on helping you.

We want to hear all your problems, concerns, praises, or ideas regarding living in, moving to, or remaining in the greater Pittsburgh region.  Free help, advice, and encouragement from the Welcome Center staff is a visit, click, or call away. All you need to do is take that step.  We look forward to serving you.  The programs described in this section are just a small sample of the help we can provide:

English Programs

If you are interested in improving your English, the Pittsburgh region has a variety of excellent schools for English as a second language. Whether you want basic instruction, or want to improve your writing or other skills, we can suggest different options, introduce you to service providers, and make appointments for evaluations.

Housing

We can help you move to the region or if you are already here. Contact us if

• You want to meet realtors who speak your language and/or know a particular neigbborhood;
• You are looking for plumbers, electricians, or other types of repairmen;
• You are looking for an apartment or house to rent and want more options;
• You plan to visit for a few months and need a furnished apartment.

Job Placement and Career Counseling

If you have the legal right to work, we can connect you to counselors who provide career advice and help you explore different job options. Some of our clients are people who have recently been laid off or terminated, who are re-entering the job market, or who are seeking a career change.  Others are looking for employment in high-demand fields, such as nursing or other health-related fields.  As with our other services, we want to help you be successful in southwestern Pennsylvania, to contribute to the global competitiveness and the economic vitality of the region.

Help for Small Business Owners

Immigrants own hundreds and hundreds of businesses in the Pittsburgh region. These range from information technology companies and engineering firms to retail stores and restaurants. If you want to start or expand your small business in southwerstern Pennsylvania, we can help you find the support you need by: 

• Hosting visits to the region;
• Providing information to help you make more informed business decisions;
• Giving advice on financing options;
• Connecting you to consultants who can provide more detailed assistance
• Offering guidance on working with state or county programs.
• Any other questions you may have.

Immigration and Naturalization

Come visit us, if one or more of the following applies to you:

• You want to find out if you are eligible for a green card.
• You are interested in becoming a citizen.
• You have questions about your visa status or you want to change your visa status.
• You want information about the Diversity Visa Lottery.
• You need assistance in finding, filling out and filing any immigration forms and applications.
• You have been a victim of domestic violence or human trafficking and want to understand how this may affect your visa status.
• You want to apply for asylum or you have already been granted asylum and need additional immigration services.

We will introduce you to legal advisors and attorneys who can provide you with answers to many of your questions.

Again, these programs are just a small sample of the support we can provide.  Contact us today!