What is the purpose of the Office for International Affairs (OIA)?
The Office serves as a central point of contact for the community, providing information on international issues and assisting local immigrants as well as those who serve them. The Office is also the link to City government for two independent agencies: Sister Cities of Louisville and Kentucky World Trade.
How can I schedule a visit to City Hall by a visiting international delegation?
OIA staff will be glad to host your tour group in a visit to City Hall. However, the Mayor is not always able to greet your visitors. To schedule a visit, call us at 574-4774 or email us below.
What is the relationship of the Bureau for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the INS) with your office?
The USCIS is now a division of the Department of Homeland Security. They are responsible for the administration of immigrant and naturalization adjudication functions and establishing immigrant services policies and priorities. The Louisville field office is located in the Gene Snyder Building at 6th and Broadway. The office hours for the public are 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. M-F. You may also acccess information on their website, www.uscis.gov. OIA refers individuals with questions about specific immigration problems and issues to the USCIS.
Where can I find English As A Second Language classes?
Several schools and organizations offer English As A Second Language classes. Click here to access the International Directory.
Where can I find citizenship classes?
The Office for International Affairs in partnership with Kentucky Refugee Ministries offers citizenship classes for all interested immigrants and refugees year round. For details, contact OIA at 574-4774.
Citizenship classes for refugees only are provided at Kentucky Refugee Ministries. For details call Kentucky Refugee Ministries at 479.9180
Does your office provide interpreters and translators?
OIA does not provide interpreters or translators directly; however we have created a database of interpreters who have received professional training. Click here for Community Language Bank.
I am traveling abroad and would like to take gifts or mementos from Louisville with me. Can you help?
Our office does not provide mementos or gifts, but we can help you identify sources of small, inexpensive and culturally appropriate Louisville Metro items. For more information, please email us below.
I am an employer of immigrants, and I don’t always understand the documents being presented to me for employment verification. Can you help?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) produces a "Handbook for Employers." You can access the document from their website, www.uscis.gov under Immigrant Handbooks and Manuals.
I need a speaker for my organization. Do you provide this service?
We will be glad to work with you in determining the particular interest of your organization and the most suitable speaker from either our staff or the international community. For more information, please email us below.