What is the purpose of the Office for Globalization?
The newly formed Office for Globalization was formed by Mayor Greg Fischer to make Louisville a multi-cultural international city ready and capable of competing for talent, investment and global trade on the world stage.
We will take Louisville to the world and bring the world to Louisville.
The office has three focus areas:
The Office for Globalization partners with educational institutions (including JCPS, JCTC, University of Louisville), refugee resettlement agencies (Kentucky Refugee Ministries and Catholic Charities), cultural groups, international organizations (Sister Cities of Louisville and World Affairs Council), and international trade organizations (Kentucky World Trade).
How can I schedule a visit to City Hall by a visiting international delegation?
The 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 574-2003 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. Visit our Resources link to classes offered in the community.
Where can I find citizenship classes?
The Office for Globalization 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?
The office can connect you with an interpreter or translator, to meet you rneeds. Visit our Resources link to the 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 call 574.2003 or contact us using the form below.