Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) is a community-based non-profit organization that has been serving immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta since 1981. Based in Calgary, CCIS provides settlement, language, employment, and refugee resettlement programs designed to help newcomers adapt, integrate, and thrive in Canadian society. It works in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Government of Alberta, and the City of Calgary.

Programs and Services

CCIS operates over 70 programs across multiple service locations, covering every stage of the newcomer journey—from arrival to long-term community and economic participation.

• Settlement and Integration: orientation sessions, housing support, access to healthcare, and connections to community and social services.
• Language Training: federally funded LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes and English conversation programs to improve communication and job readiness.
• Employment Services: mentorship, skills development, and specialized bridge-to-work programs for internationally trained professionals.
• Refugee Support: government-assisted and privately sponsored refugee programs, including temporary housing, trauma-informed counselling, and community sponsorship coordination.
• Youth, Family and Women’s Programs: parenting workshops, youth leadership, and empowerment initiatives for immigrant women.

Strengths

• Regional leadership: CCIS is recognized as Southern Alberta’s primary newcomer service provider.
• Cultural diversity: staff and volunteers represent more than 60 nationalities, offering services in multiple languages.
• Collaborative network: partnerships with schools, employers, municipalities, and community organizations ensure comprehensive support.
• Strong advocacy role: CCIS promotes diversity, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for all newcomers.

Summary

With more than four decades of experience, CCIS combines compassion, professionalism, and innovation in newcomer integration. Its holistic model—spanning settlement, language, employment, and refugee services—makes it a cornerstone of Alberta’s immigrant-serving network and a vital resource for newcomers building a future in Canada.