Ottawa Community Immigrant Service

Founded in 1979, Ottawa Community Immigrant Service (OCISO) has dedicated over four decades to empowering immigrants and refugees in their journey to build new lives in Canada. Our team of skilled professionals delivers culturally sensitive support through four strategically located centers across Ottawa, serving approximately 10,000 individuals annually. We specialize in settlement and integration programs that address immediate needs while fostering long-term community engagement, offering services in over 50 languages to clients from 120 countries. Our comprehensive approach includes language instruction through certified LINC programs, career mentorship that bridges newcomers with Canadian workplace culture, and trauma-informed counseling services for survivors of persecution. Recognized for our expertise in multicultural community development, we maintain partnerships with government agencies and local organizations to ensure our clients receive holistic support.

Our programs extend to youth-specific initiatives that develop leadership skills, family counseling services that respect cultural diversity, and specialized legal assistance navigating immigration processes. With a proven track record of successful integration outcomes, we combine deep local knowledge with international best practices to create pathways for newcomers to thrive. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through continuous program evaluation and adaptation to emerging community needs. As a trusted pillar of Ottawa's settlement sector, we maintain transparent operations and prioritize client-centered service delivery. This combination of experience, linguistic capacity, and community partnerships establishes OCISO as a premier resource for immigrant integration in the National Capital Region.