There are several agencies in Calgary that offer services for newcomers. We've compiled this list for easy access.
Community Resource Guide
Click here to open the Community Resource Guide of Foothills Alliance Church's compassion ministry, complete with an extensive list of agencies and resources in the community.
Best Practices Resource
Best Practices in Supporting the Integration of Immigrant Families Through Small Ethno-cultural Organizations. Click here to read the full document.
Immigrant Access Fund
IAF is a charitable organization that provides micro loans to internationally trained/educated immigrants who need help with the costs of obtaining the Canadian accreditation or training they need in order to become fully employed in their field. Click here to read the IAF Report to the Community from March 31, 2011.
Immigrant Services Calgary
Immigrant Services Calgary (previously Calgary Immigrant Aid Society) has been serving Calgary's immigrant community for over 30 years. The agency offers a wide variety of services including interpretation and translation, English and first-language assessment, career and educational counselling, citizenship classes, settlement services and workshops, family support programs, and referrals. Immigrant Services Calgary also has a comprehensive directory of ESL programs in Calgary (view directory)
Address: 1200, 910 - 7 Avenue SW
Tel: (403) 265-1120
E-mail:
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Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
The Calgary Catholic Immigration Society offers resettlement and integration services for newcomers. They also provide family and childcare support, seniors services, support for survivors of torture, LINC classes, computer training, notary services, career counselling, skills training, and English language instruction.
Address: 1111 11th Ave. SW Calgary , AB T2R 0G5
Tel: (403) 262-2006
E-mail:
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Calgary Immigrant Educational Society
The Calgary Immigrant Education Society assists immigrants and low income Canadians in improving their basic language and computer skills. They provide various basic ESL courses, LINC programs, employment counselling, language training for immigrant professionals, as well as computer and entry-level jobs training.
Address: 1723, 40 Street SE
Tel: (403) 235-3666
E-mail:
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Calgary Immigrant Women's Association
Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA) was established in 1982 as a non-profit organization to address the needs and concerns of immigrant and refugee women, youth, children and families. They offer settlement and integration services, language training, childcare, employment services, and family services.
Address: #200, 138 – 4 Avenue SE
Tel: (403) 263-4414
E-mail:
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Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth
The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth engages immigrant youth and families to fulfill their potential in Canadian society. The organization offers school programs, homework clubs, a family assistance program, and summer literacy programs.
Address: 201, 1112B - 40 Avenue NE
Tel: (403) 230-7745
E-mail:
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Centre for Newcomers
The Centre for Newcomers provides settlement services, employment services, English language training (LINC), family services, and training programs.
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Address: 1010, 999 - 36 Street NE, Calgary, AB T2A 7X6
Direct Line: 403-537-3394
Main Line: 403-569-3325
Jewish Family Service Calgary
Jewish Family Service Calgary offers basic needs assistance for low income individuals and families, counselling, resettlement services, services for seniors, and vocational support.
Address: 200, 4014 Macleod Trail S.
Tel: (403) 287-3510
E-mail:
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McBride Career Group: Bridges to Success
The Bridges to Success program at McBride Career Group provides pre-employment services for Albertans who require assistance in establishing and maintaining employment or accessing further education or training. The program runs for 26 weeks, Mon-Thurs 9am to 4pm, with a 6-month follow up. Program staff work with clients, following their progress and providing the necessary support and assistance to help them achieve their goals.
Address (Parkside Place): 4th Floor - 602, 12 Ave SW
Tel: (403) 777-5633
E-mail:
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Directions for Immigrants
Directions for Immigrants at Bow Valley College assists in providing internationally educated immigrants with information and support towards employment and accreditation in their professional field. Services provided include a resource centre, career coaching, workshops on job search and networking, and industry networking opportunities.
Directions for Immigrants also offers study groups to prepare clients for licensing exams required by licensing bodies. Study groups are available for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical radiation technologists, medical lab technologists, and engineers. Clients may also participate in job success study groups such as Clear Communication for Business, Clear Communication for Health Professionals, and Communication Works! Immigrant professionals can utilize the services of Directions for Immigrants if they are internationally educated, legally able to work in Canada, residents of Alberta, and underemployed or unemployed.
For ESL teachers who are interested in offering their students an info-session on Directions for Immigrants’ services, call 403-441-2259 or e-mail your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Address: # 260, 700 – 4 Avenue SW
Tel: (403) 297-2555