Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) has been providing comprehensive settlement and integration services to the Ottawa community since 1978. OCISO directly serves about 10,000 immigrants and refugees every year. We have three locations in Ottawa (central and south).

Our multi-faceted programs and services are delivered in over 50 languages to clients from 120 countries by OCISO’s team of knowledgeable, skilled and professional staff. Our work is augmented by the generous efforts of our enthusiastic, caring and talented volunteers, both established and new Canadians.

The Community Economic Development (CED) program at OCISO delivers career mentoring and networking programs to support newcomers to obtain employment in their field, develop an understanding of the Canadian workplace culture, build networks and develop strategies for employment maintenance and advancement within the Canadian workplace.

The Ottawa Connector Program, delivered in partnership with the National Connector Program in Halifax, plays a vital role in this mission. It connects skilled newcomers with established professionals, offering mentorship and networking opportunities to enhance employment readiness and confidence. This collaboration ensures a seamless pathway for newcomers to integrate into Canadian workplaces, while also engaging employers in supporting labor market inclusion and retention. Together, they drive meaningful change for newcomers and communities.