Research & Policy
Actionable findings from the latest sector research, reports, surveys, and publications.
Learn more →Representing, Advocating & Developing
AAISA connects, strengthens, and advocates for Alberta's newcomer-serving sector through member engagement, research, policy leadership, and professional development.
1980 Active since 1980 · incorporated 1987
50+ Member agencies across Alberta
1st Only settlement certification in Canada
Who we are
Alberta's provincial umbrella organization for newcomer-serving agencies
The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) is a non-profit umbrella organization that represents and strengthens settlement service providers across Alberta. AAISA has been active since 1980 and was incorporated in 1987, and today represents over fifty immigrant serving agencies and organizations that support newcomers across the province.
AAISA serves as a unifying voice and leadership body for organizations supporting newcomers across Alberta. As the province continues to welcome diverse populations, AAISA plays a critical role in facilitating collaboration and leadership within the settlement and integration sector, working toward an inclusive, welcoming, and engaged society for all newcomers.
AAISA represents and supports the agencies that deliver frontline services — it is not a direct settlement-service provider. That umbrella role is what lets us connect, strengthen, and advocate for the whole sector.
Learn about AAISA
“We became more confident being part of this course and thank you to the instructor and AAISA team for making me part of this valuable course that enhanced my learning in the field of immigration.”
— Course participant, AAISA professional development training
5Strategic goals for 2026–2030
L1–L3Settlement Practitioner Certification levels
EN·FRKey documents in both official languages
48Research publications and counting
Our work
Four ways AAISA strengthens the sector
From research and policy leadership to training, certification, and membership support.
Initiatives & Projects
Collaborative initiatives unlocking new sector insights for a more welcoming Alberta.
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Training & Certification
Courses and certification designed for the unique challenges settlement practitioners face.
Learn more →Membership & Sector Support
Member-only opportunities, advocacy representation, discounts, and the latest sector news.
Learn more →Latest from AAISA
Sector news & insights
Thoughtful commentary and research-driven analysis on the policies and events shaping the settlement and integration sector.
Understanding Five Common Client Concerns About Alberta's Immigration Referendum
How settlement workers can move a conversation from confusion to engagement before October 19.
Question 5 and Citizenship
What requiring proof of citizenship would change in a system that already limits voting to citizens.
Question 4 and the Price of Access
What charging temporary residents and their families for health care and education would involve.
Featured research
Research & publications
Connect with actionable findings from the latest sector research, reports, surveys, and publications.
Bill C-12 and the Transformation of Canada's Refugee Determination System
Refugee protection systems operate at the intersection of administrative efficiency and Canada's international protection commitments. This analysis examines Bill C-12 and the transformation of the refugee determination system.
2026 National Case Management Coordination Meeting: Report Summary
The 2026 National Case Management Coordination Meeting was held January 20–23 in Calgary, bringing together case management practitioners from across the country.
Advancing Reconciliation and Anti-Racism Report (March 2026)
An evaluation and assessment report on AAISA's reconciliation and anti-racism work, authored by the Policy and Communications team.
Training spotlight
The only Settlement Practitioner Certification in Canada
AAISA's training courses have been delivered for over a decade, specifically designed to address settlement practitioners' unique challenges. Our programs are aligned with the Alberta Settlement Practitioner Competency Framework — and we are the only organization in Canada that provides certification to qualified settlement workers, offering Levels 1, 2, and 3.
- Level 1: five onboarding courses, issued automatically on completion
- Levels 2 & 3: portfolio-based application cycles (February 28/29 & August 31)
- Self-paced & facilitated courses in both English and French
Initiatives spotlight
Collaborative projects for a more welcoming Alberta
We maintain regular engagement with government officials and provincial committees, convene targeted program meetings, and implement tailored initiatives to enhance the capacity of newcomer-serving agencies throughout Alberta.
AAISA Knowledge Hub
The AAISA Knowledge Hub (2025–2028) is a three-year initiative to develop a province-wide digital platform that supports newcomer-serving organizations, newcomers, researchers, funders, and policymakers.
Knowledge Mobilization (KMB) Sessions
Part of AAISA's commitment to strengthening sector capacity through timely, practical, and community-informed knowledge mobilization.
AAISA Engagement Meetings
AAISA convenes a range of provincial, regional, and program-specific meetings that support Alberta's settlement and integration sector.
Grassroots Accelerator Program (GAP)
A collaborative initiative with Centre for Race and Culture and Gateway Association supporting grassroots organizations led by and serving equity-deserving communities across the Prairies and Northern Territories.
Better serve newcomers by joining our community.
Take your organization to the next level with AAISA's member-only opportunities and benefits — representation in government advocacy work, priority access to workshops, social media features, big discounts, the latest settlement & integration news, and more.
