Starting a life in a new country isn’t just about finding a job or a home—it’s also about understanding how to access support in your new environment. But here’s the challenge: many newcomers struggle with what researchers now call Immigrant Settlement Services Literacy (ISSL) 
What is ISSL?
It’s the ability to know, understand, access, and navigate settlement services effectively—everything from healthcare to housing, education, and employment support.
A recent international review found that language barriers are the biggest obstacle for newcomers trying to access services. This affects their wellbeing and slows their integration.
The research grouped services into:
Health services
Settlement & legal support
Language and information access
Social support services
Only 32% of studies identified ways to enable access—meaning we still have a long way to go in making services more inclusive and easier to understand.
At PROSDOMA, we believe that increasing ISSL is essential to building a successful future in Canada. That’s why we:
Provide basic computer training
Connect newcomers to housing, food banks, and job support
Help with legal aid and immigration paperwork
Offer information in accessible, friendly ways
We’re committed to reducing structural barriers and empowering newcomers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.
If you’re new to Alberta or supporting someone who is, let PROSDOMA be your guide to navigating life in Canada with confidence.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666558121000300#sec0028
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