Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) provides a bridge for refugees (individuals who have had to flee their countries of origin due to the tragedies of persecution and war) and other new arrivals from their former life experiences to the new skills required for success in the United States. Through a focus on economic self-sufficiency, community integration, and a respect for unique cultures, history and traditions, RAIS creates an environment of compassion and encouragement for refugees to flourish.

In federal FY 22, RAIS enrolled 497 new arrivals from 8 different countries. and assisted 77 clients with job placements with an average starting wage of $16.09. 91% of clients retained their employment for at least 90 days.

Support RAIS

Get Help from RAIS

To enroll in refugee services or to see if you are eligible, please contact 907-222-7320 or 907-222-7348.

Requirements for accessing services:

  • RAIS can serve all Office of Refugee Resettlement eligible clients statewide. This includes refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitant entrants, Victims of Human Trafficking, and Special Immigrant Visas from Iraq and Afghanistan within 5 years of their date of eligibility.
  • RAIS can also serve Afghan Humanitarian Parolees and Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees within specific time periods. If you have this status, please contact the intake coordinator to determine your eligibility for services.

Services provided:

  • Reception & Placement
  • Refugee Cash Assistance
  • Case Management
  • Employment Services
  • Refugee Health Promotion & Refugee Health Screening
  • Youth Services – Youth Mentoring & Refugee School Impact
  • Older Refugee
  • Refugee Enterprise and Agricultural Program
  • Immigration Services (only for current clients)

Useful Resources

For an overview of the vetting process for refugees, please visit U.S. Refugee Admission Process. You can also refer to other local immigration assistance offices.

Learn More About RAIS

Listen to a discussion between Issa Spatrisano, Divine Nganga, and Lori Townsend of Alaska Public Media about resettlement in Alaska, the experience of relocating, and the global crisis of displacement. For more stories of impact, check out our media coverage.

Credit: Alaska Public Media

Contact Us

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 907-222-7348
Program Director: Brigit Reynolds