BACKGROUND: Physical activity program interventions often lack sensitivity to the needs of older immigrant adults. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic realist review was to explain how, why, for whom, and under which circumstances community group-based physical activity programs work for immigrant older adults. METHODS: The initial program theory was developed using prior research, team expertise, social cognitive theory, and knowledge user consultations. The program theory was tested and refined via a systematic review of the literature. Database searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Sports Medicine and Education Index, and SPORTDiscus. A total of 22 sources of evidence met inclusion criteria and included intervention studies, systematic reviews, and a discussion paper. Intervention studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: The final program theory constituted eight context-mechanism-outcome configurations that highlight the importance of facilitator characteristics, access to safe spaces, group dynamics, and social support. A limitation was the small number and variable quality of included evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity programs that target immigrant older adults must strengthen physical and psychological safety and maximize opportunities for role modeling and socialization. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ID#258179.

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