Wednesday Conversation Circle (Lower Intermediate) – In Person
2025-12-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-24 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | ISSofBC Maple Ridge, 110-22638 119th Ave, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:▪ Connect with others, and practice English?▪ Learn more about your community and Canada?▪ Challenge yourself to build your speaking confidence?

We are here to support you!

Join our In-person Wednesdays English conversations circle in Maple Ridge! This in-person circle is perfect for lower intermediate speakers who want to build confidence, improve their skills, and connect with others in a supportive environment. Share stories, make new friends, and feel part of the community.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Residents and Protected Persons living in the Lower Mainland, BC.❑ International Student, Refugee Claimants, and Temporary Foreign Workers ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.❑ Naturalized Canadian citizens ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.

Note: Registration is strictly required due to limited space.

For Inquiries: Send an email to [yumiko.king@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6568]

한국어 무료강좌 여성지원 프로그램
2025-12-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-07 10:00 - 12:00
Free Korean Women’s Support Group

10주 프로그램:

다른 여성들과 연결하기: 캐나다에서의 생활경험을 나누고, 서로에게서 배우며 자기 돌봄을 실천하세요

새로운 기회 발견하기: 지역사회의 무료 자원과 프로그램에 대해 알아보세요 (교육, 취업,주거, 여성건강, 정신건강, 재정 지원 등)

참가Certificate을 수여해 드립니다

세부:

10:00am to 12:00pm

매주 수요일:

October 29, 2025 to January 14, 2025

등록문의:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=PvAIsU14Kk-1YmUuoUwI2Sl3R1SrLHFBrs2r858Xf5JUNFlKTzhVTzNHWTNYVUtOSkJCQ1FIOFhRQS4u&route=shorturl

Fiorella Di Liberto

778-372.6528

Connect with other women: Share your experiences living in Canada, learn from others, and practice self-care

Discover new opportunities: Learn about free resources and program in your community (e.g. education, employment, housing, women’s health, mental health, financial assistance)

Receive a certificate of participation

See poster for details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Korean-Womens-Support-Group-Korean-Version-updated.pdf

Pitt Meadows Library Conversation Circle – In Person
2025-12-17 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-12-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Pitt Meadows Public Library – 2nd Floor, 12099 Harris Rd, Pitt Meadows, V3Y 0E5, Canada
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:▪ Connect with others, and practice English?▪ Learn more about your community and Canada?▪ Challenge yourself to build your speaking confidence?

We are here to support you!

Join our In-person Wednesdays English conversations circle at the Pitt Meadows Public Library! Connect, communicate, and grow your confidence in English through fun and friendly conversations. It’s a great way to meet others, share stories, and feel part of the community.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Residents and Protected Persons living in the Lower Mainland, BC.❑ International Student, Refugee Claimants, and Temporary Foreign Workers ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.❑ Naturalized Canadian citizens ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.

Note: Registration is strictly required due to limited space.

For Inquiries: Send an email to [yumiko.king@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6568]

FREE TRAINING: WOMEN'S FACILITATION & LEADERSHIP TRAINING
2025-12-17 13:00 - 14:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminster, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada
Join us to learn more about our free training program!

Click here to register for information session: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=PvAIsU14Kk-1YmUuoUwI2Sl3R1SrLHFBrs2r858Xf5JUQkFSQk00SkVTNFRPVVg2QzJBRFYySlRGRy4u&route=shorturl

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Are you passionate about the helping other women? Do you want to gain new skills and experience in Canada? Join our certificate program to become a facilitator and make a difference in your community.

What will you receive?

Training on group facilitation, Canadian systems, and community resources

Hands-on experience leading and facilitating community groups for immigrant women.

A Certificate of Facilitation upon program completion, plus ongoings support.

Eligibility:

Immigrant women aged 21 or older

Permanent Residents or Protected Persons (including refugee claimants with positive Notice of Decision)

English Level: CLB Level 4

Able to commit to a 10-week training and 12-week practicum

Strong desire to help other women

Info Sessions

Register for an info SESSION :https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=PvAIsU14Kk-1YmUuoUwI2Sl3R1SrLHFBrs2r858Xf5JUQkFSQk00SkVTNFRPVVg2QzJBRFYySlRGRy4u&route=shorturl

Apply by January 12, 2026

Contact Fiorella for more information:

fiorella.diliberto@issbc.org

(778) 372-6528

See poster for details: View Poster

Empowering Seniors 50+ Learn, Connect, Thrive! The New "New Horizon" Program Is Starting!
2025-12-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-19 13:00 - 15:00 | ISSofBC Coquitlam office, 258 3020 Lincoln Ave, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 6B4, Canada
English/Farsi/Mandarin

Ready to Try Something New This Fall?

Are you 50 or older and looking to gain new skills, meet new people, and stay active in your community? Join our free, 12-week in-person program, offered in both Farsi and Mandarin, designed specifically to support seniors in learning, connecting, and thriving. Running from October 1 to December 19, 2025, this engaging program meets once a week for a 3-hour session at our Coquitlam office. Each week features guest speakers, interactive activities, and exciting field trips that focus on health, creativity, and digital confidence.

Participants will explore a wide range of topics, including health and wellness sessions led by pharmacists, yoga instructors, and wellness experts; digital literacy training to help navigate online banking, avoid scams, and stay safe online; and creative workshops, such as art therapy and hands-on activities. The program also introduces seniors to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, including how to stay safe from AI-generated scams. Field trips to local libraries, banks, art walks, and community attractions help foster connection, confidence, and fun.

This is a unique opportunity to build friendships, learn in your preferred language, and explore the local community — all in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Resident (PR)❑ Protected Person, as defined in S.95 of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protect Act (IRPA)

This program will be running in-person at our Coquitlam location. Address and Map directions are provided below!

Spots are limited — register early to secure your place.

Registration Information:

For registration in Farsi click on Here or send an email to [zohreh.kondori@issbc.org]

For registration in Mandarin, click on Here or send an email to [hala.helmy@issbc.org]

If you don’t speak either languages and wish to participate in the program, click Here or send an email to [hala.helmy@issbc.org]

Employment Standards Workshop-BC NSP & SAFE HEAVEN
2025-12-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual MS Teams
Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a worker in BC, including rules around wages, hours, breaks, and time off. This session will also cover how to address workplace concerns and where to go for support or more information.

Eligibility Requirements:

BC Provincial Nominees or BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates.

Work permit holders

Study permit holders: You are an international post-secondary student with a valid study permit and cannot access similar services at your institution.

Naturalized Canadian citizens: You have language barriers and need culturally appropriate services.

Other immigration statuses:

Refugee claimants: You have submitted a refugee claim and received any of the following documents: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD), or Client Application Summary.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders (until end March 2025).

The Transit System in Metro Vancouver_English, Farsi and Dari
2025-12-17 14:00 - 16:00 | 2610 Victoria Drive, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5N 4L2
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how use the transportation system in Metro Vancouver:

•Transit zones,

•Payment Methods,

•Where to buy a COMPASS card, Skytrain lines, etc.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: Dec 17, 2025

Time: 2 pm to 4:00 pm

English, Farsi and Dari

In person and online via Teams

Where:

2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration, please contact Ingrid Mutter at ingrid.mutter@issbc.org or 778-372-6530

https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Poster-_-The-Transit-Systems-in-Metro-Vancouver_DEC-2025.pdf

Thursdays Conversation Circle – Online
2025-12-18 02:00 - 14:30
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:

▪ Connect with others, make new friends, and practice English?▪ Learn more about your community and Canada?▪ Challenge yourself to build your speaking confidence and have lots of fun?

If so, we’d love to welcome you to our online Conversation Circle on TEAMS, happening every Thursday until December 18—join us to connect, practice, and have fun!

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Residents and Protected Persons living in the Lower Mainland, BC.❑ International Student, Refugee Claimants, and Temporary Foreign Workers ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.❑ Naturalized Canadian citizens ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.

Note: Registration is required to receive the Teams link.

For Inquiries: Send an email to [yumiko.king@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6568]

The Transit System in Metro Vancouver_English and Arabic
2025-12-18 10:00 - 12:00 | 2610 Victoria Drive, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5N 4L2
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how use the transportation system in Metro Vancouver:

•Transit zones,

•Payment Methods,

•Where to buy a COMPASS card, Skytrain lines, etc.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: Dec 18, 2025

Time: 10 am pm to 12:00 pm

English and Arabic

In person and online via Teams

Where:

2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration, please contact Ingrid Mutter at ingrid.mutter@issbc.org or 778-372-6530

https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Poster-_-The-Transit-Systems-in-Metro-Vancouver_DEC-2025.pdf

BC NSP & Safe Haven Employment Info Session - Online
2025-12-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-08 11:00 - 12:00
Looking for Work? We’re Here to Help!

Are you new to BC and unsure how to start your job search? Join our Employment Orientation Session and discover the wide range of free services and supports available to help you take the next step in your career journey.

This session is designed to guide you through employment options, workplace rights, and community connections tailored for temporary residents and other eligible newcomers.

Learn about:

Personalized settlement and job search support

Resume help and interview preparation

Skills training, short-term courses, and digital tools

Workplace rights and advocacy

Networking with peers and employers

Global Talent Loans Program Info Session - Online
2025-12-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Online – Zoom
Global Talent Loans Program is part of the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Project in Canada, and we are the service provider for BC residents who are:

Permanent Residents

Naturalized Canadian Citizens

Protected Person / Granted Refugee

Our info session will cover the following:

Overview of Global Talent Loans Program

Eligibility Criteria

Program Offerings

Our info sessions are held regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00pm PDT

Settlement Support Services for International Students
2025-12-18 18:00 - 20:00
Looking for Support as a Student or Newcomer in Canada?

At ISSofBC, we offer personalized and group information and orientation sessions, delivered both online via Microsoft Teams and in person. Our upcoming information session on Thursday, December 18 will provide newcomers and international students with comprehensive guidance on accessing eligible support services and building community connections, exploring employment-related resources, finding volunteer opportunities, and understanding how to change the conditions of a study permit. We also offer support with submitting or renewing study and work permits, as well as information about staying in Canada after graduation and pathways to permanent residence.

Interested in learning more? Join us today!

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Study Permit Holders and International Students.

For Inquires: Send an email to [farzaneh.naderi@issbc.org] or call [236-688-8245]

Friday Conversation Circle – Online
2025-12-19 10:00 - 11:30
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:▪ Connect with others, and practice English?▪ Learn more about your community and Canada?▪ Challenge yourself to build your speaking confidence?

We are here to support you!

Join our Online Fridays Conversation Circle via MS TEAMS! Connect, communicate, and grow your confidence in English through fun and friendly conversations. It’s a great way to meet others, share stories, and feel part of the community.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Residents and Protected Persons living in the Lower Mainland, BC.❑ International Student, Refugee Claimants, and Temporary Foreign Workers ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.❑ Naturalized Canadian citizens ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.

Note: Registration is required to receive the Teams link.

For Inquiries: Send an email to [yumiko.king@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6568]

Resume Writing Workshop-BC NSP & SAFE HEAVEN
2025-12-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual MS Teams
Learn how to create effective resumes that highlight your skills and experience. This workshop offers theoretical tips for tailoring your documents to job postings and making a strong first impression with employers.

Eligibility Requirements:

BC Provincial Nominees or BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates.

Work permit holders

Study permit holders: You are an international post-secondary student with a valid study permit and cannot access similar services at your institution.

Naturalized Canadian citizens: You have language barriers and need culturally appropriate services.

Other immigration statuses:

Refugee claimants: You have submitted a refugee claim and received any of the following documents: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD), or Client Application Summary.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders (until end March 2025).

Disability Benefit - Online Session
2025-12-19 17:30 - 19:00
إعانات الإعاقة – أونلاين

Arabic/English

Want to Understand the Disability Benefit Options?

We would like to invite you to join us for a free online workshop to learn about the disability benefits available to you.This session will be held online via MS Teams and presented in Arabic on Friday, December 19, 2025.

The workshop will cover both federal and provincial disability benefits, explain eligibility requirements, and walk you through the application process.Whether you’re applying for the first time or seeking clarity on your options, this session will offer valuable guidance and support.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Resident (PR)❑ Protected Person, as defined in S.95 of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protect Act (IRPA)

For Registration and Inquiry: Send an email [huda.bolow@issbc.org] or call [604-554-1171]

هل ترغب في فهم خيارات إعانات الإعاقة؟

يسرنا دعوتكم للانضمام إلينا في ورشة عمل مجانية عبر الإنترنت للتعرف على إعانات الإعاقة المتاحة لكم. ستُعقد هذه الجلسة عبر الإنترنت عبر مايكروسوفت تيمز، وستُقدم باللغة العربية يوم الجمعة، 19 ديسمبر 2025

ستغطي الورشة إعانات الإعاقة الفيدرالية والإقليمية، وتشرح شروط الأهلية، وتشرح لكم عملية التقديم

سواء كنت تتقدم بطلبك للمرة الأولى أو تبحث عن توضيحات بشأن خياراتك، فإن هذه الجلسة ستوفر لك إرشادات ودعمًا قيمًا

:من يستطيع حضور هذه الحصص التعليمية

المقيمين الدائمين ❑

شخص محمي، وفقًا للمادة 95 من قانون الهجرة وحماية اللاجئين الكندي ❑

[604-554-1171] أو اتصل على [huda.bolow@issbc.org] للتسجيل والاستفسار: أرسل بريدًا إلكترونيًا إلى

Taxation For 2025 - Online Session
2025-12-20 17:30 - 19:00
الضرائب لعام ٢٠٢٥

Arabic/English

Have Questions About Filing Your 2025 Simple Tax Return?

Join us for a free online workshop via MS Teams on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to learn how to file your simple tax return for 2025.

This session will guide you through the steps needed to prepare your tax return and explain why filing a simple return is important.

An Arabic-speaking tax expert will demonstrate the full process of filing a 2025 simple tax return, making it easy to follow along and apply the information to your own situation.

Don’t miss this informative opportunity to gain clarity and confidence for the upcoming tax season!!

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Resident (PR)

❑ Protected Person, as defined in S.95 of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protect Act (IRPA)

For Registration and Inquiry: Send an email [huda.bolow@issbc.org] or call [604-554-1171]

هل لديك أسئلة حول تقديم إقرارك الضريبي البسيط لعام ٢٠٢٥؟

انضموا إلينا في ورشة عمل مجانية عبر الإنترنت عبر مايكروسوفت تيمز يوم السبت 20 ديسمبر 2025، لتتعلموا كيفية تقديم إقراركم الضريبي البسيط لعام 2025. سترشدكم هذه الجلسة بالخطوات اللازمة لإعداد إقراركم الضريبي، وتشرح أهمية تقديمه.

سيشرح خبير ضرائب ناطق باللغة العربية العملية الكاملة لتقديم إقرار ضريبي بسيط لعام 2025، مما يُسهّل عليكم متابعته وتطبيق المعلومات على وضعكم. لا تفوتوا هذه الفرصة القيّمة لاكتساب المزيد من الوضوح والثقة لموسم الضرائب القادم

:من يستطيع حضور هذه الحصص التعليمية

المقيمين الدائمين ❑

شخص محمي، وفقًا للمادة 95 من قانون الهجرة وحماية اللاجئين الكندي ❑

[604-554-1171] أو اتصل على [huda.bolow@issbc.org] للتسجيل والاستفسار: أرسل بريدًا إلكترونيًا إلى

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Information Session
2025-12-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-06 12:00 - 13:00
Thank you for your interest in the Career Paths program!
ISSofBC is a non-profit organization, and Career Paths is an employment program designed to assist newcomers in reconnecting with their pre-arrival occupations/careers. The program is government-funded and comes at no cost to you. Here are some of the services we offer:

FUNDED Skills Training and Upgrading

ACTION PLANNING based on your career goals

CREDENTIAL EVALUATION

One-On-One JOB SEARCH Support

MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES

EMPLOYER OR INDUSTRY EVENTS FOR NETWORKING

EMPLOYER CONNECTIONS

PRACTICUM OPPORTUNITIES (can include RELATED/ALIGNED OCCUPATIONS)

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Career Paths Information Session at ISSofBC!
As a skilled immigrant, this is your opportunity to learn how Career Paths can assist you with returning to your pre-arrival profession.
In this session you will learn more information on our services, such as:
– Credential evaluations and obtaining BC licenses
– Regulatory body and association memberships
– Skills and course funding
– Career planning and job search support
– Work placement opportunities
– Connections to BC employers
– Access to BC Mentors
Thank you for your interest and look forward to meeting you soon!
Career Paths Team

Interview Skills Workshop-BC NSP & SAFE HEAVEN
2025-12-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual MS Teams
Join this workshop to learn how to present yourself confidently in an interview. You’ll find out how to talk about your skills, answer common questions, and make a great impression. You will learn how to present your self confidently, answer questions with ease, and become more prepared for your next job interview.

Eligibility Requirements:

BC Provincial Nominees or BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates.

Work permit holders

Study permit holders: You are an international post-secondary student with a valid study permit and cannot access similar services at your institution.

Naturalized Canadian citizens: You have language barriers and need culturally appropriate services.

Other immigration statuses:

Refugee claimants: You have submitted a refugee claim and received any of the following documents: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD), or Client Application Summary.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders (until end March 2025).

Multicultural Women's Support Group
2026-01-05 10:00 - 12:00
Come join us for 10 sessions!

FREE! Registration Open

Online Mondays 10am – 12pm

November 3rd – January 19th

❑ GET CONNECTED: Meet other women and make new friends in a safe space. Share your experience in Canda and learn from other women in your community.

❑ LEARN: Learn about free resources, benefits and programs in your community to support you in many areas such as employment, English learning, women’s health, financial assistance, housing, mental health and more!

❑ RECEIVE SUPPORT: Receive weekly group and get connected.

❑ PRACTICE: Practice your English skills in a fun and supportive environment.

At the end of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Participation

See poster for details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Multicultural-Womens-Support-Group.pdf

Solid Start 360 Employment Program - Info Session, Online
2026-01-05 13:00 - 13:30
Ready to Work in British Columbia

Are you a newcomer looking to start your career in BC? Our free employment program offers personalized support to help you succeed in the local labour market. Benefit from one-on-one job search coaching, group workshops (in-person, online, or self-paced), resume and interview guidance, and access to job postings and employer referrals. Connect with employers through job fairs and mentoring events, and gain experience through career-relevant volunteering.

Join an Info Session to learn more about how we can support your job search journey.

where :

Online session via ZOOM

Eligibility

❑ Permanent Resident

❑ Protected Persons (as defined by IRPA)

❑ Individuals selected for PR (with IRCC letter)

❑ Living in British Columbia in Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows

Networking Workshop-BC NSP & SAFE HEAVEN
2026-01-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual MS Teams
Are you new to British Columbia and looking to expand your professional and social network? Join us for an engaging and practical networking workshop designed specifically for newcomers. Learn essential tips for effective networking in the Canadian context, gain confidence in starting conversations, and discover local resources to help you grow your connections.

Eligibility Requirements:

BC Provincial Nominees or BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates.

Work permit holders

Study permit holders: You are an international post-secondary student with a valid study permit and cannot access similar services at your institution.

Naturalized Canadian citizens: You have language barriers and need culturally appropriate services.

Other immigration statuses:

Refugee claimants: You have submitted a refugee claim and received any of the following documents: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD), or Client Application Summary.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders (until end March 2025).

Navigating the Canadian Tax System
2026-01-07 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC Maple Ridge, 110-22638 119th Ave, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
English

What Do You Need to Know About Taxes in Canada?

In this online workshop, you will receive clear, practical information about the Canadian tax system and have your questions answered. We will cover individual and business income tax, helping you understand your responsibilities and key filing requirements.

The session will also explain GST and HST, including when to register, how they work, and basic filing timelines. You will also learn about the tax calendar year and important deadlines to help you stay organized and file with confidence.

This will be a hybrid workshop, giving you the option to attend in person at ISSofBC Maple Ridge location or participate virtually through MS Teams.

Eligibility Criteria:

❑ Permanent Resident (PR)

❑ Protected Person, as defined in S.95 of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protect Act (IRPA)

For Registration and Inquiry: Send an email [farzaneh.naderi@issbc.org] or Call [778-372-6559]
