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Welcome to our new site! We hope you enjoy all the new features, but if you want to send any feedback or fixes, please send them to communications@issbc.org

Programs & Services

Are you a newcomer, including an immigrant, refugee, temporary foreign worker or international student, in British Columbia? We’re here to support you.

Program Categories

Get Settled

We support you to start your new life in BC. We can advise on education, housing, finances, healthcare, law and more.

Learn more

Learn English

We offer free English classes, from beginner to advanced (CLB 1 – 6), online and in person. Our Language and Career College (LCC) also provides affordable classes.

Learn more

Find Work

We can support you in finding a job, training or requalification, finding mentors, networking, or qualifying for a study loan.

Learn more

Find your program

Find the right program or service for you to build your life in British Columbia (BC).

  • Find Work

    B-Hired

    B-Hired offers free job search training for young newcomers aged 16-29 in BC, focusing on in-demand jobs and career success.

    Job search workshops

    Occupational training leading to certificates;

    Job search support/work experience placement;

    Career counselling and coaching;

    Learn More
  • Settlement
    Learn English
    Find Work

    BC Newcomer Support Program (BC NSP)

    BC NSP supports you in settling into your new community in British Columbia with services like community orientation, job search support, and career counselling.

    Settlement services

    Practise your English in Conversation Circles

    Work and career support

    Start building your life in BC!

    Learn More
  • Settlement
    Learn English
    Find Work

    BC SAFE HAVEN

    BC SAFE HAVEN offers you free support as a refugee claimant, helping with settlement, English, job search, and mental health referrals.

    Support for refugee claimants and asylum seekers

    Refugee claim support

    Settling in your new community

    English language training

    Learn More
  • Find Work

    Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants

    Continue your career using your international experience to link to job opportunities in BC.

    Qualification evaluation and assistance with BC licenses.

    Help with joining regulatory bodies and professional associations.

    Funding for skills and courses to enhance your qualifications.

    Job search support tailored to your profession.

    Learn More
  • Find Work

    E-Connect for Temporary Foreign Workers in BC

    E-Connect is an online learning program. With support across BC, you’ll gain essential skills to succeed at work.

    Support for building skills and settling in BC

    Needs assessment to identify strengths and challenges

    Personalized learning plan with online courses

    Feedback from an experienced case manager

    Learn More
  • Find Work

    Global Talent Loans

    This program supports your return to your previous career or start a new one with support and low-interest loans.

    Low-interest rate government-funded loan

    Career planning and counseling

    Employment support

    Support with recredentialling process

    Learn More
  • Hire a Newcomer

    Discover talented newcomers ready to join your team. Simplify your hiring process with tailored recruitment services.

    Connect with skilled talent

    Tailored recruitment support

    Ongoing assistance for success

    Diversity and inclusion training

    Learn More
  • Learn English
    Find Work

    Language and Career College (LCC)

    LCC offers high-quality and flexible English language classes and professional diplomas through co-op programs for newcomers in British Columbia.

    Affordable and flexible learning options

    Gain skills for the Canadian job market

    Learn English fast

    Make friends with other newcomers!

    Learn More
  • Learn English

    Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

    Free program that supports you to learn the English language, no matter your level. This training supports you to integrate and navigate daily life in British Columbia.

    Flexible scheduling: full-time, part-time, in-person, online, and hybrid options

    Available in Vancouver (Victoria Drive) and Richmond

    Licensed preschool programs for children aged 30 months to 5 years

    Parents can focus on studies while children learn English and social skills

    Learn More
  • Settlement

    Moving Ahead Program (MAP)

    MAP can support you if you are facing challenges due to your identity or life experiences. MAP services are completely confidential.

    Get support to access schools, healthcare, housing, and recreation.

    Receive confidential guidance to adjust to life in Canada for you and your family

    Learn stress management techniques for settling in Canada and build your confidence

    Access specialised support for families, young adults, and LGBTQ+ newcomers

    Learn More
  • Settlement

    Multi-cultural Youth Circle (MY Circle)

    If you are between 14 and 24 years old, this is the perfect program for you! Discover local activities, become part of your community, and make friends. Benefits include:

    Free training and skill workshops

    Join group field trips across BC

    Meet other young newcomers

    Learn how to be a community leader

    Learn More
  • Settlement

    Newcomer Women Support

    Our women’s programs can help you find support in your local community, make friends, learn about Canada, and even become a community leader!

    Open for refugee and immigrant women

    Must be aged 19 and above

    Share your experiences with other newcomer women

    Practise English and learn leadership skills

    Learn More
  • Settlement

    Senior Newcomer Support

    If you are 55 years old or older, you can make friends, discover local events, become part of your community, and enjoy life. Benefits include:

    Learning about local community resources and Canadian culture

    Improving your digital skills such as email and online registrations

    Practicing your English in a friendly and patient environment

    Meet other older newcomers who speak your language and have similar experiences.

    Learn More
  • Settlement

    Settlement Support

    In this program, you will learn about life in British Columbia (BC), Canadian society, and local community services, such as medical care and schools, to build your life in BC. Services are available in English and your first language. Benefits include:

    Support to access local schools and healthcare

    Confidential support and case management

    Personal settlement plan

    Learn about your rights in Canada

    Learn More
  • Find Work

    Skills Hub

    Skills Hub offers you free job and skills training, supporting you with challenges like limited skills, low English levels, or childcare responsibilities.

    Skills Training (including soft skills training)

    Group workshops for employment readiness

    1:1 development of training plans

    Career counselling

    Learn More
  • Settlement

    Volunteering and Community Connections

    Volunteering is a great way to get Canadian work experience and support our important work of welcoming newcomers to British Columbia! As a volunteer with ISSofBC, you will get:

    Valuable professional experience

    Opportunities to learn about your local community

    New friends and mentors

    A way of practicing your English

    Learn More

Where to Find Us

We have several locations across BC. View our locations to find addresses, maps, directions, and contact information.

Explore Locations