Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)

Understanding & Navigating the Labour Market - BC NSP & Safe Haven Programs - Online
2025-09-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Want to better understand BC’s job market, identify in-demand skills, and learn how to position yourself for success?Join our workshop designed to give you insights into labour market trends, employer expectations, and the strategies you need to find and secure meaningful employment in today’s evolving workforce.

This session will guide you through exploring career opportunities, adapting to changing industries, and building the skills that employers are looking for.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:• Understand current labour market trends in BC• Identify industries with high demand for workers• Find and apply for jobs effectively in a competitive market• Adapt to changes in the workforce, including technology and automation• Access labour market information and community resources• Develop strategies to future-proof your career

Join us to gain a clear picture of the labour market, explore in-demand career paths, and build the tools you need to succeed.

We’re here to help you understand today’s job market and take confident steps toward your career goals.

B-Hired Information Session - Online
2025-09-09 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-12 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-16 12:00 - 12:30
ISSofBC offers a free online job readiness and skills training program for newcomer youth to launch their careers in Canada. The B-Hired program provides:▪ Job Readiness workshops▪ Skills Specific/Occupational Skills training leading to certificates▪ Job Search Support/Work Experience Placement▪ Follow-up Support

This dynamic program will provide career counselling and coaching that will help to focus job goals highlighting “in demand” jobs, create an effective Action Plan, resume and polish interview/networking skills resulting in increased confidence for work.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Youth between age 16 to 29 years old❑ Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person legally entitled to work in Canada❑ Living in British Columbia in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and Squamish❑ Unemployed or Precariously Employed❑ Intermediate to Advanced English (minimum CLB 5+)

View Poster

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Information Session
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-16 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

Global Talent Loans Program Info Session - Online
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-11 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

Exploitation & Scams
2025-09-09 14:00 - 16:00
کلاهبرداری و بهره کشی

Join us online to learn about Exploitation & Scams

Identify common scams and exploit

How to recognize red flags and protect your personal information

Know what to do if you have been scammed or exploited

Tuesday – September 9, 2025

2:00pm to 4:00pm

Where:

Online on MS Teams

English / Persian (Farsi

Contact us:

778-372-6536

maryam.keshtkar@issbc.org

Please see poster for full details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Exploitation-Scam-2025.pdf

Webinar: Settlement Guide in BC In Partnership with Consulate General of Mexico in Vancouver | Online
2025-09-09 17:00 - 18:00
Guía de Asentamiento en BC

Spanish/English

ISSofBC Services in Spanish!

Are you a Permanent Resident or Protected Person living in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, or Port Moody? ISSofBC is here to support your journey of settling and thriving in Canada.

Our dedicated team offers free and personalized settlement services to help you and your family successfully integrate into life in the Tri-Cities. Whether you’re new to the country or looking to better understand Canadian systems and resources, we’re here to assist.

Eligibility Criteria

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

For Registration and Inquiries: Send an email [natalia.plaza@issbc.org] or Call [778-370-5112]

Servicios de ISSofBC en Español

¿Eres residente permanente o persona protegida y vives en Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam o Port Moody? ISSofBC está aquí para apoyarte en tu proceso de asentamiento y para que puedas prosperar en Canadá.

Nuestro equipo dedicado ofrece servicios de asentamiento gratuitos y personalizados para ayudarte a ti y a tu familia a integrarse con éxito a la vida en las Tri-Cities. Ya sea que seas nuevo en el país o que estés buscando entender mejor los sistemas y recursos canadienses, estamos aquí para ayudarte.Criterios de Elegibilidad

❑ Residente Permanente (PR)❑ Persona Protegida, según lo definido en el artículo 95 de la Ley de Inmigración y Protección de Refugiados de Canadá (IRPA)

Para registrarse o hacer consultas: Envíe un correo electrónico a [natalia.plaza@issbc.org] o llame al [778-370-5112]

Wednesday Conversation Circle (Lower Intermediate) – In Person
2025-09-10 10:00 - 12:00 | 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]

Renewal and Replacement of Permanent Resident Card: Process and Application Form
2025-09-10 10:00 - 12:00
Renovación y Reemplazo de la Tarjeta de Residente Permanente: Proceso y Formulario de Solicitud

Spanish/English

Need to Renew or Replace Your Permanent Resident (PR) Card?

Join us for a step-by-step session on how to renew or replace your Permanent Resident Card. Whether your card is expired, lost, or damaged, we will walk you through the entire process. Learn how to fill out the application form correctly, what documents you need to submit, and how to avoid common mistakes. This session is designed to make the process simple and stress-free.

Eligibility Criteria

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

For Registration and Inquiries: Send an email [natalia.plaza@issbc.org] or Call [778-370-5112]

¿Necesitas renovar o reemplazar tu Tarjeta de Residente Permanente (PR)?

Únete a nosotros en una sesión paso a paso sobre cómo renovar o reemplazar tu Tarjeta de Residente Permanente. Ya sea que tu tarjeta esté vencida, perdida o dañada, te guiaremos durante todo el proceso. Aprende cómo llenar correctamente el formulario de solicitud, qué documentos necesitas presentar y cómo evitar errores comunes. Esta sesión está diseñada para que el proceso sea sencillo y sin estrés.

Criterios de Elegibilidad

❑ Residente Permanente (PR)❑ Persona Protegida, según lo definido en el artículo 95 de la Ley de Inmigración y Protección de Refugiados de Canadá (IRPA)

Para registrarse o hacer consultas: Envíe un correo electrónico a [natalia.plaza@issbc.org] o llame al [778-370-5112]

Pitt Meadows Library Conversation Circle – In Person
2025-09-10 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]

Building Your Network Workshop - BC NSP & Safe Haven Program - Online
2025-09-10 13:00 - 15:00
Want to connect with professionals in your field, grow your confidence in networking, and open doors to new career opportunities?Join our workshop designed to help you build strong connections, approach networking with ease, and leverage tools like LinkedIn to expand your career possibilities.

This session will guide you through practical networking strategies, both online and in-person, while showing you how to make authentic connections that support your career journey.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:• Approach networking conversations with confidence• Build and grow meaningful professional connections• Leverage LinkedIn and other online tools to highlight your skills• Access hidden job opportunities through your network• Develop strategies for following up and maintaining relationships• Expand your career options by engaging with professional and community networks

Join us to learn how to grow your professional network, boost your confidence, and open new pathways to career success!

BC NSP & Safe Haven Employment Info Session - Online
2025-09-11 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

Health and Wellness series for Newcomers in Canada
2025-09-11 14:00 - 15:30
Arabic, Farsi, Eritrean, Rohingiya

We welcome you to join us for a short series of health information sessions at ISSofBC.

This will help you know more about healthy living and how to connect with health services in Canada.

Topics like introduction to health, accessing health services, health coverage, immunization, chronic diseases, and stress management will be included.

Attendees will be able to better understand their rights as patients in Canada.

When:

Every Thursday – August 21 to September 25, 2025

2 PM to 3:30 PM

Where: In-person and online

2610 Victoria Drive

Vancouver, BC V5N 4LS

For registration contact

Mazhar Iqbal at mazhar.iqbal@issbc.org

Or Call at 778.372.6580

See poster for full details: View Poster

Canadian Citizenship Test Preparation Workshop Series | Online
2025-09-11 18:00 - 20:00
جلسات اموزشی آمادگی امتحان شهروندی کانادا | آنلاین

Farsi/English

Getting Ready for the Citizenship Test?

Offered by the Settlement Services program at ISSofBC, this 6-part session series provides essential information for those preparing to obtain the Canadian citizenship in Farsi. Each session will review of the Citizenship Knowledge book and practice citizenship exam questions Join us to gain the knowledge and support you need on your path to becoming a Canadian citizen.

Sessions are held online via MS TEAMS in Farsi every Thursday starting September 04th running till October 09th, 2025. Come connect, learn, and grow your confidence as you prepare for the Citizenship Test!

Eligibility Criteria

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

For Inquires and registration: Send an email to [abdul.samim@issbc.org] or call [604-684-7944]

برای آزمون شهروندی آماده می شوید؟

این مجموعه جلسات ۴ قسمتی که توسط برنامه خدمات اسکان ارائه می‌شود، اطلاعات ضروری را برای کسانی که برای اخذ شهروندی کانادا آماده می‌شوند، به زبان فارسی ارائه می‌دهد. هر جلسه به بررسی کتاب دانش شهروندی و تمرین سوالات آزمون شهروندی اختصاص دارد. برای کسب دانش و پشتیبانی مورد نیاز در مسیر شهروند شدن کانادا، به ما بپیوندید.

جلسات از ۴ سپتامبر تا ۹ اکتبر ۲۰۲۵، هر پنجشنبه به صورت آنلاین و به زبان فارسی برگزار می‌شود. بیایید و با ما در ارتباط باشید، یاد بگیرید و اعتماد به نفس خود را افزایش دهید تا برای آزمون شهروندی آماده شوید!

[604-684-7944] [abdul.samim@issbc.org] جهت استعلام و ثبت نام: ارسال ایمیل به

Friday Conversation Circle – Online
2025-09-12 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]

Emotional parenting in the digital world | Parenting Workshop Series - Online (Session 06)
2025-09-12 13:00 - 15:00
(فرزند پروری احساسی در عصر دیجیتال، قلب های آرام در دنیای پر سرعت – آنلاین (جلسه ششم

Farsi/English

Parenting Workshop Series in Farsi – Online

Fridays, June 27 – September 12, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Are you a newcomer to Canada navigating parenting in a new culture? Join our free, supportive workshop series designed specifically for newcomers immigrants. Each week, we’ll explore key topics to help you better understand your children, manage stress, and strengthen family connections during this time of transition.

Sessions are held online in Farsi every Friday via MS TEAMS from June 27 to September 12, 2025. Come connect, learn, and grow with other parents on the same journey.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Resident (PR)

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

For Inquires: Send an email to [zohreh.kondori@issbc.org]

مجموعه کلاس های فرزند پروری برای مهاجرین

جمعه‌ها، ۲۷ ژوئن تا۱۲ سپتامبر ۲۰۲۵ | ۱۲:۰۰ ظهر تا ۲:۰۰ بعد از ظهرu

آیا شما یک تازه وارد به کانادا هستید که در حال گذراندن مراحل فرزندپروری در یک فرهنگ جدید هستید؟ به مجموعه کارگاه‌های رایگان و حمایتی ما که مخصوص مهاجران تازه وارد طراحی شده است، بپیوندید. هر هفته، ما موضوعات کلیدی را بررسی خواهیم کرد تا به شما در درک بهتر فرزندانتان، مدیریت استرس و تقویت ارتباطات خانوادگی در این دوران گذار کمک کنیم

:افراد واجد شرایط برای ثبت نام در کلاس ها

دارندگان اقامت دایم –

پناهنده ها ی پذیرفته شده –

[zohreh.kondori@issbc.org] برای سوالات: ارسال ایمیل به

View Poster

Intersectionality Awareness for a Diverse Society Workshop - BC NSP & Safe Haven Program - Online
2025-09-12 13:00 - 15:00
Intersectionality Awareness for a Diverse SocietyWant to better understand how our diverse identities shape our experiences at work and in our communities?Join our workshop designed to help you explore the concept of intersectionality, gain tools for promoting equity and inclusion, and learn how to embrace diversity as a strength in your personal and professional life.

This session will guide you through understanding how overlapping identities—such as gender, culture, race, language, and ability—impact employment experiences, workplace dynamics, and community belonging.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:• Understand what intersectionality means and why it matters• Recognize how diverse identities shape career and life experiences• Address barriers related to culture, identity, and inclusion in the workplace• Promote equity and inclusion in professional and community settings• Build empathy and cultural awareness to strengthen relationships• Leverage your unique identity as an asset in your career journey• Develop strategies to foster belonging and collaboration in diverse teams

Join us to learn how embracing intersectionality can strengthen your career success, enrich your community connections, and promote a more inclusive society.

We’re here to support you in navigating diversity with confidence and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

English Conversation Circle
2025-09-12 13:00 - 15:00 | New Westminster Public Library, 716 6th Avenue, New Westminster, British Columbia, V3M 2B3, Canada
Join us to practice and Learn English for FREE

Improve your English conversation skills

Learn more about Canadian culture

Build your speaking confidence

Make new connections

When:

In-Person Fridays

September 12 – December 12, 2025

1:00pm to 3:00pm

In-Person Saturdays

September 13 – December 13, 2025

10:30am to 12:30pm

Where:

New Westminster Public Library

716 6th Avenue

New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3

Contact: 604.544.1169,

elsie.decena@issbc.org

Women's Group - Mandarin
2025-09-12 14:00 - 16:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminstet, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada
The Women’s Group aims to connect, support, and share experiences within Mandarin speaker’s women in the community, creating a safety space to feel seen, heard and included.

English Conversation Circle
2025-09-13 10:30 - 12:30 | New Westminster Public Library, 716 6th Avenue, New Westminster, British Columbia, V3M 2B3, Canada
Join us to practice and Learn English for FREE

Improve your English conversation skills

Learn more about Canadian culture

Build your speaking confidence

Make new connections

When:

In-Person Saturdays

September 13 to December 13, 2025

10:30am to 12:30pm

Where:

New Westminster Public Library

716 6th Avenue

New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3

Contact: 604.554.1169,

elsie.decena@issbc.org

See poster for details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/English-CC-NW.pdf

Monday Conversation Circle (Basic) - In Person
2025-09-15 10:00 - 12:00 | 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 Mondays Conversation Circle in Maple Ridge! 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]

Solid Start 360 Employment Program - Info Session, Online
2025-09-15 13:00 - 13:30
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

When:

Monday, September 15, 2025, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Eligibility:

❑ Protected Persons (as defined by IRPA)

❑ Protected Persons (as defined by IRPA)

❑ Idividuals selected for PR (with IRCC letter)

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

Employment Rights & Responsibilities Workshop - BC NSP & Safe Haven Program - Online
2025-09-15 13:00 - 15:00
Know your rights as a worker in BC!

Join our Employment Rights Workshop to learn about your rights and how to protect yourself at work. Knowing your rights helps you get fair treatment and avoid problems on the job.

This session will explain the important role of the BC Employment Standards Branch, which enforces workplace laws in BC. You’ll learn about rules on wages, hours, overtime, leaves, and ending a job. We’ll also show you how to spot if your rights are being broken and how to get help by filing a complaint or finding support.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Access resources and support for fair and safe employment

Understand your basic employment rights under BC law

Learn about wages, hours of work, overtime, and breaks

Know your rights related to leaves, holidays, and termination

Discover how the Employment Standards Branch enforces workplace laws and helps resolve disputes

Find out how to file a complaint if your rights are violated

Join us to understand your employment rights and how to stand up for yourself at work!

We’re here to support you in creating a fair and respectful workplace.

Monday Conversation Circle
2025-09-15 13:00 - 15:00
Join us to practice and Learn English for FREE

Eligibility: Permanent Resident Only

Improve your conversation skills

Learn more about Canadian culture

Build your speaking confidence

Make new connections

When:

Monday, September 15 – December 15, 2025

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Where:

ONLINE using Teams meeting

Must register to get the details

Contact: 604.544.1169,

elsie.decena@issbc.org

See poster for details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Monday-CC-NW.pdf
