Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)

Wednesday Conversation Circle (Lower Intermediate) – In Person
2025-10-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-15 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]

Pitt Meadows Library Conversation Circle – In Person
2025-10-08 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-15 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]

Citizenship Test Prep Workshop Series In Farsi | Online
2025-10-08 11:30 - 13:00, 2025-10-15 11:30 - 13:00
کارگاه آموزشی آمادگی برای آزمون شهروندی | آنلاین

Farsi/English

Getting Ready for the Citizenship Test?

Offered by the Settlement Services program at ISSofBC, this 4-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 Wednesday starting October 8th running till October 29th, 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 Registration Inquires: Send an email to [mojgan.heydarpour@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6544]

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 ۶ سپتامبر تا ۲۷ سپتامبر ۲۰۲۵، هر شنبه 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

[778-372-6544] [mojgan.heydarpour@issbc.org] برای سوالات: ارسال ایمیل به

Empowering Seniors 50+ Learn, Connect, Thrive! The New "New Horizon" Program Is Starting!
2025-10-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-15 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]

Tenant and Landlord Rights and Responsibilities - English, Farsi and Dari
2025-10-08 14:00 - 16:00 | ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Centre, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2L7, Canada
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn what are your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: October 8, 2025

Time: 2:00 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/2025/09/Poster-Tenant-and-Landlord-Rights-and-Responsibilities-OCTOBER-2025.pdf

Tenant and Landlord Rights and Responsibilities - English and Arabic
2025-10-09 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Centre, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2L7, Canada
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn what are your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: October 9. 2025

Time: 10:00 am 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/2025/09/Poster-Tenant-and-Landlord-Rights-and-Responsibilities-OCTOBER-2025.pptx

BC NSP & Safe Haven Employment Info Session - Online
2025-10-09 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-16 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
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-16 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

Canadian Citizenship Test Preparation Workshop Series | Online
2025-10-09 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
2025-10-10 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]

Understanding Health Services in BC
2025-10-10 11:00 - 12:30
Information Sessions for Newcomers

Join us for a helpful series of information sessions to better understand health coverage and services in British Columbia.

Topics will include:

– MSP and IFH coverage

– How to find a family doctor

– Using walk-in clinics

– Emergency vs. non-emergency care

– Pharmacare and medication coverage and more

These sessions will help you learn how to access healthcare, understand your rights, and connect with services in BC.

When:

Every Friday – September 19 to October 17

11:00am to 12:30pm

Where: In-person and online

ISSofBC

280 – 610 Sixth Street,

New Westminster BC V3L 3C2

For registration please contact:

Nesreen Nassleh

Email: nesreen.nassleh@issbc.org

Call: 778-372-5848

See poster for full details: View Poster

B-Hired Information Session - Online
2025-10-10 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-14 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

English Conversation Circle (In-Person Fridays)
2025-10-10 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

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

English Conversation Circle (In-Person Saturdays)
2025-10-11 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 Fridays

September 12 – December 12, 2025

1:00pm to 3:00pm

In-Person Saturdays

September 13 – December 13, 2025

10:30am to 12:30pm

New Westminster Public Library

716 6th Avenue

New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3

Contact: 604.544.1169,

elsie.decena@issbc.org

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

Pathways to Wellness in Canada
2025-10-11 11:00 - 12:30
Please join us for a 3-session serries on Health and Wellness at ISSofBC.

The topics include:

Navigating health systems in Canada

Emergency and non-emergency helplines, services like 2-1-1 and other supports in BC

Registering for a family doctor online, referrals to specialist care

Mental health and self-care

When:

Every Saturday – Three sessions on October 11th, 18th, and 25th, 2025

11 AM to 12:30 PM

Where: Online

To register, contact Mazhar Iqbal

Email: mazhar.iqbal@issbc.org

Phone: 778-372-6580 (calls only)

See poster for full details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Pathways-to-Wellness-Series-pdf.pdf

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Information Session
2025-10-14 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

Solid Start 360 Employment Program - Info Session, Online
2025-10-14 13:00 - 13:30
u003cstrongu003eGet Ready to Work in British Columbia!u003c/strongu003e

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.

u003cstrongu003eJoin an Info Sessionu003c/strongu003eu0026nbsp;to learn more about how we can support your job search journey.

u003cstrongu003ewhereu003c/strongu003e: Online session via Zoom

u003cstrongu003eWhenu003c/strongu003e: Monday, October 6, 2025, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm

u003cstrongu003eEligibility:u003c/strongu003e

❑ Protected Persons (as defined by IRPA)

❑ 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

Understanding MSP, Supplementary Benefits & BC PharmaCare Workshop |Online
2025-10-15 10:00 - 12:00
Want to learn more about BC’s Medical Services you may be entitled to?

If you’re holding a Permanent Resident or a Protected Person status and live in British Columbia, you may be eligible for important health coverage and benefits—but many people don’t know what’s available or how to access it. Join us for a free online workshop running on MS TEAMS, offered in Spanish, to learn about:

Medical Services Plan (MSP)

BC Pharmacare

Supplementary Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

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

For Inquiry: Please send an email to [natalia.plaza@issbc.org] or call [778-370-5112]

¿Quieres saber más sobre los servicios médicos a los que podrías tener derecho en Columbia Británica?

Si tienes estatus de Residente Permanente o Persona Protegida y vives en Columbia Británica, podrías ser elegible para importantes coberturas y beneficios de salud —pero muchas personas no saben qué está disponible ni cómo acceder a ello.

Únete a nuestro taller gratuito en línea, que se realizará por MS TEAMS y se ofrece en español, para aprender sobre:

Plan de Servicios Médicos (MSP)

BC Pharmacare

Beneficios Suplementarios

Criterios de elegibilidad:

❑ Residente Permanente (PR)❑ Persona Protegida, según la Sección 95 de la Ley de Inmigración y Protección de Refugiados de Canadá (IRPA)

Consultas: Por favor, envía un correo electrónico a [natalia.plaza@issbc.org] o llama al [778-370-5112]

Health and Wellness: IFHP & MSP- English, Farsi and Dari
2025-10-15 14:00 - 16:00 | ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Centre, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2L7, Canada
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn about the health programs for refugee claimants and BC residents:

•Type of programs,

•How to apply,

•What are the programs about, etc.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: October 15, 2025

Time: 2:00 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/2025/10/Poster-Health-Wellness-OCTOBER-2025.pdf
