Solid Start 360 Employment Program - Info Session, Online
2025-09-22 13:00 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver)
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 22, 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

Resume & Cover Letter Writing Workshop - BC NSP & Safe Haven Program - Online
2025-09-22 13:00 - 15:00
Looking to improve your resume and cover letter?

Join our Resume & Cover Letter Workshop and gain practical tools, expert tips, and personalized guidance to strengthen your job applications and boost your chances of success in the BC job market.

This session will walk you through the essentials of writing clear, effective, and professional documents that reflect your skills and experience.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Create a Canadian-style resume tailored to your career goals

Write compelling cover letters that showcase your strengths

Avoid common mistakes that hurt your chances

Use keywords to get noticed by employers and resume scanners

Customize your applications for different job postings

Know where to find free templates, resources, digital tools, and 1-on-1 support

Monday Conversation Circle
2025-09-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-29 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

BC Cancer Screening & Prevention
2025-09-22 18:00 - 19:30
Farsi/English

Did you know that cancer screening is meant for when you’re feeling healthy with no symptoms? Join BC Cancer’s health promotion team for an interactive online session on cancer screening and prevention. Learn about British Columbia’s four free screening programs (breast, cervix, colon, and lung) and access cancer prevention resources. Whether for yourself or to support loved ones, this is a great opportunity to take charge of your health.

Presentation learning goals:

➢ How to reduce cancer risk through modifiable lifestyle changes;➢ Why cancer screening is important for overall health➢ The four free screening programs offered in BC (breast, cervix, colon, and lung);➢ Who is eligible to get breast, cervix, colon, and/or lung screening, and how to book an appointment.

Eligibility to join this orientation session:

❑ Work Permit holders❑ Study Permit holders (Post-secondary students who cannot access similar services at their educational institution)​❑ Naturalized Citizens❑ Refugee claimants

For Inquiries: Send an email to [farzaneh.naderi@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6559]

Adult Education in BC - English and Spanish
2025-09-23 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 how adult education in BC works.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When:

Tue – Sept 23, 2025

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

English, and Spanish

In person and online

Where:

2610 Victoria Dr.Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration please contact:

Ingrid Mutter

778-372-6530 Ingrid.mutter@issbc.org

View Poster

B-Hired Information Session - Online
2025-09-23 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-26 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-30 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
2025-09-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-30 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
2025-09-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-30 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

Wednesday Conversation Circle (Lower Intermediate) – In Person
2025-09-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-01 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]

Pitt Meadows Library Conversation Circle – In Person
2025-09-24 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]

Interview Skills & Informational Interviews Workshop - BC NSP & Safe Haven Programs - Online
2025-09-24 13:00 - 15:00
Want to ace your next interview?

Join our Interview Skills & Informational Interviews Workshop and build the confidence and skills you need to succeed in any job interview—whether in person or online.

This session will help you prepare for interviews, understand what employers are looking for, and learn how to make great connections through informational interviews.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Access helpful resources and get personalized feedback

Answer common interview questions with confidence and clarity

Prepare effectively before an interview, and make a good impression after

Use body language and tone to make a positive impression

Prepare for virtual interviews using AI interview training software

Conduct effective informational interviews to explore career options and build your network

Join us today to improve your interview skills and feel ready for any job opportunity!

We’ll support you every step of the way to help you succeed.

School System in BC, Canada | Online
2025-09-24 15:30 - 17:00
آشنایی با سیستم آموزشی مدارس در استان بی سی کانادا

Farsi/English

New to BC? Wondering How the School System Works?If you’re new to Canada and trying to understand how the school system works in British Columbia, join Our Free Online Workshop for Farsi-Speaking Newcomers and Immigrants. We’ll explore key topics such as how the BC school system is structured, what students need to graduate from high school, and the steps required for admission to universities in BC.

This session will be presented in Farsi and is ideal for parents, students, and newcomers who want to better support their educational journey or that of their children. Our guest speaker, Soheila Soudy from School District #43 – SWIS, will share valuable insights and answer your questions. The workshop will be held online via Microsoft Teams, making it easy to join from anywhere.

Eligibility Criteria

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

For Inquiry and Registration: Send an email to [mojgan.heydarpour@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6544]

تازه‌وارد به بریتیش کلمبیا هستید؟ نمی‌دانید سیستم آموزشی اینجا چگونه کار می‌کند؟

اگر به‌تازگی به کانادا مهاجرت کرده‌اید و در تلاش هستید تا سیستم آموزشی بریتیش کلمبیا را بهتر درک کنید، در این کارگاه آموزشی آنلاین رایگان ویژه فارسی‌زبانان تازه‌وارد شرکت کنید. در این جلسه، به موضوعاتی کلیدی مانند ساختار سیستم آموزشی بریتیش کلمبیا، شرایط لازم برای فارغ‌التحصیلی از دبیرستان، و مراحل مورد نیاز برای پذیرش در دانشگاه‌های این استان خواهیم پرداخت

این جلسه به زبان فارسی ارائه خواهد شد و برای والدین، دانش‌آموزان و تازه واردانی که می‌خواهند از مسیر تحصیلی خود یا فرزندانشان بهتر حمایت کنند، ایده‌آل است. سخنران مهمان ما، سهیلا سودی از منطقه آموزشی شماره ۴۳ – بینش‌های ارزشمندی را به اشتراک خواهد گذاشت و به سوالات شما پاسخ خواهد داد. این کارگاه به صورت آنلاین برگزار می‌شود و شرکت در آن از هر مکانی آسان است

:افراد واجد شرایط برای ثبت نام در کلاس ها

دارندگان اقامت دایم –

پناهنده ها ی پذیرفته شده –

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

BC NSP & Safe Haven Employment Info Session - Online
2025-09-25 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
2025-09-25 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
2025-09-25 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
2025-09-26 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
2025-09-26 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

Understanding & Navigating the Labour Market - BC NSP & Safe Haven Programs - Online
2025-09-26 13:00 - 15:00
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.

English Conversation Circle
2025-09-26 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

Monday Conversation Circle (Basic) - In Person
2025-09-29 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
2025-09-29 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 29, 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
