Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)

Empowering Seniors 50+ Learn, Connect, Thrive! The New "New Horizon" Program Is Starting!
2025-10-29 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-24 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-22 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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]

Citizenship Test Prep Workshop Series In Farsi | Online
2025-10-29 11:30 - 13:00, 2025-10-22 11:30 - 13:00 | British Columbia
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

Pitt Meadows Library Conversation Circle – In Person
2025-10-29 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-22 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]

한국어 무료강좌 여성지원 프로그램
2025-10-29 10:00 - 12:00 | British Columbia
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

Wednesday Conversation Circle (Lower Intermediate) – In Person
2025-10-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-22 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]

Breaking Into Finance: CFA and Career Paths - Global Talent Loans Program - Online
2025-10-28 17:30 - 18:30 | Online via Zoom
Curious about what it takes to build a successful career in finance? Join us for an inspiring session with our guest speaker, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), as they share their journey, insights, and advice on breaking into the financial industry.

Global Talent Loans Program Info Session - Online
2025-10-28 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-21 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

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Information Session
2025-10-28 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | British Columbia
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

Education System K to 12 - English and Spanish
2025-10-28 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 about the school system from K to 12 in BC:

•Types of schools,

•How to choose the school for your child,

•School Districts/Catchments,

•How to Register Your Child in School, etc.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: October 28, 2025

Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

English and Spanish

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/updated-Poster-Education-System-K-to-12-OCTOBER-2025.pdf

Monday Conversation Circle
2025-10-27 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-20 13:00 - 15:00 | British Columbia
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

Solid Start 360 Employment Program - Info Session, Online
2025-10-27 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-10-20 13:00 - 13:30 | British Columbia
Get 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

When:

Monday, October 20, 2025, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Monday, October 27, 2025, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Eligibility:

❑ 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

Monday Conversation Circle (Basic) - In Person
2025-10-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-20 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]

Pathways to Wellness in Canada
2025-10-25 11:00 - 12:30 | British Columbia
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

English Conversation Circle (In-Person Saturdays)
2025-10-25 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

English Conversation Circle (In-Person Fridays)
2025-10-24 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

Accessing Health Services in BC
2025-10-24 13:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
Join us for an informative session to learn how to access health services in B.C.

We will cover the following topics:

Where to go when you don’t have a family doctor: Information on walk-in clinics and urgent care.

How to register with a family doctor.

Immunization and public health: An overview of vaccination services: Guidelines for emergency situations.

Details about Pharmacare and medication coverage

When: Every Friday

October 17 to November 28, 2025

2 PM to 3:30 PM

Where: In-person and online

3020 Lincoln Avenue, #240A

Coquitlam, BC V3B 6B4

For registration contact:

Sara Lotati

Email at: sara.lotati @issbc.org or Call at 604-545-1088

See poster for full details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Accessing-Health-Services-in-BC.pdf

Friday Conversation Circle – Online
2025-10-24 10:00 - 11:30 | British Columbia
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]

BC NSP & Safe Haven Employment Info Session - Online
2025-10-23 11:00 - 12:00 | British Columbia
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

Education System K to 12 - English and Arabic
2025-10-23 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 about the school system from K to 12 in BC:

•Types of schools,

•How to choose the school for your child,

•School Districts/Catchments,

•How to Register Your Child in School, etc.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: October 23, 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/2025/10/updated-Poster-Education-System-K-to-12-OCTOBER-2025.pdf
