Thu, Nov
21
Support in navigating Canadian immigration and legal processes.
Ready Tours support refugee claimants, prepare for their refugee hearings, and learn about the refugee appeal process. Kinbrace provides them.
Through the BC SAFE HAVEN program, ISSofBC offers FREE settlement and job search support, in two locations:
These services can help you build your life in your local community.
We also offer formal English language training at five locations in Metro Vancouver:
For a full list of BC SAFE HAVEN service locations, visit WelcomeBC.
We offer BC SAFE HAVEN in multiple languages so you can use our services if English is not your first language.
We can support you through this program in Spanish (Español), Farsi (فارسی), Dari (دری), and Arabic (عربي).
We can also arrange translators as needed if you speak other languages.
BC SAFE HAVEN focuses on supporting refugee claimants and asylum seekers who are not able to access federally (IRCC) funded programs.
Before contacting the BC SAFE HAVEN team, please check that you are eligible for support with the program:
| Service Area | Service | Client Groups | |
| Refugee Claimants* | Asylum Seekers* | ||
| Settlement & Immigration Services | Settlement information, orientation & referrals | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Claim submission process support, immigration information or application & assistance completing non-immigration related forms | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Community connections and informal language practise | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Short-term non-clinical counseling | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Labour Market Services | Labour market information, orientation and networking | ✔️ | |
| Information on workplace rights and responsibilities & support in the event of a workplace safety or employment standards violation | ✔️ | ||
| Customized employment counseling | ✔️ | ||
| Short-term pre-employment training & supported access to WorkBC and other employment training programs | ✔️ | ||
| Language Services | Language assessments | ✔️ | |
| Formal English language training | ✔️ | ||
| Accomodation Services | Short-term Emergency Accomodation | ✔️ | |
| Housing Search & Coordination | ✔️ | ||
| Clinical Counselling Services* | Psycho-Social Trauma Counseling | ✔️ | |
Eligible clients include those listed below, as well as their spouse and/or dependent family members who have submitted their claim (16 years old + unless an age exception is stated for the specific service: 17 years old + for language and 19 years old + for clinical counseling):
*Refugee claimants: individuals who have submitted their claim for refugee protection in Canada and have received any of the following documents:
*Asylum seekers: Individuals who have not yet submitted their refugee claim but intend to will only have access to the Settlement services in the BC SAFE HAVEN program.
*Clinical counseling only: Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders and refugees, both protected persons and resettled refugees (for example, privately sponsored or government-assisted). This counseling is provided by the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST).
Have more questions about BC SAFE HAVEN? Read our FAQs:
The BC Services and Assistance for Humanitarian and Vulnerable Newcomers program (BC SAF HAVN, also known as BC SAFE HAVEN) provides all-in-one support for initial settlement needs for refugee claimants and asylum seekers.
Support includes:
The program primarily supports refugee claimants (see below) in British Columbia to settle in their communities, find work, and learn English.
However, the program also provides settlement support to asylum seekers (see below) who are not eligible to receive services under federal settlement programs.
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders, refugees, and other humanitarian pathways can receive clinical counseling services through BC SAFE HAVEN.
Refugee claimants: individuals who have submitted their claim for refugee protection in Canada and have received any of the following documents:
Asylum seekers: Individuals who have not yet submitted their refugee claim but intend to will only have access to the Settlement services in the BC SAFE HAVEN program.
Support offered by the program include:
The program has been designed to address gaps in services for newcomers who are not covered by federally funded settlement programs, such as refugee claimants and asylum seekers.
BC SAFE HAVEN is also unique for offering multiple services in one program, supporting refugee claimants and others to settle, learn English, and find work in their communities.
Through the BC SAFE HAVEN program, ISSofBC offers FREE settlement, job search support, and housing-related support in two locations:
We also offer formal English language training at five other locations in Metro Vancouver:
For a full list of BC SAFE HAVEN service locations outside of Metro Vancouver, visit WelcomeBC.
FREE! All services provided through BC SAFE HAVEN are funded by the Government of British Columbia so are FREE for all eligible newcomers.
This will depend on your eligibility, changes to your status in Canada, and ability to access federally-funded settlement programs.
Yes, the program offers customized job searches, counseling, training, networking support, and access to other job training programs.
Yes, we provide services in multiple languages to ensure accessibility. Please inform our staff of your preferred language.
For more information about the BC SAFE HAVEN Program, including eligibility criteria, available services, and how to access support, please visit our website, send an email using the button below, phone 604-255-1881, or visit one of our locations (please call ahead to make an appointment before visiting). Our friendly staff are ready to welcome you.
There are several ways to support BC SAFE HAVEN, including volunteering, donating, or sharing our services within your community. To learn more about how you can get involved, please contact us directly.
BC SAFE HAVEN services are available from other settlement organizations across British Columbia, including:
For a full list of BC SAFE HAVEN service locations outside of Metro Vancouver, visit WelcomeBC.
BC SAFE HAVEN (BC SAF HVN) is funded by the Government of British Columbia.
You can send any questions you have to our BC SAFE HAVEN team via the email below. They look forward to supporting you as you settle in British Columbia!