Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)

Friday Conversation Circle – Online
2026-01-16 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-01-23 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:

Explore new topics together?

Share your ideas and experience?

Learn something new?

Have Fun!!

We are here to support you!

Join our 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 strictly required due to limited space.

For Inquiries: Send an email to [yumiko.king@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6568]

GRUPO DE APOYO PARA MUJERES (En espanol)
2026-01-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-23 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminster, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada
No estas sola, juntas somos mas fuertes!

Únete a nosotras y…

CONECTATE: Conoce a otras mujeres y forma parte de una comunidad segura donde podrás compartir y fortalecer tu experiencia en Canadá

APRENDE: Descubre recursos, beneficios, y programas gratuitos en Canadá que te ayudarán en una variedad de temas como con el aprendizaje de inglés, empleo, salud, vivienda, salud mental, asistencia financiera y mas!

RECIBE APOYO: Obtén apoyo grupal y orientaciónen personalizada en español para ti y tu familia durante tu proces so de adaptación

CRECE: Crece junto a otras mujeres, fortalece tu confianza y desc ubre nuevas oportunidades para tu futuro

Al final del programa recibirás un certificado de participación

10 SESIONES Todos los viernes de 10am a 12pm

INICIO: 7 DE NOVIEMBRE

#280 – 610 6th St., New Westminster (Royal City Centre – segundo piso del centro comercial)

También ofrecemos opción virtual!

REGISTRO: fiorella.diliberto@issbc.org; (778) 372-6528

❑ GET CONNECTED: Meet other women and share your experience in Canada in a safe space

❑ LEARN: Learn about free resources, benefits and programs in Canada on many different topics, including learning English, health, employment, housing, mental health, financial assistance, and more!

❑ RECEIVE SUPPORT: Receive support in a group as well as personalized support for you and your family as you adjust to life in Canada

❑ GROW: Grow next to other women, increase your confidence, and discover new opportunities for your future.

Consulta los carteles para más detalles: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Spanish-Womens-Support-Group-Combined-Version.pdf

Networking Workshop - BC NSP & SAFE HEAVEN
2026-01-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual MS Teams
Are you new to British Columbia and looking to expand your professional and social network? Join us for an engaging and practical networking workshop designed specifically for newcomers. Learn essential tips for effective networking in the Canadian context, gain confidence in starting conversations, and discover local resources to help you grow your connections.

Eligibility Requirements:

BC Provincial Nominees or BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates.

Work permit holders

Study permit holders: You are an international post-secondary student with a valid study permit and cannot access similar services at your institution.

Naturalized Canadian citizens: You have language barriers and need culturally appropriate services.

Other immigration statuses:

Refugee claimants: You have submitted a refugee claim and received any of the following documents: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD), or Client Application Summary.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders (until end March 2025).

Multicultural Women's Support Group
2026-01-19 10:00 - 12:00
Come join us for 10 sessions!

FREE! Registration Open

Online Mondays 10am – 12pm

November 3rd – January 19th

❑ GET CONNECTED: Meet other women and make new friends in a safe space. Share your experience in Canda and learn from other women in your community.

❑ LEARN: Learn about free resources, benefits and programs in your community to support you in many areas such as employment, English learning, women’s health, financial assistance, housing, mental health and more!

❑ RECEIVE SUPPORT: Receive weekly group and get connected.

❑ PRACTICE: Practice your English skills in a fun and supportive environment.

At the end of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Participation

See poster for details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Multicultural-Womens-Support-Group.pdf

Monday Conversation Circle - In Person
2026-01-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC Maple Ridge, 110-22638 119th Ave, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:

Practice English?

Learn New Words?

Talk About Culture

Know About Your Neighbourhood?

Make Friends and Enjoy Conversation!

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]

Soft Skills in the Workplace | Free Webinar - Global Talent Loans Program - Online
2026-01-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via Zoom
This session focuses on building strong communication, emotional intelligence, and collaboration skills for today’s workplace.

You will learn how to:

• Manage emotions effectively at work• Communicate with empathy• Support colleagues and contribute to a positive work culture

Solid Start 360 Employment Program - Info Session, Online
2026-01-19 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-26 13:00 - 13:30
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

Eligibility

❑ Permanent Resident

❑ 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

Citizenship Test Preparation Online Series for Korean Immigrant
2026-01-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-27 10:00 - 12:00
한인 영주권자 대상 캐나다 시민권 시험 준비 온라인 시리즈

Korean/English

Getting Ready for the Citizenship Test?

ISSofBC’s Korean Settlement team is offering a specialized study series based on Discover Canada to help Korean permanent residents prepare for the citizenship test.

Through three lecture sessions and two practice-question sessions, participants will gain a clear understanding of the test materials and build confidence for the exam.

This program is especially helpful for those who feel challenged studying or test-taking in English.

Join us and take your first step toward becoming a Canadian citizen.

The following topics will be covered in the session:

Applying for citizenship & the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, Who We Are – Discover Canada, Canada’s History, and Modern Canada

How Canadians Govern Themselves and Federal Elections

Canada’s Economy and Canada’s Regions & Assessing key concepts and topics about the country

Practice with sample questions on history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols to prepare for the citizenship test.

Eligibility Criteria:

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

For Registration and Inquiries: Send an email to [isabel.lee@issbc.org or miyoung.suh@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6550 or 778-372-6563]

ISSofBC 한인 정착지원팀은 Discover Canada를 기반으로 한 시민권 시험 준비 시리즈를 제공합니다.

3회의 강의와 2회의 문제풀이 세션을 통해 시험 내용 이해와 실전 대비를 체계적으로 도와드립니다.

영어로 공부하거나 시험을 치르는 데 어려움을 느끼는 한인 영주권자 분들에게 특히 유용한 프로그램입니다.

시민권 취득을 향한 첫걸음을 저희와 함께 준비해보세요.

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Information Session
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-27 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
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-27 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

Employment Standards Workshop - BC NSP & SAFE HEAVEN
2026-01-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual MS Teams
Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a worker in BC, including rules around wages, hours, breaks, and time off. This session will also cover how to address workplace concerns and where to go for support or more information.

Eligibility Requirements:

BC Provincial Nominees or BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates.

Work permit holders

Study permit holders: You are an international post-secondary student with a valid study permit and cannot access similar services at your institution.

Naturalized Canadian citizens: You have language barriers and need culturally appropriate services.

Other immigration statuses:

Refugee claimants: You have submitted a refugee claim and received any of the following documents: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD), or Client Application Summary.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders (until end March 2025).

Renting in BC and BC Housing_English, Farsi and Dari
2026-01-20 14:00 - 16:00 | 2610 Victoria Drive, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5N 4L2
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how to rent a place in BC and BC Housing.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: January 20, 2026

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/2025/12/VANCOUVER-Renting-in-BC-BC-Housing-JAN-2026.pdf

Renting in BC and BC Housing_English and Spanish
2026-01-21 10:00 - 12:00 | 208-7355 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC, 208-7355 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC, V3N 4Z6, Canada
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how to rent a place in BC and BC Housing.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: January 21, 2026

Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

English and Spanish

In person and online via Teams

Where:

# 108 – 7355 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC, V3N4Z6

For registration, please contact Ingrid Mutter at ingrid.mutter@issbc.org or 778-372-6530

https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BBY_Renting-in-BC-and-BC-Housing-Jan-2026.pdf

Wednesday Conversation Circle – In Person
2026-01-21 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC Maple Ridge, 110-22638 119th Ave, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:

Make new friends?

Practice English?

Learn about Canada?

Create something fun together?

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]

Kids' Health Matters: A Parent Education Series
2026-01-21 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for an engaging workshop series – Kids’ Health Matters!

Designed to support newcomer families in raising healthy, thriving kids. Featuring professional guest speakers and practical tips for family well-being.

Workshop Series Includes:

1. Preventive & Physical Health (January 14 & 21, 2026)

– Fluoride & Dental Health in Kids

– Understanding Childhood Immunizations

– Common Childhood Illnesses

– Healthy Growth & Development

2. Mental & Behavioral Health (January 28 & February 4, 2026)

– Supporting Kids with ADHD

– Recognizing Mental Health Red Flags

– Building Emotional Resilience

– The Parents’ Role in Kids’ Mental Health

3. Nutrition & Healthy Habits (February 11 & 18, 2026)

– Family Nutrition for Healthy Kids & Feeding Challenges

– Hydrating and Sugar Awareness

When: Every Wednesday

January 14 to February 18, 2026

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Where: In-person

ISSofBC – 2610 Victoria Drive

Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration contact:

Nesren Nassleh

Email: nesreen.nassleh@issbc.org

Call at 778-372-5848

See poster for full details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kids-Health-Matters-updated.pdf

Pitt Meadows Library Conversation Circle – In Person
2026-01-22 09:15 - 10:30 | Pitt Meadows Public Library – 2nd Floor, 12099 Harris Rd, Pitt Meadows, V3Y 0E5, Canada
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:

Practice English?

Learn New Words?

Talk About Culture

Know About Your Neighborhood?

Make Friends and Enjoy Conversation!

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]

FREE TRAINING: WOMEN'S FACILITATION & LEADERSHIP TRAINING
2026-01-22 09:30 - 14:30, 2026-01-27 09:30 - 14:30 | ISSofBC – New Westminster, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada
Join us to learn more about our free training program!

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Are you passionate about the helping other women? Do you want to gain new skills and experience in Canada? Join our certificate program to become a facilitator and make a difference in your community.

What will you receive?

Training on group facilitation, Canadian systems, and community resources

Hands-on experience leading and facilitating community groups for immigrant women.

A Certificate of Facilitation upon program completion, plus ongoings support.

Eligibility:

Immigrant women aged 21 or older

Permanent Residents or Protected Persons (including refugee claimants with positive Notice of Decision)

English Level: CLB Level 4

Able to commit to a 10-week training and 12-week practicum

Strong desire to help other women

Info Sessions

Register for an info SESSION: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=PvAIsU14Kk-1YmUuoUwI2Sl3R1SrLHFBrs2r858Xf5JUQkFSQk00SkVTNFRPVVg2QzJBRFYySlRGRy4u&route=shorturl

Location: Hybrid: Virtual & In-Person (TBA)

Apply by January 12, 2026

Contact Fiorella for more information

fiorella.diliberto@issbc.org

(778) 372-6528

See posters for details: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Womens-Facilitation-Leadership-Training-2026.pdf

Renting in BC and BC Housing_English and Arabic
2026-01-22 10:00 - 12:00 | 2610 Victoria Drive, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5N 4L2
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how to rent a place in BC and BC Housing.

Free childminding and bus tickets available.

When: January 22, 2026

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/2025/12/VANCOUVER-Renting-in-BC-BC-Housing-JAN-2026.pdf

BC NSP & Safe Haven Employment Info Session - Online
2026-01-22 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

Interview Skills Workshop - BC NSP & SAFE HEAVEN
2026-01-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual MS Teams
Join this workshop to learn how to present yourself confidently in an interview. You’ll find out how to talk about your skills, answer common questions, and make a great impression. You will learn how to present your self confidently, answer questions with ease, and become more prepared for your next job interview.

Eligibility Requirements:

BC Provincial Nominees or BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates.

Work permit holders

Study permit holders: You are an international post-secondary student with a valid study permit and cannot access similar services at your institution.

Naturalized Canadian citizens: You have language barriers and need culturally appropriate services.

Other immigration statuses:

Refugee claimants: You have submitted a refugee claim and received any of the following documents: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD), or Client Application Summary.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders (until end March 2025).

Workplace Safety Workshop- BC NSP & SAFE HEAVEN
2026-01-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual MS Teams
In British Columbia, all workers have the right to a safe workplace. Your employer must provide safety training, proper equipment, and explain any hazards. You have the right to ask questions, report unsafe conditions, and refuse unsafe work. If you’re injured or something feels unsafe, tell your supervisor right away. WorkSafeBC is the organization that helps protect workers and can support you in many languages. Learn more at www.worksafebc.com or call 1-888-621-7233.

Eligibility Requirements:

BC Provincial Nominees or BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates.

Work permit holders

Study permit holders: You are an international post-secondary student with a valid study permit and cannot access similar services at your institution.

Naturalized Canadian citizens: You have language barriers and need culturally appropriate services.

Other immigration statuses:

Refugee claimants: You have submitted a refugee claim and received any of the following documents: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD), or Client Application Summary.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders (until end March 2025).
