Monday Conversation Circle (Basic) - In Person
2025-08-25 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 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]

Interview Skills & Informational Interviews Workshop - BC NSP & Safe Haven Programs - Online
2025-08-25 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.

The Transit System in Metro Vancouver workshop online - in person - English and Spanish
2025-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 | ISS of BC Vancouver, ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Center 2610 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2, Vancouver, BC, BC V5N 4L2, Canada
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how use the transportation system in Metro Vancouver:

•Transit zones,

•Payment Methods,

•Where to buy a COMPASS card,

•Skytrain lines, etc.

When:

Tuesday 26, 2025

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Workshop offered in English and Spanish

Online and In Person

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
2025-08-26 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-08-29 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-02 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+)

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Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Information Session
2025-08-26 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-02 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
2025-08-26 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-28 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-02 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

Trauma Informed Care for Newcomers
2025-08-26 15:00 - 16:00 | ISSofBC Coquitlam office, 258 3020 Lincoln Ave, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 6B4, Canada
Arabic, Farsi, Eritrean, Rohingiya

Did you know that trauma is a well-known cause of stress and mental health challenges?Do you need to learn more about stress caused by trauma and its effects on health?Do you know that there are many resources available to support people with mental health issues?

Join us in-person or online to learn more.

Where: In-person and online258-3020, Lincoln Ave Coquitlam BC V3B 6B4Contact Mazhar Iqbal:mazhar.Iqbal@issbc.orgPhone: 778-372-6580

https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Poster-Trauma-Informed-Care-for-Newcomers.pdf

Wednesday Conversation Circle (Lower Intermediate) – In Person
2025-08-27 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]

Empowering Seniors for Resilient Future (Wednesdays)
2025-08-27 10:00 - 13:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminster, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada
Join us in this 8-week series if you are 50+ senior who speaks Arabic & Tigrinya (Wednesdays), Farsi, Dari, Spanish & Ukranian (Fridays)

A program series for immigrants and refugee seniors to promote their health and wellbeing with the aim to:

•Celebrate diversity and social connectedness amongst newcomer seniors

•Promote digital literacy and inclusion

•Engage seniors to access parks and recreational facilities in their local community to increase their physical fitness

•Support seniors’ health and wellbeing by introducing a variety of self-care activities

•Improve English communication skills through Conversation group sessions

Program runs from July to August 2025 every Wednesdays or Fridays 10AM – 1PM

ISSofBC New Westminster Office: 280 – 610 6th St. New Westminster, BC

To Register: connect with kimberly.lopez@issbc.org

View Poster

Pitt Meadows Library Conversation Circle – In Person
2025-08-27 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]

Networking: Navigating the Labour Market & Intersectionality Workshop - BC NSP & Safe Haven Program - Online
2025-08-27 13:00 - 15:00
Want to connect with the right people, find helpful resources related to your profession, and understand today’s job market?

Join our workshop designed to help you build strong networks, gain career insights, navigate the labour market in BC, and understand how intersectionality impacts your employment experience.

This session will guide you through effective networking strategies, labour market insights, and how to leverage your unique identity and experiences to succeed.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Develop strategies for long-term career success

Build and grow meaningful professional connections

Understand BC’s labour market trends and job opportunities

Find helpful resources related to your profession and gain career insights

Navigate challenges related to identity, culture, and diversity in the workplace

Use intersectionality to your advantage in your career journey

Access community resources and support networks

Join us to learn how to expand your network, understand your strengths, and take charge of your career!

We’re here to support your path to success in the BC labour market.

The Transit System in Metro Vancouver workshop online - in person - English, Farsi and Dari
2025-08-27 14:00 - 16:00 | ISS of BC Vancouver, ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Center 2610 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2, Vancouver, BC, BC V5N 4L2, Canada
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how use the transportation system in Metro Vancouver:

•Transit zones,

•Payment Methods,

•Where to buy a COMPASS card,

•Skytrain lines, etc.

When:

Wed – Aug 27, 2025

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

English, Farsi and Dari

Online and In Person

Where:

2610 Victoria Dr.Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration please contact:

Ingrid Mutter

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

View Poster

The Transit System in Metro Vancouver workshop online - in person - English and Arabic
2025-08-28 10:00 - 12:00 | ISS of BC Vancouver, ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Center 2610 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2, Vancouver, BC, BC V5N 4L2, Canada
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how use the transportation system in Metro Vancouver:

•Transit zones,

•Payment Methods,

•Where to buy a COMPASS card,

•Skytrain lines, etc.

When:

Thu – Aug 28, 2025

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

English and Arabic

Online and In Person

Where:

2610 Victoria Dr.Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration please contact:

Ingrid Mutter

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

View Poster

BC NSP & Safe Haven Employment Info Session - Online
2025-08-28 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
2025-08-28 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

Launching Your Second Career Through BC Public Colleges | Online
2025-08-28 18:30 - 20:30
BC 컬리지 진학으로 여는 제2의 진로 탐색 무료 웨비나

Korean/English

Are you looking to build a new career and start a second chapter of your life in Canada?

In today’s world, a four-year university degree no longer guarantees employment. To help navigate this new reality, we invite permanent residents to a free online session featuring an experienced advisor who has worked closely with admissions officers from various public colleges in BC. The session will cover promising programs, admission procedures, and co-op opportunities leading to employment. Secondary school students and their parents who are looking to make practical and informed decisions about future career paths are also welcome. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity!

The following topics will be covered in the session:

❑ How to Choose the Right Program for You – Based on Passion, Skills, and Job Market Trends❑ Finding the Right College for Your Career Path – Comparing Top BC Public Colleges❑ From Admission to Co-op: Step-by-Step Guide to Getting In and Succeeding❑ Beyond Graduation – How to Secure a Job After College

This session will be presented Online via MS TEAMS.

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

캐나다에서 새로운 커리어로 제2의 인생을 설계하기 원하십니까?

4년제 학위만으로는 취업이 보장되지 않는 시대입니다. 이에 따라 BC주의 여러 공립 컬리지에서 제공하는 유망 전공, 입학 절차, 코업 후 취업까지의 과정을 다년간 다양한 컬리지 입학 사정관들과의 경험이 풍부한 전문가와 함께 온라인으로 알아보는 시간을 마련했습니다. 캐나다 영주권자분들을 위한 이번 설명회는 무료로 진행되며, 자녀의 진로를 합리적으로 설계하고자 하는 학부모님과 고등학생의 참여도 환영합니다. 이번 기회를 놓치지 마세요!

강좌 내용:

❑ 내게 맞는 전공, 어떻게 찾을까?❑ 내 진로에 맞는 컬리지는 어디일까?❑ 입학부터 코업까지, 준비는 이렇게!❑ 졸업이 끝이 아니다 – 취업이 시작이다!

참가자격: 영주권자 또는 난민보호 대상자

등록 및 참석: isabel.lee@issbc.org 또는 778-372-6550으로 요청

Friday Conversation Circle – Online
2025-08-29 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]

Empowering Seniors for Resilient Future (Fridays)
2025-08-29 10:00 - 13:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminster, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada

Resume & Cover Letter Writing Workshop - BC NSP & Safe Haven Program - Online
2025-08-29 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

Women's Group - Mandarin
2025-08-29 14:00 - 16:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminstet, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada
The Women’s Group aims to connect, support, and share experiences within Mandarin speaker’s women in the community, creating a safety space to feel seen, heard and included.

Primary and Secondary Education in Canada - Online
2025-08-29 18:00 - 20:00
التعليم الابتدائي والثانوي في كندا -افتراضي

Arabic/English

How Does the School System Work in Canada?

Join us for an informative workshop that breaks down primary and secondary education in Canada. Learn about different types of schools, the school year structure, how to register your child, and the support available through settlement workers in schools. Whether you’re new to the country or just new to the school system, this session will help you navigate it with confidence.

For registration and Inquiry, please send an email to: huda.bolow@issbc.org

Eligibility Criteria

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

كيف يعمل نظام التعليم المدرسي في كندا؟

هل أنت جديد في كندا ولديك أطفال في سن الدراسة؟ هذه الورشة مخصصة لمساعدتك على فهم نظام التعليم الابتدائي والثانوي في كندا. سنتحدث عن أنواع المدارس، متى يبدأ وينتهي العام الدراسي، كيفية تسجيل الأطفال، ودور عمال الاستقرار الموجودين داخل المدارس لمساعدتك أنت وأطفالك. انضم إلينا لتتعرف على الخطوات المهمة وتبدأ رحلة تعليمية ناجحة لعائلتك.

huda.bolow@issbc.org :للتسجيل والاستفسار يرجى ارسال ايميل الى

Soft Skills at the Workplace - Global Talent Loans Program - Online
2025-09-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via Zoom
Want to improve your workplace communication and teamwork? Join our Soft Skills in the Workplace webinar.

What you’ll learn:✨ Understand and manage your emotions✨ Tune into others’ feelings✨ Support colleagues in navigating theirs

Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your soft skills and make a positive impact at work!

Take the first step toward an exciting teaching journey. We hope to see you there!
