Canadians and people around the world love British Columbia (B.C.) for its beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures. It is on Canada’s west coast between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains.
British Columbia has a growing economy. Between 2011 and 2021 there will be more than one million jobs available in the province. You will find many opportunities for work and life in British Columbia whether you are immigrating or just coming for a short time.
Settlement in British Columbia
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General
- Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC – AMSSA’s programs and services provide professional, accurate, and detailed information and support on issues involving multiculturalism, immigration, and human rights to members, businesses and government.
- Welcome BC- Immigrant Settlement Agencies – List of Immigrant Settlement Service agencies sorted by location.
- BC 211 – BC211 is committed to enabling British Columbians to access and use community resources through quality information and referral services.
- Welcome to Canada: Publications for Newcomers – Publications by the Government of Canada to help you know what to expect in your first few weeks of coming to Canada.
- Francophone Immigration: Information on immigrating to Canada as a French Speaker.
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Government Services
- Welcome BC – Live in British Columbia – BC’s main immigration website, outlines a variety of government services and resources.
- Vivre en Colombie – Immigration and Settlement Information in French
- The BC Provincial Nominee Program – The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is an economic immigration program administered by the Government of British Columbia’s Immigration Programs Branch. It enables the province to select and nominate foreign workers, international students and entrepreneurs to help meet B.C.’s labour market needs, support government priorities, and help grow B.C.’s economy. If you are nominated, you and your family can apply to IRCC to become a permanent resident of Canada.
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Health Care
British Columbia Ministry of Health Services – BC governmental site explaining how to obtain provincial health insurance and services.
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Housing
- BC Housing – BC Housing is the provincial crown agency that develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options for those in greatest need.
- Craigslist – Housing rental search for various BC cities.
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Transportation
BC Driver’s Licence and Services Card – Get a combined BC Driver’s Licence and Services Card
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Cultural
Tourism BC–Culture and History – Learn about British Columbia’s history and culture.
Education in British Columbia
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Government Services
- BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Responsible for Multiculturalism – Government site with information and list of resources for post-secondary and adult education.
- BC Ministry of Education – Government site with information and list of resources for public education (children and youth).
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International Credentials
Learn Live BC – List of links to specific BC college and university international offices.
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Skills Training
Welcome BC-Skills Connect for Immigrants – Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants: helps professionals use their skills, training, and foreign qualifications for work in B.C. They can help you get jobs that match your experience and background.
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Language
Welcome BC-Learn English – Overview of English as a Second Language services in BC with links for specific programs.
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Universities
University of British Columbia – International Dental Degree completion program.
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Daycare, Primary and Secondary Schools
Welcome BC-Find Help Taking Care of Your Children – Overview of childcare services available in BC, how to find a childcare provider and how to apply for subsidies/tax credits.
Employment in British Columbia
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Vocational Services
- Progressive Intercultural Community Services – From guided group job search assistance and individual job search assistance to specialized programs and training, PICS offers a wide range of services to ensure each client gets the most out of their experience.
- Mosaic BC—Employment Services Centre – Mosaic offers specialized services to immigrants, refuges and newcomers at the Vancouver Northeast Employment centre.
- Immigrant Service Society of BC – ISS of BC provides a full range of employment services that assist immigrant jobseekers with a wide variety of needs and enhance their ability to build a meaningful and successful work life in Canada.
- Pacific Immigrant Resource Society – PIRS is a unique immigrant service agency that has been providing services for immigrant women and their young children since 1975.
- Immigrant Welcome Centre: Nanaimo – Whether you are a newly arrived immigrant or have lived in Canada for years, finding employment can be challenging. The centre has several services and programs to help with employment needs.
- South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services – Offers employment services and labour market mentorship.
- Vernon & District Immigrant Services Society – Provides job search, career educational planning, accreditation assistance and referrals to community employment and support services. The services are at no cost.
- Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants – Helps professionals use their skills, training, and foreign qualifications for work in B.C. They can help you get jobs that match your experience and background.
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Trades
Industry Training Authority BC – Provides support services and training to help immigrants work in the trades in BC.
- Job Search Websites