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Vancouver Newcomer Resources

Housing Resorces

Resources

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Download a printable list of Vancouver newcomers resources with full contact info​

 

 

Apply for a PR Card or Canadian Citizenship

Information on how to get a permanent resident card or Canadian citizenship

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Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC

Offers services to support settlement, language and diversity service providers

 

BC Newcomer Services Program

A combined program offering settlement services, language skills, and employment support all in one place

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BC Refugee Hub

Facts about refugees in BC, resources, and more to help refugees and those supporting them

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Canoo

This app gives newcomers free access to 1,400 cultural and outdoor experiences​

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Career Paths For Skilled Immigrants

Helps professionals use their skills, training, and foreign qualifications for work in BC

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Chimo Community Services

Assists recent immigrants and PR/citizenship applicants with meeting a variety of settlement-related needs

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Citizenship Test Preparation

Learn what's on the citizenship test and prepare with these resources. You can also find an online practice tests here and here. 

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Community Airport Newcomers Network

Facilitates the pre-settlement and integration of all new immigrants arriving in Canada through the Vancouver International Airport

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Cultural Organizations

A list of organizations promoting cultural activities and events

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Culture Chats

Promotes cultural diversity through engagement with literary and other arts among local communities

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English Corner

Free, informal English classes across the Lower Mainland

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Help with Government Services 

Get help with provincial government services through Service BC, and federal government

services through Service Canada

 

Immigrant Services Society

Provides free immigrant services including settlement support, housing, employment programs, English classes, and more

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Interim Federal Health Program 

Covers certain pre-departure medical services for refugees coming to Canada. This coverage includes assistive devices, medical supplies, and equipment, such as mobility aids, orthopedic and prosthetic equipment, and hearing aids. 

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International Credential Evaluation Service

Compares education earned outside of Canada to the general education ladder in Canada; the reports offer a general comparability of the years and levels of study.

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Kinbrace Refugee Housing and Support

Welcomes refugee claimants with housing, education, and support

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Migrant Worker Hub

A hub of resources and tools to enhance the knowledge and capacity of individuals, employers, unions, professional associations and other organizations supporting migrant workers in BC

 

MOSAIC

Addresses issues affecting immigrants and refugees in the course of their settlement into Canadian society. Employment, language, counselling, children and family, and more.

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Multicultural Helping House

Provides a range of services to newcomers of all ages, helping them settle into their lives in Canada

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Multilingual Legal Services

Personalized legal help to clients in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Hindi, and French

 

Newcomer Guide to Vancouver

Features stories shared by newcomers and long-time residents, and highlights resources on a wide range of topics, from getting around the city to obtaining information about key services to finding volunteer opportunities

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Newcomer Services

A tool to help you find nearby newcomer services

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NewToBC

Information to help newcomers settle in BC​

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Nisa Homes 

Safe homes for women, focusing on newcomer and Muslim women

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Pacific Immigrant Resources Society

Supports newcomer women in breaking through language barriers, accessing information, meeting material needs, and overcoming social isolation

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Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society

Helps people find and maintain employment. Services are available to all unemployed or precariously employed BC citizens legally eligible to work in the province

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Rainbow Refugee

Provides support, information, and system navigation to LGBTQ refugees and refugee claimants seeking refugee status in Canada

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Sher Vancouver

Provides support through education and outreach to South Asian members of the LGBTQ+ community

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Travel Documents

Apply for travel documents for non-Canadian adults and children

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Vancouver Public Library: Immigration and Settlement

Resources, programs, and events to support newcomers

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Vancouver School Board: Newcomer Welcome Centre

Provides support services and resources for newcomers

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Welcome BC

Helps newcomers navigate life in BC​

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YMCA Immigrant Services

Offers various programs for newcomers, including language clubs, employment training, Canadian citizen preparation, fitness groups, and more

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YWCA Believe

A free employment program for self-identified gender-diverse or LGBT newcomers and refugees

Benefits & Funding

This isn't an exhaustive list - see other sections for more opportunities.

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Interim Federal Health Program

Covers certain pre-departure medical services for refugees coming to Canada. This coverage includes assistive devices, medical supplies, and equipment, such as mobility aids, orthopedic and prosthetic equipment, and hearing aids. 

 

Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit

A refundable credit to assist with the cost of renovating to establish a secondary unit that enables a senior or disabled adult to live with a qualifying relative.

 

Resettlement Assistance Program

Provides income support and assistance for a range of immediate essential services, such as temporary accommodation upon arriving in Canada, life skills training, assistance in finding permanent housing, and more. 

newcomerbenefits

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who can newcomers turn to if they need help with an issue?

 

  • To start, if you are currently part of a program for newcomers, ask your peers and the program coordinators for advice on who can help. There is a good chance one of them has dealt with the same issue, so this can be a great way to find support.

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  • Your MLA and MP’s offices can connect you to resources, provide information, and help advocate for you

 

  • Neighbourhood houses often have many services specifically for newcomers. Find a neighbourhood house online or by phoning 604-875-9111.

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Where can I take free English classes?

 

  • If you’re a permanent resident or a protected person, you can take language classes at no cost. They are funded by the government.

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  • These classes are called:

    • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

    • Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC)

 

  • To take a language class:

    • Visit an organization that helps newcomers get a formal language assessment

    • ​Register for language classes

    • Start taking your classes

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  • Free, informal English classes are also available through English Corner

 

What resources are there to help my prepare for my citizenship test?

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  • Neighbourhood houses, community organizations for immigrants, and libraries offer programs and resources to help your prepare. You can also find an online practice tests here and here.​

FAQ

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