Getting settled in a new country can be a challenge. You’re learning new customs, systems, and ways of living that can be very different from what you’re familiar with. In B.C. there are many supports and services available to newcomers to Canada; the majority of them free. It’s always a good idea to tap into the network support provided by settlement and community organizations to get you started, then ask for referrals as required. These folks will point you in the right direction.
NewToBC has a full directory of the immigrant and refugee services and supports that are provided in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley. If you are planning on immigrating to B.C. or have recently arrived, check out NewToBC’s inventory of Immigrant and Refugee Programs and Services and explore the many services and supports that are available to you. Below are some other places you can find information, but it is worth exploring the inventory to find the services that best suit your needs and circumstances.
The Surrey Libraries hosts Options Settlement Services Settlement Services at a variety of their libraries to help Surrey newcomers connect with local services. They provide orientation to communities as well as guidance and support to access necessary government and community services. Information, referral and support are offered in Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, Punjabi, Somali, Arabic, Tagalog and English.
The Vancouver Public Library has a website dedicated to connecting you to organizations that can help newcomers immigrate to B.C. Information about immigrant and refugee programs and services in specific areas of the Lower Mainland, community resources, and information to get children settled in schools in BC can be found here.
Organizations like the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC), S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and MOSAIC teach newcomers to Canada about the country, Canadian social systems and community services that help families settle in their new communities, offers programs to help prepare children for school, connect people to local communities, develop English language skills, learn about Canada’s labour market, and learn to network and develop professional and social connections.
What are you waiting for? Learn about Canada, make new friends and better understand how to settle into your new life in B.C. and Canada.