About WelcomeBC

The Government of British Columbia recognizes the important role that immigration plays in helping to build a strong province. WelcomeBC helps ensure new British Columbians are able to settle, gain employment, become active members of their communities, and contribute fully to the social and economic prosperity of B.C.

Launched on June 13, 2007, WelcomeBC is a broad strategic framework led by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.  It brings immigration, settlement and immigration-related labour market services under a single service umbrella. 

Since its inception, WelcomeBC has continued to enhance its programs and launch new services and initiatives to help newcomers to settle into B.C., including services for newcomers, and information about English language courses, employment, health, and education services, as well as helping B.C. meet a critical labour market need by bringing immigrants and employers together.

WelcomeBC also works with employer associations and regulatory bodies to streamline the qualification assessment and recognition practices; and with employer associations to make them aware of the barriers immigrants can face. WelcomeBC provides employers with tools and resources to help them attract, hire and keep immigrants; and works with immigrants to help them overcome those barriers.

Funding for WelcomeBC.ca is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Immigration Agreement. The Agreement defines the respective roles and responsibilities of each jurisdiction for immigration matters under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. It supports mutual federal and provincial objectives in the areas of immigrant attraction, selection, admission, retention and integration.

Read more about WelcomeBC’s programs and services in the 2010-2011 Annual Report and in the Settle in B.C. section of this website.

Settle in BC

WelcomeBC Information Services

WelcomeBC’s online channels have been designed to help prospective immigrants, newcomers, community leaders, and service providers find the information, tools and resources that they need, when they want it and however they choose to look for it.

In addition to WelcomeBC’s flagship website, clients can access up-to-date information through a number of features and tools:

WelcomeBC also attends key events and produces information, tools and resources in order to promote programs and services to clients, service providers, employers and other individuals who are interested in building welcoming communities.

Awards and Recognition

Accenture Recognizes WelcomeBC.ca as Global Best Practice

WelcomeBC.ca was recognized in 2009 by the Accenture Institute for Health and Public Service Value as a world leader in the use of new technologies to strengthen relationships with citizens. WelcomeBC.ca was highlighted by Accenture for the way it researches its clients and uses client insight to ensure its services directly match client needs.

The Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) Awards

The Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) awarded the 2009 Bronze Innovative Management Award to WelcomeBC.ca and its creators. The theme of the 2009 competition was "Turn Around:" organizations, programs and individuals who have successfully "turned around" or dramatically improved a part of the public sector, going from low results to high outcomes.

British Columbia Premier's Awards

British Columbia’s Premier's Awards recognize excellence in the BC Public Service. WelcomeBC.ca was awarded a 2009 Regional Silver Award for Service Excellence and the site was recognized as a provincial finalist under the Premier’s 2009 Innovation and Excellence Awards Program.

Public Sector Information Technology Awards

The 2008 Public Sector Information Technology Awards recognize leadership, innovation and excellence in the management and use of information technologies within the public service of British Columbia. "Public service" includes Crown corporations, municipalities, and public educational and healthcare organizations.

WelcomeBC.ca received awards in the categories of Citizen Engagement and Team Work.