Settlement services
Moving to a new country can bring many opportunities, but also many challenges. Once in Canada, you may need help to find a job, make new friends, or learn English.
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The “View in other languages” tool at the bottom of the page will show this information in many languages.Settlement services are programs and services that can help newcomers to Canada. Settlement services may be able to help you:
- look for a job
- make new friends
- register for language classes
- assist you in accessing government/community services
- understand the local culture and customs
- understand your rights in Canada
Settlement services are most often provided by local community organizations, such as multicultural societies, neighbourhood houses or libraries. Settlement workers at these organizations can often support you in your first language (i.e. your “mother tongue”), in addition to providing services in English and/or French.
Most organizations that offer settlement services have requirements that you must meet in order to access their services. These eligibility requirements may be different depending on the kind of support you need and your current circumstances. The best way to know if you are eligible to receive services is to visit the organization’s website or contact them to learn more about how they can help you or your family members.
The Government of Canada supports many organizations across the country. These organizations deliver settlement services for permanent residents.
Before you arrive in Canada
If you have been approved for permanent residence in Canada but have not yet moved here, you may be eligible for free online and in-person services and supports while you are still overseas. Pre-arrival services can help you to:
- prepare for your move to Canada
- get your education, work experience and credentials recognized in Canada
- connect with employers to find a job
- connect with free services after you arrive in Canada
After you have arrived in Canada
If you arrived in Canada as a permanent resident, you can access free settlement and language services through a settlement agency. Find a settlement service agency near you.Get help when you arrive at the airport in B.C. from the Community Airport Newcomers Network (CAAN).
Get support from Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants if you are a skilled professional and would like to practice in your field in Canada.
Find your local WorkBC Centre and learn about the employment services they offer.
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The Province of British Columbia supports many organizations across the province to deliver settlement services for temporary residents and naturalized Canadian citizens. A naturalized Canadian citizen is someone who came to Canada as an immigrant and is now a Canadian citizen.
The BC Newcomer Services Program (BCNSP) allows for a broad range of people to access settlement supports. A service provider can help you understand your rights and help you adjust to life in B.C.
Eligible clients include:
- Temporary workers with a valid work permit
- International post-secondary students (if services are not offered at their educational institution)
- Provincial Nominees awaiting a decision on their application for permanent residence
- Naturalized Canadian citizens
- Displaced Ukrainians and their immediate family members with valid CUAET visas
- Some refugee claimants (More support is available through the BC SAF HAVN program)
- One-on-one information and referral
- Workshops and support groups
- Peer support and mentoring
The Migrant Worker Hub includes many links and important information that may be helpful for temporary workers in B.C, and includes a map of services available across the province.
Visit the Working in B.C. page for more information on the rights of workers in B.C.
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Services for refugees and refugee claimants
Government-assisted refugees
Under the Government assisted refugees program, refugees are referred to Canada for resettlement by the United Nations Refugee Agency or another referral organization. Government-assisted refugees receive support for up to 1 year from the date they arrive in Canada or until they can support themselves – whichever happens first. This may include accommodation, clothing, food, and help finding employment.IRCC has a video about what to expect as a refugee resettling in Canada.
Privately sponsored refugees
Groups of volunteers in Canada can privately sponsor refugees. They will help newcomers adjust to life here. Sponsorship groups must support a refugee for 1 year after they arrive or until they can support themselves – whichever comes first. You do not need to pay your sponsor for these services. Sponsors are not allowed to ask you for money to help you resettle.Refugee claimants
If you are a refugee claimant, or if you do not have refugee status but want to seek asylum in Canada, it is important to understand the steps you will have to take to file a refugee claim and obtain a hearing.You can contact an organization that delivers the BC Safe Haven program. BC Safe Haven has specialized supports to navigate the refugee claim process and get help with your immediate needs.
Find a service provider near you that delivers the BC Safe Haven program. A more detailed searchable service map is also available.
| Community (A-Z) |
Service provider | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbotsford | Archway Community Services | 2420 Montrose Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2S 3S9 |
604-859-7681 |
| Coquitlam | S.U.C.C.E.S.S. | #2058 - 1163 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 8A9 |
604-468-6000 |
| Kelowna | Kelowna Community Resources Society | 620 Leon Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9T2 |
250-763-8008 |
Surrey |
DIVERSEcity Options Community Services Society |
13455 76 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3W 2W3 9815 - 140th Street, Surrey, BC V3T 4M4 |
604-597-0205 604-584-5811 |
Vancouver |
ISSof BC MOSAIC |
2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2 5575 Boundary Road, Vancouver, BC V5R 2P9 |
604-684-2561 604-254-9626 |
| Victoria | Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria | 808 Douglas St., Suite 102, Victoria, BC V8W 2B6 |
250-388-4728 |
More information on claiming refugee status from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Refugee Readiness Fund
In response to the global humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and Ukraine, the Government of B.C. created the Refugee Readiness Fund (RRF) from March 2022 to March 2024. The RRF was a one-time, two-year investment of CAD$4 million to enhance federal and provincial refugee programs and programs for people who arrived through the Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program.Information for refugees
- BC Refugee Hub
- Legal Aid BC
- Refugee Readiness Hub
- Visit your settlement agency. Their services are free, and they can help you learn about your new community. Find a settlement agency near you
- Settlement services for Permanent residents (e.g. GARS, protected persons)
- Settlement services for Temporary residents (e.g. refugee claimants)