Newcomers
At the Library
Newcomer Programs & Events
ESL Books & DVDs
Online Practice: Citizenship Test
Prepare for the Canadian citizenship test with RPL’s Online Practice Citizenship Test.
Job Search Guides
Online Practice: BC Driving Test
This RPL practice test helps you prepare for the BC Learners license application’s written test.
Pronunciator
Learn a new language with self-directed lessons, movies, music and more! Over 80 languages are available with instruction available in over 50 different languages.
Inter-Faith Prayer and Meditation Space
Mauril
Upgrade your French and English language comprehension skills with Mauril from CBC/Radio-Canada! Test your language skills and learn about the rich cultural diversity of Canada by watching and listening to stimulating and entertaining video and audio clips.
Multilingual Collection
Books and DVDs in 11 languages including French, Spanish, Russian, Tagalog and others.
Local Resources
Chimo Community Services
Offers free counselling and support groups for adults, youth, children and families.
City of Richmond
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Offer programs and community connections for newcomer families in Richmond
Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives
Richmond Family Place
Committed to removing barriers for families accessing early childhood development programs. Host an early years refugee program
Richmond Food Bank
Give healthy and nutritionally-balanced food to more than 2200 people in a typical week.
Richmond Multicultural Community Services
School District 38
Touchstone Family Association
Provide support and outreach to newcomers through parenting and family programs
Provincial Resources
BC Medical Services Plan – How to Apply
Individuals from Ukraine who have arrived through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) can apply for MSP (Medical Services Plan) coverage.
ICBC Driver Licensing – Moving to BC from Outside Canada
How to get a BC driver’s license: information for newcomers.
WelcomeBC – Start Your Life in BC
All the necessary information that newcomers to BC need on their “first few days” of arrival.
WelcomeBC – Settlement Services for Temporary Residents
Comprehensive overview of BC’s settlement programs and services such as: help to find a job, make new friends, or learn English.
Back in Motion
Offer specialized employment services to help newcomers reach their full employment potential
BC 211
Dial or text 2-1-1 for support services for all of life’s challenges. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7 in over 150 languages.
BC CHARMS – BC’s Refugee Claimant Housing Referral System
Connects refugee claimants to timely legal services, housing opportunities, health & emergency resources, Wi-Fi & connectivity, and food & clothing in the province.
BC Housing
BC Newcomer’s Guide
The British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services has information to help you in your first few months living here.
BC Provincial Nominee Program
BC PNP offers a great opportunity for foreign workers, international students and entrepreneurs who are already in BC to become a permanent resident of Canada.
BC Refugee Hub
Provides users information about refugees that are arriving to British Columbia, the latest reports and publications, statistics and factsheets, and a resource centre with a variety of information.
BC School District Contacts Map
Contact information for public school districts and Independent School authorities in BC.
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Program
Helps you get jobs that match your experience and background.
Immigrant Services Society of BC
ISSofBC provides free immigrant services including settlement support, employment programs, English classes, and more.
Migrant Workers Centre
MWC facilitates access to justice for migrant workers through the provision of legal education, advice and full representation.
MOSAIC
A variety of settlement services to support permanent residents, international students, migrant workers, and refugees
Rainbow Refugee
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Programs and services for individuals and families who are preparing for Canada, temporary residents, permanent residents, or who are already Canadian citizens.
Translated Resources – HealthLinkBC
Provides health resources in 8 languages most common to B.C. residents.
Federal Resources
Before Your Arrival
After Your Arrival
Find free newcomer services near you
Free services near you can help you look for a job, get a language assessment, register for language classes, find a place to live, sign up your kids for school, and learn about community services.
Housing for Newcomers to Canada
Offers information in 8 languages on renting and buying apartments and houses in Canada.
Health care – Refugees
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides limited health care to protected persons, including resettled refugees; refugee claimants; and certain other groups.
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
(IRB) is responsible for making well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, efficiently, fairly and in accordance with the law.
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT aids survivors in overcoming the lasting effects of torture and war.
Refugee Help Centre
The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) gives government-assisted refugees immediate and essential supports for their most basic needs.