Last reviewed in September 2022 by the Clicklaw Editors

The resources below will give newcomers to Canada a good idea of what it’s like to live in Canada. They include information about newcomers’ rights and responsibilities, the legal issues they may face as they settle, how to access and apply for community and government services, as well as links to further resources and information.

• British Columbia Newcomers' Guide to Resources and Services, from the provincial government, has information about employment, health care services, banking, and many other issues that people need to consider when moving to BC. It's available in multiple languages.
• Immigrate to Canada, from the federal government, has a link to "Welcome to Canada", which tells you what to expect in your first few weeks of coming to Canada. It also has a section called "Prepare for life in Canada", which includes information on getting your credentials assessed, Canadian law & justice, etc.
• Settlement Immigration for Newcomers: Useful Immigrant Settlement Guides and Websites, from NewToBC, has guides, videos, and websites that cover a range of topics related to settlement and immigration. 
• Find Free Newcomer Services Near You, from the Government of Canada, lists services for a variety of areas including but not limited to daily life, employment, and preparing for the citizenship test.

Need more help?

• bc211 provides information on community, government, and social services in BC. Dial 2-1-1 on the phone if you live on Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands and in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Squamish-Lillooet, and Sunshine Coast regional districts. Otherwise, visit bc211 website or use their online chat service.
• Legal Advocacy Program, from MOSAIC, provides information, summary advice, referrals and legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees. Limited interpretation services are available.
• AskJES, from the Justice Education Society, serves clients in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Hindi, and French. Clients can use Ask JES Multilingual to learn about several topics including, cyber safety, contact with the police, wills, rights of tenants and more!
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap.

See our related common questions:

• See all common questions about immigrants & refugees
• See all common questions about rights & citizenship

tags

Newcomer to Canada, help for new immigrants, newcomers, living in Canada, new to Canada