Summary
Is British Columbia (BC) your destination when you arrive in Canada? This article features some quick facts and tips about settling in British Columbia, and some of the resources you have access to.
Written by Douglas College Training Group.
Is British Columbia (BC) your destination when you arrive in Canada? As your Next Stop Canada sessions would have emphasized, planning for your journey and settlement is very important!
Geography 101:
We are privileged to share this beautiful land cared for since time immemorial by the Indigenous nations across the traditional territories of British Columbia. Located on the western portion of Canada, it is the last stop before Hawaii. Just a little bit colder. Not by much, though! We enjoy some of the warmest temperatures in Canada.
The majority of BC’s population is in the Lower Mainland; the southwest portion of the province. This geographic area is diverse, urban and home to many settlement resources. It is also the most expensive. Other areas of BC offer many services, smaller but vibrant, welcoming communities and are always looking for skilled professionals to take on the many job opportunities that cannot be filled by local residents. Did you know? Many newcomers in urban centres report they are lonelier than those who settle in smaller communities. It is helpful to weigh the pros and cons when deciding what area might be best for you.
Tips and Strategies to Help with the Transition:
Regardless of where you settle in BC, there are many steps you can take before you get here.
- Bring your educational documents or contact your educational institutions to find out how to send them to credential assessment centres if needed.
- Not all credential assessment centres do the same thing. Find out which one works for you. If you’re in a regulated occupation, you likely need to contact that Canadian regulator directly to find out about getting your credentials assessed. Often people pay for the wrong service and the assessment is not useful.
- Bring clothing suitable for a job interview.
- Once you get here, get to know your community and, more importantly, get involved. Libraries in Canada have lots of free information and even free classes. Many people in Canada volunteer. This lets you build new connections, practice English and get a reference. The government funds many organizations to offer free English classes, settlement support and also job search programs.
- Lastly, ask for help. Many organizations are here to help you with settlement needs as well as job search support including resumes, cover letters, interview skills, connecting with employers, getting licensed in your profession and much more.
We strongly recommend to check out the following BC-based websites that have information on community resources, jobs, language & settlement supports, and more.
BC newcomer information: www.welcomebc.ca
Online Library Resources: https://www.vpl.ca/siic and https://newtobc.ca/
Labour Market information: https://www.workbc.ca/
Professional Job Search support: www.douglascollege.ca/careerpaths or www.welcomebc.ca/careerpaths **
**If you have skills, experience and education from outside of Canada and want to find the same or similar work here in British Columbia, the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program helps newcomers anywhere in BC.
Conclusion:
Remember why you are stepping on that airplane and don’t lose sight of your goals. There will be barriers and setbacks. However, perseverance and determination go a long way in overcoming these challenges – especially when you get help from experienced settlement services like all of us who have helped many newcomers like you.
Good luck with your final preparations, and we hope you connect with someone when you arrive!
Remember why you are stepping on that airplane and don’t lose sight of your goals. There will be barriers and setbacks. However, perseverance and determination go a long way in overcoming these challenges – especially when you get help from experienced settlement service workers like all of us who have helped many newcomers like you.
Good luck with your final preparations, and we hope you connect with someone when you arrive!
