Preparing for your new life in British Columbia is not something to be taken lightly when it comes to immigration. Good planning can make all the difference for you and your family. Here's some information to help you prepare before you leave.
It's a good idea to browse the tourist sites for general information on British Columbia, such as climate, geography, tourist attractions, major cities, history and so on. For tourist information in French, visit www.tourisme-cb.com.
Find out about job opportunities in the province. It's important to note that the job search in British Columbia may be different from the job search in your home country or province. Consult our Employment section for information and resources on this subject.
To settle in British Columbia, you'll need official documents translated into English. It's best to have them translated and made official in your country or province of origin, to avoid major costs once you arrive at your destination. Here are some important documents to have translated into English:
Think about organizing your temporary accommodation in advance. This will give you peace of mind when you arrive. It could take several days to find suitable permanent accommodation.
See our Housing section for more information.
Bring a little money in Canadian currency with you, so you can easily pay for your first purchases. You can easily change your money into Canadian dollars at the airport, in major city centers and in banks.
See our section on banking and finance to find out more.
Before you immigrate or settle in British Columbia, practice your English. You can take language courses once you've settled in.
See our education section for more information.
At Vancouver International Airport, there is a reception service for new immigrants located within the Canada Immigration Zone. It's called the Community Airport Newcomers' Network (CANN). Here you can obtain basic information on the various services you'll need to settle in Canada.
For more information, visit the CANN website.
Le Relais Francophone de la Colombie Britannique welcomes and guides you in French to answer all your questions about your status in Canada, housing, employment, health, education, community life and more. Contact us today to make an appointment with our settlement agents.
See our housing section for tips on finding temporary or permanent accommodation.
The SocialInsurance Number (SIN) is the nine-digit number on a Social Insurance Number (SIN) card issued by the Government of Canada.
The NAS is essential in many situations.
To obtain your Social Insurance Number, call 1-800-808-6352 or visit the Service Canada website.
As soon as you arrive, start the process of obtaining your health insurance card. These procedures take time (around three months), so it's a good idea to start as soon as possible.
For more information on this subject:
Enroll your children in school as soon as possible. Note that you don't have to wait until you have a permanent home to do this. If you arrive after the start of the school year, you'll need to speed up the process so that your children miss as few classes as possible.
See the Education section for more information.
The Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) is a monthly payment from the government to help families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. Several conditions apply.
Contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800 387-1194 (toll-free) or visit their website.
A guide to resources and services for newcomers to British Columbia is published in French by the provincial government. This guide provides information on the various immigrant aid centers and their services, such as the MOSAIC Centre or ISS of BC. Whether you're looking for information about language courses, employment assistance or translation services, these centers can provide valuable support as you settle in.
Under Canadian law, you have the right to open a personal bank account even if :
To open an account, you must go to the bank in person and present two pieces of identification. You'll need to carry original identification, not photocopies. There are various combinations you can use.
You have two choices:
List A :
If you do not have two pieces of identification from list A, you can :
List B:
The bank may refuse to open an account for you if it suspects that you have committed a bank-related crime, if you harass or threaten a bank employee, or if you present false identification.
Make an appointment with a Relais Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique settlement officer if you need help opening a bank account.
Cheques are not free of charge in Canada and are not widely used. You can order cheques from the bank or another company. The box of cheques you order will be mailed to you.
You can cancel a check by crossing it out and writing "VOID" or "ANNULÉ" on the back of the check in large letters.
Common reasons for cancelling a cheque.
A cancelled cheque is one that will not be used or cashed. Nor will it be replaced by another check from the same account with the same check number. Cancelling a cheque guarantees that it will not be used or cashed.
Credit is the ability to obtain goods or services in advance of payment, with the expectation that payment will be made in the future.
In today's world, credit is a common part of everyday life. Credit cards have become a necessary convenience, from renting a car to booking a plane ticket or hotel room, for example. However, judicious use of credit is essential to building a solid credit history and maintaining your fiscal health.
A credit report summarizes your credit history. It is one of the main tools lenders use to determine whether to grant you credit. Your credit report contains information about your past and present financial situation, such as :
Thisis information such as your name, current and previous addresses, social insurance number, telephone number, date of birth and current and past employers.
This is information about credit you already have, such as a credit card, line of credit, loan or mortgage.
Thisis information about the accounts you have. This data also includes any overdrawn checks (checks canceled for insufficient funds) you've written.
This is information on the public record, such as a bankruptcy or a court decision relating to credit against you. Secured loans, which are backed by an asset (your property, for example), may also appear on your credit report.
This is information about any debts you have not been able to pay.
This is a statement you would have made to explain a particular situation, such as a dispute with a financial institution or a warning of fraud.
This is a list of all the people who have consulted your credit: yourself, a lender, or any other approved organization.
As an individual or company, you will be required to declare your income. However, depending on your income and situation, you may also be eligible for government benefits and services. For more information on taxes, visit theCanada Revenue Agency website or make an appointment with one of the settlement officers of the British Columbia Francophone Immigration Program.
Public and private educational institutions in British Columbia offer training in both English and French. Enroll your children in school as soon as possible after your arrival in Canada. There's no need to wait until you have a permanent address to complete registration.
Since 1982, French-speaking parents in Canada have had the right, under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to educate their children in their mother tongue. Two types of programs are available in British Columbia's public schools: the Francophone program and the French immersion program. These programs are free of charge and usually include transportation.
This program is taught entirely in French. English courses are generally offered from4th year onwards.
For more information on eligibility requirements and a list of francophone schools, contact the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique.
This program offers some courses in French. The amount of French instruction varies from school to school. The objective of this program is to teach French as a second language.
For a list of schools offering French immersion programs and the different options available, see the various school districts.
The École française internationale de Vancouver offers a French-language curriculum from kindergarten to junior high that meets the standards set by the French Ministry of Education.
In British Columbia, school is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16. There are two levels of education:
Children can enter kindergarten from the age of 5. For younger children, it's possible to enroll them in pre-school. A list of French-speaking pre-schools can be obtained by contacting the Fédération des parents de la Colombie-Britannique. Please note that pre-schools are fee-paying.
In specific cases where children can't attend regular schools because of illness or because they live too far away, distance education programs are offered by some francophone schools. Contact the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique for more information.
Distance learning courses, as well as pedagogical services for high school and college students, are also offered by Collège Éducacentre.
Some post-secondary institutions offer programs in French. You can contact the institutions directly to find out more about their programs and courses.
Simon Fraser University (SFU) offers some graduate and professional courses in French. Please contact SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA) for details of programs offered in French.
Collège Éducacentre offers the opportunity to study in French. The center also offers courses in languages, hospitality, computers, first aid and more.
LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) is an English language learning program for permanent resident immigrants (born outside Canada). These adult courses are free of charge, and focus on oral and written learning of the English language, as well as on the acquisition of essential knowledge for a newcomer: health care, housing, work, the banking, legal and political systems, and other aspects of Canadian society.
Depending on where you live, contact one of the centers below if you would like to complete a placement test or obtain course information.
Western ESL Services
(For residents of Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, South Delta, Burnaby and New Westminster)
LINC Assessment and Referral Centre
208 - 2525 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5N 4C1
Tel: (604) 876-5756
Fax: (604) 876-0134
Surrey Language Assessment Centre
(For residents of Surrey, North Delta, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and the Fraser Valley)
LINC Assessment and Referral Centre
202 - 7337, 137th Street
Surrey (B.C.) V3W 1A4
Tel: (604) 507-4150
Fax: (604) 507-4155
Collège Éducacentre offers a LINC program.
For more information, visit their website or call toll-free 1-800-747-4825.
Sometimes it's necessary to go back to school to acquire new skills or perfect existing ones. Most of these courses are offered on a part-time basis, enabling students to work at the same time.
Public elementary and secondary schools are free. Colleges, institutes and universities charge tuition fees. Those without sufficient financial resources to pay tuition fees can apply for government student loans or benefit from certain support programs.
Contact the financial aid office of the educational institution you will be attending or the British Columbia Ministry of Education for specific information about your situation.
Finding a place to live can sometimes be a headache for newcomers, but there are many resources available to help you quickly find a place that suits your needs and budget.
If you're looking for an apartment in British Columbia, check out the following reputable and reliable sites:
In British Columbia, it's common to rent directly from a private individual, without going through a real estate agency.
When you're looking for accommodation online, be on the lookout for fake ads designed to swindle you out of money. Be sure to check the legitimacy of ads before committing to a transaction. Before approaching owners, look for detailed descriptions and realistic photos to assess the authenticity of ads.
As you browse through the ads, you'll come across various abbreviations used to describe the features of the accommodation. Here are a few frequently used examples:
Apts = apartments | appartements
t/h = town house | maison de ville
bst = basement | sous-sol
br = bedrooms | chambres à coucher
n/p = no pets | pas d'animaux
n/s = no smoking | non-smoker
references | request for references
appls = appliances
utils = utilities included (heating, water, electricity)
d/w = dryer and washer | sèche-linge et lave-linge
Apartment and real estate prices, especially in Vancouver, can be high. In fact, it's one of the most expensive cities in Canada in which to live. However, here are some tips for finding affordable housing in the area:
The most expensive neighborhoods are downtown, West End, Kitsilano and Shaughnessy, but affordable opportunities do exist.
Greater Vancouver, comprising Vancouver and its suburbs, is well served by public transport, making it easy to travel from the suburbs.
Neighborhoods far from downtown, such as Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey and Coquitlam, generally offer more affordable housing.
Sharing a flat can be a great way to reduce your rent. Check out Craigslist and Kijiji to find roommates in the "rooms" or "shared housing" sections.
Once you've found a property you like, make sure it fits your budget.
When you visit the property, ask about electricity and heating costs, known as utilities. These charges may or may not be included in the rent. If not, you'll have to contact the energy suppliers yourself and pay the charges directly. Bear in mind that the actual cost of your apartment will be higher than the online price.
Commonly used companies:
Once you've chosen your ideal home, you'll need to pay a security deposit. This should not exceed half the monthly rent.
The security deposit is used to cover any damage or breakages in the apartment. If you leave the apartment in good condition, the landlord will refund this amount or deduct it from your last month's rent.
When renting an apartment, you'll need to sign a rental agreement, known as a lease or Tenancy Agreement. This contract sets out in writing the rules, responsibilities and rights of both parties. You can sign a lease at any time of the year.
Some leases are for a year or more. Once you've signed a lease, moving before it expires can be costly.
If you wish to change apartment, you must give one month's notice to the landlord and close your telephone, gas, etc. accounts and/or transfer them to your new address.
You are responsible for cleaning the property and returning it in the same condition as you received it. If you fail to do so, the security deposit you have paid may not be refunded by the landlord.
The post office offers a service that allows you to have your mail forwarded to your new address by making your change of address at the post office, for a fee.
It's important to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant to avoid conflicts with your landlord.
The BC Housing Management Commission regulates housing standards. Call toll-free 1-800 257-7756 to speak to an agent. You can wait until the end of the greeting to request service in French.
In Canada, discrimination based on ethnic origin, skin color, age, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or income is prohibited. Under no circumstances may a landlord refuse to rent you an apartment for any of these reasons. However, a landlord may refuse to rent you an apartment if you smoke or have pets.
For more information on your rights as a tenant, consult the Tenant's Survival Guide.
If you believe you are a victim of discrimination, contact :
Finally, you should know that the landlord does not have the right to enter your home without your permission (unless it's an emergency). What's more, he must give you 24 hours' notice.
If you have a dispute, you can contact The Legal Services Society at (604) 601-6100 or visit their website. You can also call on one of our agents for mediation.
When you sign the rental agreement, make sure the landlord provides you with a number to call if you need emergency repairs.
The landlord is responsible for all repair costs, unless the damage is caused by the tenant.
It's a good idea to take out insurance to protect your belongings (furniture, jewelry, electronics, etc.).
Insurance advisors to contact
a. IBABC (Insurance Brokers Association of B.C.).
b. L'Annuaire des services en français, to find a French-speaking insurance advisor.
The job search is an important step for all new arrivals. There are many ways to find a job. We recommend that you start thinking about the type of job you'd like to apply for before you arrive in Canada. Research the companies that interest you and start building a professional network on social media, more specifically on LinkedIn.
Here are the typical steps in the employment process in British Columbia:
Here are some places where you can find job offers in British Columbia:
Networking is essential for accessing the hidden job market, where 80% of positions are not advertised publicly. Here are a few tips for developing your professional network:
Through volunteering, you can improve your English or French, broaden your local references and gain work experience in your new province.
Here is some useful information to know about the job market in British Columbia:
Be careful not to give out your social insurance number, permanent resident number or banking information when looking for a job. This information will be requested on the first day of your new job.
Depending on your status in Canada, we can guide you in your job search, as can these other organizations:
British Columbia has a public health and hospital insurance plan known as the Medical Services Plan (MSP). The MSP is a not-for-profit public health care system, financed by government revenues and federal transfers. The plan is open only to residents of the province, with immigrants and refugees also eligible for coverage.
The MSP is supplemented, under certain income conditions, by the PharmaCare drug insurance program, which covers the purchase of a certain number of treatments prescribed by your doctor. Expenses not covered by these programs may be covered by private insurance, sometimes offered in full or in part by employers.
It is essential to start the formalities as soon as possible after your arrival to obtain your health insurance card as quickly as possible. It takes around 3 months to receive the CareCard. During this time, it is advisable to take out private insurance. The CareCard is personal, and you are advised to carry it with you whenever you visit a health professional or hospital.
Download the MSP brochure in French from the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) website.
Health insurance is not free for everyone. Monthly fees apply, and their amount varies according to each person's family and financial situation.
For people with modest incomes, the payment amount is reduced under certain conditions. Contact your local MSP office or visit their website to find out how much you'll have to pay.
For federally sponsored refugees, coverage is free.
Asylum seekers are not eligible for health insurance. They may, however, be eligible for emergency assistance. Contact the Ministère de l'Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté for more information.
For more details on basic monthly premium costs, see the RésoSanté article here.
The MSP covers all basic healthcare services, such as medical visits and medically necessary services (doctors, specialists, midwives, etc.), hospitalization, laboratory services and diagnostic procedures prescribed by doctors, as well as certain additional treatments and services.
The costs of dentists, optometrists and other health professionals (massage therapists, physiotherapists, psychotherapists, etc.) are not covered by the public health insurance plan. You may wish to consider complementary private insurance for these services, or ask your employer. Your employer may be able to offer you insurance that generally covers the cost of these services:
prescription drugs, for the portion not covered by the MSP;
ambulance services.
The Healthy Kids Program assumes certain costs for children under 19. Ask your doctor for details.
The British Columbia government has introduced a drug reimbursement program called Pharmacare. This program is designed to help reduce the cost of certain medications, and is available to residents of the province who are already enrolled in the public health insurance plan (MSP). The lower your income, the more the government may cover your drug costs.
For more information, talk to one of our agents, visit the Pharmacare website or call toll-free 1-800-387-4977.
In the event of an accident or serious illness, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Call 911 for an ambulance. Tip: you can ask for an interpreter by saying "French". Please note that the ambulance ride is not free, but charges can be paid later.
If you need an interpreter, ask at the hospital or arrange for an English-speaking person to accompany you.
Hospitalization is free for permanent residents. Asylum seekers must obtain authorization to have their costs covered by the Federal Intermediate Health Program of the Ministère de l'Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté.
In Canada, there are two main categories of healthcare professionals: general practitioners (family doctors) and specialists. A general practitioner follows you regularly and can refer you to a specialist if necessary. Ask RésoSanté for a directory of French-speaking specialists to give to your GP.
Many GPs do not take on new patients. If you can't find a doctor immediately, we recommend that, where possible, you join the waiting lists of doctors or clinics offering this option. When a place becomes available, you will be contacted for a first appointment to discuss your medical file.
If the doctor you wish to see is not accepting new patients, don't hesitate to call his or her secretariat every month to find out if any places have become available.
Until you have a regular family doctor, you can visit the walk-in clinic of your choice for a medical consultation, medication refill request, etc.
It's always easier to talk about yourself and your health in your mother tongue. To find a French-speaking healthcare professional, consult the RésoSanté directory, which lists over 1,200 French-speaking healthcare professionals in British Columbia. The directory is available online or in hard copy.
If you need an interpreter for a hospital appointment, your doctor must request one in advance. More information is available on the PSHA website.
Several resources are available to guide you, in French, when you need to take care of your health.
RésoSanté is the provincial non-profit organization promoting French-language health and wellness services in British Columbia. In addition, francophone organizations regularly collaborate to offer health activities close to home.
Stay tuned to the RésoSanté Facebook page and sign up for their newsletter so you don't miss a thing.
Interested in training or working in the medical sector in BC?
Interested in French-language medical training in British Columbia? Contact RésoSanté to find out more about the training available.
Are you a healthcare professional trained outside Canada who would like to practice in British Columbia? Contact RésoSanté to find out about your options and the steps you need to take.
Wondering where to buy your medication? How to monitor your pregnancy in British Columbia? Who to see about changing your glasses? And many other questions...
RésoSanté is here to answer your questions via its frequently asked questions section and its many thematic dossiers.
The costs of dentists and optometrists, as well as other health professionals (massage therapists, physiotherapists, etc.), are not covered by the public health insurance plan. Expenses may be covered by a medical insurance plan for people who have private insurance or insurance taken out as part of their employment.
The Healthy Kids Program covers certain expenses for children under 19. Ask your doctor for details.