Exciting News: More FREE English Classes with ISSofBC
ISSofBC now has more FREE LINC English classes for newcomers in Coquitlam, Surrey, Vancouver (Victoria Drive), and Richmond. You can study online or in person in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Classes are for people 17 years and older, from beginner to intermediate levels. We also offer free preschool in Vancouver and Richmond for daytime students with children, as well as an ASL class for Deaf or hard-of-hearing students (Vancouver, Victoria Drive only).
Learn moreExplore programs
With over 25 programs and services for newcomers, including immigrants, refugees, temporary foreign workers and international students, we support you to settle in communities, learn English, study and find work.
Changes to our services in 2025
Although the majority of our services and locations remain open, there are changes from the end of March, 2025.
For all the latest changes, please check our updates page below (click on ‘Learn More’)
Please note our English language LINC classes remain open.
Latest Updates
What’s new? Here are the latest news, stories, partner and policy updates, tools, tips, and more.
Events and Workshops
You can meet new people, learn new skills, and get information about living and working in BC. Join one of our in-person or online events now!
-
-
-
-
-
June 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Effectively Tracking The Status of Your Citizenship Application (Session-03) – Online
-
June 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Citizenship Online Application/Citizenship Portal (Session-02) – Online
Our Impact
We measure our impact and the positive difference we make in the lives of newcomers. Statistics are taken from our 2023 – 24 Annual impact report.
Program registrations
34,440
Unique clients
26,313
Including LCC
English-proficient clients
86%
increased Canadian knowledge
95%
of our Clients
ready to find work
83%
of our Clients
active in job market
69%
of our Clients
What our clients say about us
“The professionalism, empathy, and competence of ISSofBC and its staff have been key to my progress. Their support helped me build a meaningful career in Canada. Don’t hesitate to work with them.”
Client
Career Services Program
“I joined ISSofBC as an individual but became part of a supportive community. I learned to validate emotions, offer empathy, and create safe spaces, building a stronger, more compassionate society together.”
Client
Newcomer Women Support
“I grew up in Afghanistan until the Taliban invasion. After months of hiding, we reached Pakistan and then Canada. My first year was challenging, but ISSofBC helped me rebuild my life.”
Client
Multi-Cultural Youth program
We offer free settlement, employment, and language services to newcomers living in British Columbia.
SETTLEMENT services include Canadian cultural orientation, first-language support, guides to access Canadian public services such as schools or medical care, referrals to specialised support, and providing information on the Canadian housing market so newcomers can find housing.
Learn more about our Settlement services here.
LANGUAGE services include free in-person and online English classes at multiple locations across Metro Vancouver. Classes are offered for beginners and intermediate English speakers.
Learn about our English classes provided by our LINC program.
If you want to improve your English quickly, our Language and Career College (LCC) offers short English courses at affordable prices.
EMPLOYMENT services include free services so you can retrain for the Canadian job market, get new Canadian qualifications to restart your former career, or gain new skills to find a job in British Columbia.
Learn more about our Employment services here.
When you find a program you would like to join and are eligible for, you can contact the program directly via email or phone.
We have offices across British Columbia (including Prince George and Squamish), but you will need to make an appointment before you come into our offices at info@issbc.org
Find your nearest ISSofBC office: https://issbc.org/locations
ISSofBC services are available to newcomers who live in BC, including permanent residents, refugees, refugee claimants, naturalized citizens, temporary foreign workers, and international students.
Check our program pages to learn which programs you can join! Each program has different eligibility requirements.
While some ISSofBC programs may be open to family participation, others are not.
Please check with ISSofBC staff before bringing family members to
sessions or programs. You can also email info@issbc.org
Funders & Partners
We thank all our funders and partners for their valuable contributions to support newcomers to start their lives in BC.
Funders
Partners
Where to Find Us
We have several locations across BC. View our locations to find addresses, maps, directions, and contact information.
Explore Locations